The Texas Keys

If Texas Were a Chick:

Texas is the Homecoming Queen, the Prom Queen, and the County Fair Queen all rolled into one. If you land Texas: The Good News is she is smokin’ hot and everyone else wants her just as bad as you. Her modeling career treated her well, she carries a Visa Black Card with an ESPN emblem on it. The Bad news is she knows she is hot and she doesn’t like to share. Texas is all kinds of Bitchy, like 28 days out of the month. You’ve also made your last decision about what to wear or what you’ll be allowed to eat. Learn to enjoy birthdays and anniversaries, Sparkey, because these are likely the only times you will be allowed to see her naked, if you have been well behaved. Enjoy sleeping on the floor when you have actually had the nerve to voice your opinion. Afterward your allowance will have been suspended.

1. Let Steele Jantz loose and allow him to be creative.

Through three games, Jantz has thrown for 666 yards and six touchdowns, solid numbers by any measure– but has been just as effective on his feet, running for two touchdowns and 112 total yards. Jantz’s ability to scramble and throw on the run will present a challenge to the Texas defense. Edge Iowa State

2. Contain the Texas Passing game.

Iowa State has given up a total of 619 yards through the air to a total of 414 on the ground. Case McCoy– and David Ash, if used– must find a way to throw the ball downfield and test the Cyclones’ secondary. Texas has run the ball well through 3 games. However, they have struggled in the passing game. Last week they brought in Case McCoy (Colt McCoy’s younger brother) and played a 2 quarterback offense. Utilizing 2 quarterbacks has never been an offensive strategy I have loved. If Iowa State can force Texas to rely on the run and keep the game close or play from ahead for once it could be a back to back victory. Edge: Iowa State

3. Special teams and turnovers.

Through 3 games Texas has been susceptible to turning over the ball. Iowa State has as well but ISU has been able to overcome those obstacles, play from behind, and push through for victories. Edge: Texas

4. Confidence and Focus.

Texas is facing Oklahoma next week, while Iowa State is heading to (Wacko) Waco Texas to face Baylor. Both teams are coming off a bye week and inevitable both teams have begun preparing for the following week’s match-up. Oklahoma is rated Number 1 in the nation and Baylor is rated number 15 with a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate in their standout quarterback Robert Giffin III. Whoever is most focused and confident about winning the game right in front of them will prevail. Iowa State beat the Longhorns in Austin last year, and you can see the confidence building in each game. Paul Rhoads emotional coaching style and riverboat gambler mentality is very contagious. Edge: Iowa State