AMES — The No. 11-ranked Iowa State Cyclones have already made a lot of history through the first seven games of the 2024 season, but they have a chance to jump to 8-0 against Texas Tech on Saturday. has never existed before. 132 years since the program began.
Head coach Matt Campbell isn’t thinking too much about what could be the most historic start to a season in Iowa State history, instead focusing on how his team finishes the season.
“Again, my biggest concern is how we finish the season.” Campbell said. “What kind of team will this be by November? “We’ve done a lot of firsts here that haven’t been done yet, and that’s all great, but the reality is, you’re defined by how you finish.”
The first test in November will be the aforementioned Red Raiders from Lubbock, Texas, who have not been well received this season.
Texas Tech hasn’t been good through the first two weeks of the season. In Week 1, the Red Raiders narrowly escaped a game against FCS Abilene Christian, winning 52-51 in overtime. In Week 2, they lost 37-16 at Washington State University.
Texas Tech then won four straight, defeating North Texas, Arizona State, Cincinnati, and Arizona. Red Raiders head coach Joey McGwire appeared to be leading his team in the right direction.
But just as quickly as Texas Tech turned its season around, it slumped again. The Red Raiders, who suffered a blowout loss to Baylor and lost a close game to TCU last week, improved to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big 12.
One of the reasons the Red Raiders missed last week’s game against TCU was losing starting QB Behren Morton midway through the game.
There’s no definitive word on Morton’s status heading into this weekend, but it’s unclear whether production will be significantly reduced if he’s sidelined.
Freshman quarterback Will Hammond replaced Morton against TCU and played very well, going 10-15 for 121 yards, one touchdown, and no turnovers.
“They have a unique system offensively,” Campbell said. “I think they’ve done a great job recruiting. I think their confidence is that no matter who is playing quarterback, they can run their system and be perfect.”
Thanks to this unique system, Texas Tech averaged 38.1 points per game, had the No. 1 total offense in the Big 12 in scoring average, and had the No. 1 total offense in the Big 12. 457 yards per game.
For the Cyclones, the focus will be on stopping running back Taj Brooks.
Brooks led the Big 12 in rushing yards with 132.1 yards per game, but the Cyclones were the second-worst team in the Big 12 against the run, giving up 170.3 yards per game.
If the Cyclones want to slow down the Red Raiders’ high-flying offense, it will take a total team effort.
“Offensively, they’re doing a lot of things,” defensive back Darien Porter said. “They go fast, they throw the ball well, they have a talented running back and a talented group.”
Offensively, if the Cyclones can play to their abilities, they should be able to have success in this game.
Texas Tech ranked last in the Big 12 in scoring defense, allowing 36 points per game, and ranked second from bottom in total defense, gaining 466 yards per game.
Where the Red Raiders particularly struggle is in pass defense.
The Red Raiders gave up the most passing yards in the Big 12 at 308.3 yards per game. That’s 47.3 more yards per game than second-to-last West Virginia.
This could be a great chance for Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht to bounce back from his lackluster performance throwing the ball last time out against UCF. In that game, he went 20-for-46 for 274 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
“Great people, great people, great teams, great players, their joy is a small joy.”” Campbell said. “Then, well, they have the ability to get back on track to greatness.”
Regardless of how Texas Tech’s defense looks on paper, the Cyclones know better than just looking at the numbers.
“I think their defense is going to be really busy, and they’ve got a lot of really good players on defense,” offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said. “We want to get the best shot of everyone every week, so that’s how we prepare.”
That’s what happens when a team is 7-0 and ranked 11th in the country. They get everyone’s best shot.
The game between Iowa State and Texas Tech, with a chance to get off to the best start in school history, will be held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Jack Trice Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
