March 29, 2024

Iowa State - Texas preview

Iowa State (5-4, 2-4) at No. 19 Texas (7-2, 4-2), 11 a.m.

Line: Texas by 10

Series Record: Texas leads 8-1

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Texas wants to keep up momentum of a three-game winning streak after an impressive road win at Texas Tech. It will be an emotional day for Texas as the Longhorns pay tribute to former coach Darrell Royal, who died Wednesday. Texas will line up in the wishbone formation for first offensive play. Iowa State can become bowl eligible with a win.

KEY MATCHUP

Iowa State S Jacques Washington vs. Texas WR Mike Davis. Washington will have to protect the middle of the field and deep routes by the speedy Davis, particularly on play-action passes. Davis is Texas’ top deep threat, averaging 38 yards on six touchdown catches.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Iowa State: RB Shontrelle Johnson is Iowa State’s leading rusher and faces a Texas defense that has made a habit of giving up huge yards on the ground this season. The Longhorns were better last week against Texas Tech, but can’t allow Iowa State’s physical front line to start controlling the line of scrimmage.

Texas: RB Johnathan Gray is starting to take control of the Texas rushing attack. The freshman posted consecutive 100-yard games in his first two career starts, both Texas wins. He doesn’t have touchdowns to show for it, but that’s where bruiser Joe Bergeron comes in. Bergeron has 16 touchdowns this season, most in short-yardage situations.

FACTS & FIGURES

The Cyclones have two road wins this season. They beat Texas in Austin in 2010 for their only win in the series and Texas is just 3-7 at home in Big 12 games since 2010 ... As part of their memorial for Royal, the Longhorns will wear “DKR” stickers with his initials on their helmets ... Iowa State SS Durrell Givens leads the nation in takeaways with eight, with five fumble recoveries and three interceptions.