Texas will need a strong defensive performance on Friday to slow down a powerful Iowa State offense.
The Cyclones deploy the nation’s leading rusher in Breece Hall. On top of that, Iowa State is sitting atop the conference standings right now. After suffering back-to-back losses early on in the season, Texas has managed to win three straight games and now control their own destiny.
Can head coach Tom Herman find some type of consistency to pull off his fourth consecutive win? Is Iowa State a contender or pretender? This crucial matchup has major Big 12 title implications.
Take a look at which defensive players need to bring their ‘A’ game in order for Texas to escape with a win.
Key Defensive Players
Patrick Conn- Chris Brown, Safety
This is a much different team than the Longhorns defense has faced all year. While they have the top running back in the Big 12, the Cyclones feature three NFL-caliber tight ends, Charlie Kolar being the leader of the trio. Texas needs their safeties to bring their ‘A’ game. Chris Brown is the No. 2 ranked safety according to PFF, defensive coordinator Chris Ash will need Brown to play like it against this aerial attack.
Griffin McVeigh- Ta’Quon Graham, DT
If you want to stop Iowa State’s offense, you are going to need to contain running back Breece Hall. The sophomore leads the country in rushing yards with 1,169 yards. To do so, it will all begin with the middle of the defensive line and defensive tackle Ta’quon Graham. The senior currently has 7.0 tackles for loss on the year. A few more are going to be required to keep the top running back in the country in check.
Cami Griffin- DeMarvion Overshown, LB
Junior linebacker DeMarvion Overshown will have a tough task on Friday. He’ll be asked to do it all on defense — slow down the Cyclones in open space, cover talented tight ends and help bring the blitz on quarterback Brock Purdy. Overshown has 6.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles this season, Texas will likely need to force a turnover to slow down this high-powered attack.