OddsShark had the line at Iowa state -3.5 and then I got all of the predictions from all of the writers and the line moved to -4. We’re going with -3.5.

Staff Predictions

Dan Swany
Straight Up (4-3): Texas Tech
Against the Spread (4-3): Texas Tech
Commentary: Brock Purdy has come onto ISU at QB and turned heads with impressive wins. So has Alan Bowman for Texas Tech. I believe things will be tight most of the game, and that our defense will figure out how to slow Purdy and Montgomery. The Red Raiders will take a 2 touchdown lead late in the 4th, and become bowl eligible after this victory. Wreck ‘em Tech!!!

Keith
Straight Up (5-2): Texas Tech
Against the Spread (5-2): Texas Tech
Commentary: This one is really tough for me to figure out. I think the 11 a.m. start plays into Tech’s hand instead of playing a night game there. I also think that when the offense is rolling Texas Tech is extremely hard to beat but playing in Ames makes me very nervous, as does that defense. I know Kliff has had this one circled and players say he wants it bad, he’s been extra salty. I think the team rises to the occasion and gets the rare W in Ames.

Michael_LSRR
Straight Up (4-3): Texas Tech
Against the Spread (4-3): Texas Tech
Commentary: The more I think about it, the more I believe in our offense in this game with a healthy line, QB, all wide receivers and running backs. Kingsbury did not have Johns during the last two Iowa State games. ISU’s defense will be tough, but they are not perfect. Oklahoma State put 42 on this defense, and only 17 on Texas Tech’s. Looking forward to a hard-fought game that will always be close with Tech winning on something like a 38-31 score.

Michael LaBarre
Straight Up (5-2): Iowa State
Against the Spread (7-0): Iowa State
Commentary: Much like against Oklahoma State and TCU, I’m probably going to get at least one of these wrong. Although Ames has been a difficult place to play lately and Matt Campbell has done a tremendous job making that program not irrelevant. Tech got whipped 66-10 two years ago and then were embarrassed at home by the score of 31-13. Tech will put up more point than two scores (I hope), but I have a hard time thinking they’ll win at Iowa State. The line at 3.5 makes this is a little more difficult because the Cyclones can’t win by a field goal, but I’ll go ahead to pick them anyway. I missed half of the TCU and KU game, and unfortunately I’ll miss this one in its entirety. Hopefully I come back wrong.

Spencer
Straight Up (3-4): Texas Tech
Against the Spread (2-5): Texas Tech
Commentary: Texas Tech gets the monkey off their back in Ames this weekend. Kingsbury will have the team fired up and ready to go. I don’t think the ISU defense is as big and bad as we previously thought. My confidence in the Tech defense is continuing to rise and there isn’t anything from the Cyclones that would concern me. This is, of course, dependent on the team showing up and performing how we would realistically expect. Give me Tech by 4-7.

Brian
Straight Up (6-1): Texas Tech
Against the Spread (5-2): Texas Tech
Commentary: Despite my typical inclinations and current feelings on Iowa State (as seen in the tarot), I’m doing it. I’m calling for a win in Ames. I think it will be ugly, especially because the Cyclones can hit the big plays, which is TTU’s current Achilles heel. But I think something’s gotta give with Kliff against Campbell’s defensive scheme, and Johns will provide just the right wrinkle to diffuse it this year. I shall now go back to meditating on the deep pit of despair in my stomach I get every time I think of this game.

Seth
Straight Up (4-3): Texas Tech
Against the Spread (3-4): Texas Tech
Commentary: I am doing this despite my better judgment. I think the odds of beating the Cyclones in Ames seem low. And maybe my thoughts about Iowa State are seeded in what’s happened in the past and Texas Tech is somewhat exercising demons this year. That’s a good thing. Ain’t got nothing to lose and I think at this point, we’ll all pulling against LaBarre this week.

Community Predictions (5-2)

If you voted last week, please feel free to keep track of your own progress in the comments. I want to know if you are a gambling savant.