Quick Takes: Iowa State

[Mike Roach]

WHO: Texas Longhorns 3-4 (2-2) vs. Iowa State Cyclones 2-5 (1-3)

WHEN: Saturday October 31, 2015 at 6PM Central

WHERE: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (FS1)

ODDS: Texas -7

The Good: While there has been little to celebrate as a program, Iowa state had some great individual performances this season.  Running back Mike Warren leads the Cyclones rushing attack with a  6.6 YPC average, while Joshua Thomas provides the power on the goal line.  Defensive back Brian Peavy leads the way on defense with 45 tackles and 3 turnovers caused.  Defensive lineman Dale Pierson  provides a pass rush with six sacks and an interception on the season to go along with a forced fumble.  The Cyclones have faced some Big 12 heavyweights this season, and played both TCU and Baylor closer than the score would indicate.  Within the friendly confines of Jack Trice Stadium, the Cyclones have been a bear trap for many teams in the past.  Many can remember the Longhorns narrow win there just two years ago.  With the Texas program riding high coming into this game, it could be a potential pitfall for a growing Longhorn team.

The Bad: As I sat down to write this, news broke that Iowa State parted ways with offensive coordinator Mark Mangino.  The former Kansas coach developed the Cyclones offense into a sneaky unit and called a marvelous game in a close loss to Texas in Austin last season.  The Cyclones are also experiencing quarterback issues at the moment.  Returning starter Sam B. Richardson is struggling mightily this season, and head coach Paul Rhoads put redshirt sophomore quarterback Joel Lanning in last week in Waco.  Lanning responded by going 12-17 for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns on the day earning him the right to start against Texas.  Still, this is a big situation for Lanning who represents the seventh starting quarterback in Paul Rhoads' six seasons on the job.  The Iowa State defense is struggling as a unit.  On average they are conceding 465 yards per game including nearly 200 yards rushing, though the splits show they are much better defensively at home.  The Cyclones are also dealing with injury issues, most notably standout sophomore defensive back Kamari Cotton-Moya will miss action on Saturday. 

The Uncertain: On one hand this looks like a case of a team budding with confidence against a less talented team that is currently reeling.  While the loss of offensive coordinator and change at quarterback could seem like a good thing, it will also make the Cyclones difficult to prepare for this week.  It also remains to be seen if Texas can put together a competent passing game when needed.  What should look like a very winnable game is shrouded in a lot of uncertainty and could produce shocking results come Saturday.

What's at stake: A win over Texas would do a lot to stop the bleeding in Ames, even a Texas team with a losing record.  For Texas, they simply can't afford to stumble if they want to reach a bowl this season and show improvement over the year.  Texas also has a chance to carry momentum over to Kansas and beyond with a win this week.  Let us not forget it's homecoming week for the Cyclones and we are sure to see a rowdy crowd on Saturday night.

 

[Duke C #11]

This has all the makings of a set-up game for Texas. They may be getting a tad cocky after beating OU and Kansas State in back to back games, they are playing at Ames, which has been a tricky place for UT in the past, it is Homecoming for ISU, and they just seem due to have some crazy bounces go against them. I look for the Horns to wear them down a bit in the 4th quarter. 38-27, Texas.

 

[Bear19]

I predict we're going to stomp a mudhole in their ass.

 

[MikeV73]

I predict we're going to stomp a mudhole in their ass.

Mangino's ass just left town, so much smaller ass to stomp.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

I'm not sure that Mangino leaving isn't a good thing for ISU. Well documented that Rhodes and Mangino were at odds for the previous weeks. Offense certainly has struggled . . . until the debut of a redshirt freshman TB and the promotion of the sophomore Lanning at QB (who had a stellar half against Baylor) could spell trouble for our defense.

Look for ISU to run at Texas and pick and choose their passing opportunities. But make no mistake, they think they will beat Texas by running at us.

Agree with Duke, above, I think this is a set up game. Excitement is in the air up there like it has been with the discovery of Heard as a QB down here. There's new hope behind Lanning and the RS Frosh TB is a tough runner. I hope Charlie has us ready.