Last year’s Iowa State-Texas game really shouldn’t have been noteworthy. Texas was thoroughly mediocre and Iowa State was thoroughly bad, so the game in Ames had no implications on the Big 12 race. However, the clashing of two time-tested traditions — people complaining about Texas favoritism and #Big12Refs — provided some sparks.
How to watch Iowa State vs. Texas: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Will #Big12Refs make another appearance?
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
To be fair, Iowa State had a point, as a very clear fumble by Texas was not ruled a fumble. After the game, Cyclones coach Paul Rhoades was NOT PROUD of the refs.
This year, there really isn’t a great reason to watch Iowa State-Texas, if you’re not a fan of either team. Neither team is very good. But Iowa State has a strange tendency to get the short end of the stick with the refs, and Texas has a tendency to get some calls. So maybe we’ll have another interesting game in this series.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: Longhorn Network
Online streaming: Longhorn Network
Our sites on these teams
The numbers
Rankings and records: Both Iowa State and Texas are 2-4. Neither team is ranked.
Vegas: Texas opened as an 11-point favorite. The line is up to 12.5.
Weather forecast: Partly cloudy with a high of 85 and a low of 65.
Two things at stake
Neither team is going to make a bowl game this year, but if Texas loses to Iowa State, it might make some people a little bit restless in Austin.
If Paul Rhoads beats Texas, he will get a 10-year contract extension. (Okay, not really, but they’d probably forgive him for the blowout loss to North Dakota State.)
One big matchup
Texas offense vs. Iowa State defense: For as much as Texas has struggled to move the ball, this week might finally offer some relief for the offense. The Iowa State defense ranks 99th nationally, according to Football Outsiders, and aside from Iowa, which doesn’t really attempt to move the ball, the Cyclones haven’t been able to have a good defensive day against anyone. That could change against the Longhorns, and it’s going to need to if the Cyclones want any chance to win, because Texas has a solid defense that should make this a low-scoring affair.
Further reading
Read Wide Right Natty Lite for more on Iowa State, and Barking Carnival and Burnt Orange Nation for more on Texas.
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