2020 Game IX: #15 Iowa State at #20 Texas Football Preview

2020 Game IX: #15 Iowa State (6-2, 6-1) at #20 Texas (5-2, 4-2)

Date: Friday, November 27, 2020

Time: 11:00 A.M. CST

Location: Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX

Capacity: 100,119 (only 25% attendance allowed)

Line: Texas -1.5

Television: ABC

Radio: Cyclone Radio Network

Game Notes/Release

Texas Game Notes

SB Nation Website – “Burnt Orange Nation”

We have witnessed very few impactful games in Iowa State history, but the one upcoming might be the biggest one yet.

Cyclone football history is about as heralded as a stick of gum. It tastes good at first, but after a while, loses its flavor, and before too long - is gone.

To put it in perspective, the 2020 Iowa State football team has equaled its most conference wins in school history, and has the opportunity of a lifetime (or any of our great-grandfather’s lifetime) – a conference championship.

In year’s past, Iowa State would be laughed out of the stadium against bigger and badder Texas, but Matt Campbell’s 2020 crew is just as good, if not better than the Longhorns.

It is eerily similar to 2018, where Iowa State had the same opportunity, and lost 10-24. This program is taking a step in the right direction, as Campbell said it best in his weekly press conference:

“We were babies, (and) were just evolving. (Now) There’s a really good rhythm to the entirety of our program, and expectation and standard I think we want to live by. I feel we’re a lot closer to that type of program today than maybe we were even the last two years.”

I hope you all have Friday off work – strap your seat belts on – this one is gonna be a dandy!

When we last left off….

I’m not going to get into much detail on the Kansas State game. It was an absolute thrashing by the Clones in all phases, and was truly a joy to watch. Granted, COVID-19 played a factor into K-State’s prep and practice, but the fact that ISU has kept themselves clean of this pandemic is a victory in itself.

I absolutely loved the article put out by Pete Thamel on Yahoo Sports last week, and if you haven’t read it already – you should.

Now on to Texas. There have been three programs who have had Matt Campbell’s number since he arrived in Ames. First is the “Team Out East,” second is the Bill Snyder/Chris Klieman-led Kansas State, and third is Texas.

What do these three teams have in common? They all play physical, run-the-ball-down-your-throat and turnover-free football. In years past, Iowa State tried to game-plan or scheme their way out of mismatches, and well, it didn’t work. Granted, Campbell has won a few games against this three-headed monster, but entering 2020 he is 2-10 in the record book.

It will be a tremendous matchup on Friday, and one that on paper is as close as they come.

Texas Tidbits

The Longhorns have had a tumultuous 2020 season. First, they started off by scoring 122 points in their first two victories, and followed that up with two straight losses. Now, they have circled the wagons and won three straight.

Those early high-scoring affairs were the direct effect of newly hired offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich (formerly Oklahoma State OC). Then, when they played real competition (OU and TCU), the high-tempo and pass-happy attack faltered, and so did the Longhorn alumni and boosters thoughts on if Tom Herman was the right man for the job.

After a much-needed bye week, the team turned to a more balanced approach, where running the ball allowed the defense to breathe, and so far it has worked. The Longhorns have averaged 41 rushes for 152 yards in their last three wins versus Baylor, Oklahoma State and West Virginia. Their time of possession has improved from 24 minutes (in losses) to 29 (in the 3-game win streak).

Texas has been decimated by injuries, namely their playmakers on offense (running back, tight end, and multiple wide receivers), but after TWO bye weeks, expect a number of those student-athletes back on the field.

Albeit picked third in the preseason polls, many media pundits had Texas as their dark-horse candidate to compete for a Big 12 title, especially since quarterback (and fourth-year starter) Sam Ehlinger returned. To say Tom Herman is on the hot seat is an understatement, as we have heard reports (even recently as last week), that many boosters are ready to open up their pocket books and offer Urban Meyer the job..

The Series

Texas leads the all-time series 14-3, but Iowa State and Connor Assalley kicked their way to victory in Ames in 2019.

Iowa State Offense

Brock Purdy will have his work cut out for him on Friday, especially against the talented pass-rush from Texas’s edge. This Iowa State offensive line has been outstanding at run-blocking, but their pass-protection has holes. Look for multiple tight-end sets, as Dylan Soehner and Chase Allen have been top-notch, and for Iowa State to establish the running game early.

I expect a very similar outing like the one we saw at Oklahoma State, as Texas will stuff the box, and force Cyclone receivers to create separation. That scares me more than another shutdown due to COVID. That means Breece Hall will be hard-pressed for running lanes, but if he does break through – he will have some big gainers.

