Texas Tech @ Iowa State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 29, 2011 ) Iowa State 41, Texas Tech 7

Improved defenses have led Texas Tech and Iowa State to undefeated starts, but both schedules get markedly harder with the start of Big 12 Conference play. The Red Raiders bring the nation’s top-ranked defense to Iowa State on Saturday night looking to avenge back-to-back losses to the Cyclones. After the trip to Jack Trice Stadium, the Red Raiders will face five straight ranked conference foes – Oklahoma, West Virginia, Texas Christian, Kansas State and Texas. Iowa State held consecutive opponents without a touchdown for the first time since the 1964 and 1965 seasons.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Fox College Sports. LINE: Texas Tech -2.5

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (3-0): Texas Tech had one of the easiest non-conference schedules in the country and it produced top 10 rankings in total offense (No. 2 at 597.6 yards per game) and total defense (No. 1, 160.3). The defense has allowed one rushing touchdown and three second-half points. The Red Raiders have outscored Northwestern State, Texas State and New Mexico 151-30, led by quarterback Seth Doege’s crisp passing. The senior is 75-of-101 with 858 yards, 12 touchdowns and one interception. Tech has had at least 10 receivers catch at least one pass in all three games and sophomore Bradley Marquez has emerged as a solid receiver. Marquez leads the team with 12 catches – include five to convert third downs – for 135 yards.

ABOUT IOWA STATE (3-0): The Cyclones were 3-0, coming off an open date and receiving votes in the polls last year when a 37-14 loss to Texas derailed their momentum. That loss started a four-game losing streak and Iowa State finished 6-7. Senior linebackers A.J. Klein and Jake Knott lead a confident defense that has allowed 16 points in the past 11 quarters. The Cyclones rallied to beat Tulsa 38-23 before bottling up Iowa (9-6) and Western Illinois (37-3). Quarterback Steele Jantz leads a balanced offense with 731 passing yards and six touchdowns, but already has four interceptions. The Cyclones want to control the clock with a solid running game and Shontrelle Johnson (165 yards, one touchdown) and James White (154 yards, two touchdowns) have been the go-to backs. Iowa State has also been solid in punt coverage, allowing no positive return yards this year.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Texas Tech has been outscored 93-45 in consecutive losses to Iowa State and last year’s 41-7 loss started a five-game losing streak.

2. The Cyclones are 18-2 in September night games at Jack Trice Stadium.

3. Iowa State is 18-1 under Paul Rhoads when holding opponents to less than 24 points and 3-19 when allowing more than 24 points.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 31, Iowa State 21