College football Week 12: Must-see games of the week for die-hard fanatics
By Cephas Evans
(16) Iowa State at (15) Texas – 8:00 pm – Longhorn Network
With the Big 12 Championship race completely up for grabs, this is a must-win for both Texas and Iowa State.
The Cyclones started the season 1-3, but have turned it around with 5-straight victories in conference play. Last weekend, Iowa State took down Baylor, but it was an unfortunate event that took place in the second half that may affect the Cyclones this weekend. Iowa State’s starting running back David Montgomery, who is the Big 12’s second-leading rusher, was ejected from the game in the second half following an on-the-field scuffle.
As a result, Montgomery will be suspended for the first half of this weekend’s game against Texas. To say this is a blow to Iowa State would be an understatement, but don’t expect the Cyclones to go down without a fight. If they can keep the game tight going into the second half, a fresh Montgomery may be just what they need to pull away from the Longhorns.
Texas has been up and down all season but bounced back from two straight losses with a victory over Texas Tech last weekend. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger has led the Longhorns to a 7-3 record and with 21 seconds remaining threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to secure the victory over the Red Raiders. Ehlinger is one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the country and will attack teams through the air or on the ground.
That said, the Cyclones defense has been one of the best units in the Big 12 and will look to disguise its pressure in an attempt to confuse the young quarterback. If Ehlinger can keep his composure and take care of the football, the Longhorns should have no issues slowing down the Iowa State offense and securing another victory.
With both teams in contention for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game, neither can afford another loss, but even with a victory, they will need to see either Oklahoma or West Virginia go down to advance.