First Key to Victory – Receivers Get Separation One-on-One

Texas loves to play aggressive on the outside, and has the talent to man-up one-one-one against Iowa State receivers. I thought last year La’Michael Pettway was the player of the game against Texas – as he played physical and made huge third-down catches. That means the likes of Xavier Hutchinson, Sean Shaw and Charlie Kolar need to run precise routes and hold on to that ball for impact.

Brock has added the run game to his repertoire recently, and it has made this offense multi-dimensional. He will be forced to tuck it and run on multiple occasions, but if he does get in the open field, he needs to make sure to slide (ask baseball dad for help), and not fumble.

Again, a very important week of prep for our offensive line, as they need to make sure they communicate on blitz pick-ups. I expect another 100+ yard effort out of Breece “The Beast” Hall, as he will be on national television displaying his greatness for all to see. He is going to have to put his hard hat on for yards though.

Texas Defense

Believe it or not, Texas fired both coordinators in the offseason, and brought in former Rutgers coach Chris Ash to coach defense. He not only coached two different times at ISU, but also with Tom Herman at Ohio State. This unit used to be your hair-on-fire blitz-everything defense, but have recently turned to a bend-but-don’t-break mentality.

They run a 4-2-5 scheme, and have been right in the middle of the pack of the Big 12. They are led up front by Preseason All-Big 12 (and most likely 2020 All-American) outside-linebacker Joseph Ossai. The junior leads the conference in tackles-for-loss, and had a stat-line for the ages against OSU – 12 tackles, SIX tackles-for-loss, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. Coaches will need to know where is on the field at all times on Friday.

The rest of the defensive front has been formidable at stopping the run, most recently shutting down Chuba Hubbard and West Virginia’s Leddie Brown to 2.9 and 3.1 yard-per-carry, respectively. Another linebacker to keep your eye on is #0 – Demarvion Overshown. The junior is third on the team in stops, and has an impressive six pass-breakups.

Speaking of the secondary, they started off the year on the struggle bus, getting beat deep, and forced into way too many pass interference penalties. An aggressive unit, they are led by senior and three-year starter Chris Brown, who is rated as a top-3 safety in all of College Football by PFF. The Longhorns have righted the ship as of late, and improved tremendously since giving up 56 points to Texas Tech in week two.

They are still second-to-last in the Big 12 in passing defense (283 yards per game), yet 5^th in pass defense efficiency. What that means is they bend, but don’t break. Texas allows an impressive 6.7 yards per pass attempt, and have not been beat over the top in their last few games.

They carry a three-man rotation at cornerback, and are probably the weakest at this position. The other safety next to Brown is an impactful playmaker in Caden Sterns. The junior earned Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the year honors in 2018, and plays centerfield with a ball-hawk mentality.

The Verdict – EVEN

This matchup is one of the biggest battles of the day, as Iowa State’s offensive line needs to contain the pressure, and create holes for Hall. Brock can ill afford to make mistakes, as Texas has forced 12 turnovers this year. I am mainly focused on Xavier Hutchinson’s ability to get open, and a second receiver to please step up.

Iowa State Defense

A tough matchup for Jon Heacock and this Cyclone defense. They have had the luxury playing against inexperienced quarterbacks in 2020, but this matchup is anything but. Four-year starter Sam Ehlinger is tough to bring down, and will be a forced to reckon with in the running game.

Second Key to Victory – Slow Down Ehlinger in the Run Game

I have been impressed by the Cyclone rush defense, as they are ranked 15^th in the country, and it all starts with gap-control up front. Look for Enyi Uwazurike and Jaquan Bailey to play more of a “contain” role, jamming up the line of scrimmage, and eating up blockers for the linebackers to roam. That is also important on third downs, as Ehlinger can escape at a moment’s notice.

I expect Will McDonald to see the field more, as he adds another dimension with his speed on the outside, and can keep up with Texas playmakers in space. Look for O’Rien Vance to play SPY, all day, every day, as he will be the man for the job against Ehlinger.

I’m not sure how the scheme will start with the safeties up in the box, or if Heacock will blitz. My guess is, with the potent offensive line that Texas carries (and a 4-yr starting quarterback), that the mad scientist will play a lot of his blanket 3-man safety look, making Ehlinger dink and dunk for yards.

Greg Eisworth has been healthy in 2020, and he is the engine that makes this train roll. He and Isheem Young will have their hands full in the secondary, and will need to play mistake-free in run support.

Third Key to Victory – Force Turnovers

I expect a lower scoring affair, so turnovers are worth double in this one. Iowa State was fortunate to be in the right places last week with three take-aways, and if they want to win on Friday – they HAVE to win in the Turnover column.

