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Texas Tech football: The Red Raiders can beat Iowa State if…

By Matthew Conner

Sep 26, 2020; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver TJ Vaser (9) celebrates with wide receiver Erik Ezukanma (13) after scoring a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver TJ Vaser (9) celebrates with wide receiver Erik Ezukanma (13) after scoring a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Breece Hall (28) scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Breece Hall (28) scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

…Texas Tech doesn’t allow long TDs

Most of the headlines with Iowa State tend to go to the defense.  However, this year’s Cyclone offense is one of the most dangerous in the Big 12 and it’s been living off of huge plays.

Thus, the Red Raiders must find a way to keep the Cyclones from scoring on explosive plays.  The problem is that I almost feel silly writing that sentence because we simply have too much evidence that suggests this defense is incapable of that against even the most pedestrian of offenses.

Facing a Kansas State offense that was one of the worst in the Big 12, last week the Red Raiders allowed a 66-yard catch and run to tight end Briley Moore and TDs of 75 and 38 yards to true freshman Deuce Vaughn.  Now, Tech has to contend with another big-play running back, ISU’s Breece Hall.

You may remember the sophomore because last year in Lubbock, he was dominant.  Running for 183 yards on 19 carries, he had a pair of TDs including a game-breaking 75-yarder in the second half.

This year, he’s already got TD runs of 75 and 32 yards and he’s averaging six yards per carry despite already amassing 66 rushing attempts.  What’s more, with 18 missed tackles forced, he’s fourth in the NCAA.

Also, keep an eye on Cyclone receiver Xavier Hutchinson, who’s averaging 13.8 yards per catch.  Then there is future NFL tight end Charlie Kohlar who had his way with Tech last year in Lubbock to the tune of 79 yards and two TDs on just three catches.  So far in 2020, he’s been slowed by a nagging injury but he’s still averaging 10.3 yards per reception.

Last year, the Cyclones torched Tech with Big plays and they will look to do the same again today.  Currently, ISU is tied for No. 8 in the NCAA with 9 plays of 30 or more yards.  But if Tech can find some way to make the Cyclones sustain drives and earn their points the hard way, maybe some mistakes, penalties, or turnovers will derail enough drives for there to be a chance for an upset.

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