The Iowa State Cyclones and the Texas Tech Red Raiders meet on Saturday in Big 12 college football action.

The Iowa State Cyclones are unbeaten thus far this year as they look to build on the success of their program last year. QB Steele Jantz has completed 70.1 percent of his passes for six touchdowns and four interceptions. There is talent at running back for ISU with Shontrelle Johnson averaging 5.0 yards per carry with a touchdown and James White is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and two touchdowns. Chris Young and Aaron Horne each have 14 catches and two touchdowns and Josh Lenz has 11 catches and a touchdown. Defensively ISU allows 10.7 points per game, 110.3 rushing yards per game, and 169.7 yards per game with four interceptions and four sacks. Jake Knott has 22 tackles, Jeremiah George has 20 tackles, and A.J. Klein has 19 tackles. Iowa State doesn’t get a lot of respect and they need to earn it every time out.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have won each of their first three games this season by blowout but they have faced light competition and have been double digit favorites. QB Seth Doege has completed 74.3 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns and an interception. Kenny Williams is averaging 7.1 yards per carry with a touchdown, Eric Stephens is averaging 7.0 yards per carry with three touchdowns, and SaDale Foster is averaging 5.2 yards per carry and each have over 30 carries thus far. Brad Marquez has 12 catches, Jace Amaro has 11 catches and three touchdowns, and Darrin Moore and Jakeem Grant have 10 catches each. Defensively Texas Tech is allowing just 10 points per game, 75.3 yards rushing per game, and 85 yards passing per game with two interceptions and five sacks. Cody Davis has 18 tackles, D.J. Johnson has 14 tackles, and Will Smith has 12 tackles as the Texas Tech defense just hasn’t spent much time on the field. Texas Tech runs a lot more than we have been accustomed to but they still light up the scoreboard.

Iowa State is 5-1 against the spread in their last six Big 12 games, 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games overall, and 6-2 against the spread against a team with a winning record. Texas Tech is 4-1 against the spread following a win, 5-2 against the spread in their last seven road games, and 1-4 against the spread in their last five Big 12 games. The favorite has covered in six of the last eight meetings of these two.

While both of these defenses have been sharp look for the offenses to win this one as it goes over the total. My stronger play is on who will cover the spread and I will post that in the Premium Area as well as making the pick available for individual purchase.