Texas vs. Iowa State: Last-Minute Spread Info and Predictions

The Big 12 season will get underway on Saturday when the Iowa State Cyclones host the Texas Longhorns.

When they met a season ago, Iowa State pulled the upset and beat Texas 28-21 in Austin. Now, the Longhorns will be looking for a measure of revenge.

Both teams come into the game with perfect 3-0 records.

Where: Jack Trice Stadium. Ames, Iowa

When: Saturday, October 1 at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: FX 

Spread

According to Bodog, the Longhorns are nine-point favorites. They did struggle to beat BYU, but have otherwise gone untested this year.

The Cyclones are also undefeated, but they could just as easily be 0-3.

I'll go with the Longhorns to win and cover. Like when they beat UCLA, revenge is squarely on their minds. It's hard to see them coming out of this without a convincing win.

Over/Under

The over/under of 50 implies that they are expecting a game somewhere in the 30-20 range. I don't think it will be that close, but I am going to take the over here.

I like Texas to at least score in the mid-30's. The Cyclones will pick up the slack from there.

Key Injuries

Texas LB Chet Moss (back) is questionable.

Texas WR John Harris (foot), Christian Scott (suspension), and LB Demarco Cobbs (arm) are out.

Texas QB Garrett Gilbert (shoulder) is out for the year.

Iowa State OL Shaban Dika (knee) is out.

Iowa State WR Donnie Jennert (academics), DE Roosevelt Maggitt (knee), QB Jerome Tiller (academics), S Earl Brooks (knee), and TE Ricky Howard (knee) are out for the year.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

A win here wouldn't get Iowa State ranked, but they wouldn't be far from it. An undefeated season that includes a win over a ranked opponent is usually enough to get some votes.

Texas probably needs a win to stay ranked. If they lose, they will at best be at the bottom of the Top 25.

Ranked No. 17 in both polls, a win would like move Texas into the Top 15. A win for either would also help their conference record.

Keys to Texas Win

Texas must continue playing strong defense. Their offense has had issues at times. But if their defense plays well, Texas won't have much of a problem here. 

Keys to Iowa State Win

Iowa State needs a hot start to get the fans in the game. If they start slow and Texas starts strong, it will be a long day for the faithful in Ames. 

Prediction

Texas is playing pretty good football right now. I like for them to get a measure of revenge for 2010's loss.

Texas 38, Iowa State 23