The Texas Longhorns return home after their big win in Lincoln as they are now the team with the target on their back as they host the Iowa State Cyclones.
After taking some disappointing losses this season, the Texas Longhorns went into Lincoln and knocked off the previously undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers. It wasn't so much that Texas beat Nebraska, it was the manner in which they did it as they dominated the game from the opening kick and the seven points which was the final margin of victory wasn't even an indication as to how Nebraska was simply never competitive. While the Horns worked a few things out Garrett Gilbert has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 1,213 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions while he has been sacked eight times. Last week it was running back by committee and it was effective as Cody Johnson, Tre' Newton, and Foswhitt Whittaker all shared time and Gilbert carried it 11 times as well finding the endzone twice. Gilbert only completed four passes against the Huskers but for the season James Kirkendoll has 23 catches while Malcolm Williams, Mike Davis, and Marquise Goodwin have all been solid contributors. The Texas defense has played well most of the season and when the offense isn't putting them in a hole by turning it over they excel. The Texas offense is averaging 24 points per game and 345.2 yards while the defense allows 18.8 points and 245.5 yards.
Iowa State has had a few nice moments this season like their win over Texas tech and they also hung in there respectably against Kansas State at Arrowhead but three times they have been absolutely blown out of the building. The Cyclone's offense revolves around Austen Arnaud who has completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 1,060 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Alexander Robinson has rushed 95 times for 488 yards and Shontrelle Johnson has 178 yards rushing. Colin Franklin has been the leading receiver with 31 catches for 313 yards while Johnson is a threat to take a kick return to the house at every chance. The ISU offense is averaging 22.9 points and 307.6 yards per game while the defense is allowing 32.9 points and 455.3 yards.
Texas is 1-4-1 against the spread in their last six home games, 2-7 against the spread in their last nine games overall, 16-6 against the spread in their last 22 games agaisnt a team with a losing record. Iowa State is 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games following a loss, 1-4 against the spread in their last five games against a team with a winning record, and 1-4 against the spread in their last five games as an underdog. The road team has covered the last four in this series.
The last time Iowa State looked like a legit team was against Texas Tech and in that one they got out to a big lead by some poor defense by Tech along with some turnovers. While the Cyclones have a shot of getting some turnovers by the Horns, I don't see them getting the shoddy defense they would need to make a run of it here. Texas is going to have their way with the Cyclones in this one sooner or later and laying three touchdowns is more than reasonable in this spot.
Texas Longhorns - 20 1/2
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