Texas Offense

It’s been a bit of a rocky road for Sam Ehlinger and the Texas offense this year. They started the year slinging it all over the field, as #11 threw for TEN touchdowns in the first two weeks. Since then, it has been a different story, as accuracy has dropped off, receivers have not stepped up, and Ehlinger is not playing at 100%.

I give credit to Herman and his staff for recognizing the need to slow the tempo and run the ball. It has worked wonders, not only for the offense, but also the defense. Keontay Ingram started the year at running back, but has been sidelined the last three weeks with an ankle issue. He is doubtful, but in his place is a special talent in true freshman Bijan Robinson. The #1 ranked all-purpose back coming out of high school, Robinson had his coming-out party against West Virginia, carrying the ball 12 times for 113 yards. He will most likely split carries with Roschon Johnson, who believe it or not was recruited to play quarterback. Both have solid frames, with good downhill speed and enough wiggle to break it.

Ehlinger has all the career statistics you could ask for (90 career pass TDs and 32 rush TDs), but the fact he is digressing in his senior year is a big question mark. Look for the Longhorns to run their patented lead-run draw for Ehlinger in the red zone, as he has scored more times than Ron Jeremy on that play. With 20 days off between games, he will be that much closer to healthy, and hopefully will have some receivers back to help his 55% completion rate in the last 3 games.

His top option is deep-threat Joshua Moore, who leads the team in catches, yards and 7 touchdowns. He averages 15.6 yards-per-reception, and a touchdown for every 3.4 catches. The Longhorns are really lacking a go-to option, but seven different players have caught at least one ball in 5 of 7 games. Slot-man Jake Smith is Mr. Reliable, and Brennan Eagles is another weapon downfield, but look for Jordan Whittington to make his first appearance since the OU game, where he caught 10 balls.

Adding to the injury report, both the tight ends are coming off ailments, but look for Jared Wiley to suit up. Typical starter Cade Brewer has 19 starts to his name, but has been bothered by a chest contusion.

The offensive line returns three starters, and are led by Pre-Season All-American and consensus All-Big 12 left tackle Samuel Cosmi. Two other starters are seniors, and another has 19 starts to his name. All in all, a very balanced attack, but it all comes down to the efficiency and running legs of Ehlinger.

The Verdict – EVEN

If this game were in Ames or on a neutral site, I give the edge to the Clones, but being it is in Texas, it makes it that much more challenging. They key is bottling up Ehlinger in the run game, as we all have nightmares watching slippery quarterbacks sneak their way downfield for third-down scrambles.

Special Teams

Texas already has a blocked punt returned for six, and another long kickoff-return brought all the way back to the house. They are dangerous, as they only trail Iowa State returning kicks in the Big 12.

And what say you about Texas’s kickoff defense? They have none, as weapon Cameron Dicker has only allowed 76 return yards all year. Look for a lot of touchbacks in this one.

Adding to Dicker “the Kicker” lore, he will be adding punts to his repertoire. The outstanding junior has already made many clutch kicks in his career, and is 8 of 10 on field goals in 2020. With the Longhorns usual punter out due to injury, Dicker will make his first punt ever in college football on Friday.

This game might come down to another Connor Assalley field goal, and I’m confident in our senior to come through yet again.

Verdict – Texas

Yeah, let’s just keep that pooch kick going.

Winning Scale from 1 to 10

Oh boy. This one is for a berth in the Big 12 Championship game, as Iowa State has yet to break through as a Nationally recognized program, and has an ample opportunity to show the world that they are either Contenders or Pretenders.

Campbell has preached “killer mentality,” and instilled a tremendous amount of mental toughness in this experienced roster. On the other sideline, Tom Herman has been doubted by fans more than a college freshman trying to pick up chicks at the bar. I give Campbell and the continuity of his staff the slight edge in this department, as any advantage is well-deserved in this extremely tight matchup.

For this week, on a scale from 1 to 10, I’m going to the City that Never Sleeps – Vegas, (well maybe not now, but once COVID is over. haha). They say you have to win more than 55% of your bets to beat the house, and to be honest gambling on college football has its ups and downs.

I’m pitting Iowa State up against the Sharps, and with most sharps winning their majority of bets, I think Iowa State has less than a 50/50 shot at winning this one.

Final Analysis

Throw the stats out the window. Get rid of all the headlines, and talent on both rosters. This game will come down to one or two plays, and is as close as they come.

I think we will see it all out there on the field, as Iowa State will play their brand of football, make pivotal stops on defense, and Breece Hall and company will move the ball down the field.

But, while my heart lies with the Cyclones, my head realizes that Texas is just a little too much to grab this program-defining victory.

Final Score

Iowa State 24

Texas 28

Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comment section below!