The Longhorns enter this game, having lost their last four Big XII conference games dating back to last year.

Looking at the two offenses, the clear edge belongs to the Horns.  Texas is averaging just over 31 (39^th) points a game to Iowa State's (114^th) 18.  Colt Mccoy actually looked pretty good against Oklahoma.  His only interception was on a ball that was thrown a little high, but hit Jamaal Charles in the hands and bounced off.  McCoy has had a sophomore year he would just as soon forget.  He is averaging 263 yards a game, but has thrown as many touchdowns (10) as interceptions.  With Limas Sweed gone for the season, look for McCoy to get sophomore tight end Jermichael Finley (4 catches 149 yards 1td vs. OU), more involved in the passing game.  McCoy should be able to go through his reads more fluently this game, as the Cyclones defense in the first six games, has only been able to manage nine sacks. 

The weak spot on the Longhorn offense has to be Jamaal Charles.  Charles, coming into the season was awarded the starting job, but his fumbling inside the opponent's five yard line is becoming way too frequent.  Last week against OU, Charles' fumble cost Texas what could have been a huge momentum shift on the opening drive of the second half.  If Texas starts out rolling early, Longhorn fans, hope to see red-shirt freshman Vondrell McGee get some significant carries.

The Texas defense is listed as giving up around 23.5 points a game, but in reality it is closer to 18.  Mccoy has had two interceptions returned for touchdowns, two interceptions that started in field goal range for opponents, and the special teams has allowed two returns for touchdowns.  The Cyclones do not pose any real threats on offense, but that is what people thought when Texas played Arkansas State and UCF, so hopefully the Texas defense is up to looking good, instead of another mediocre game. 

This is Gene Chizik's first year in Ames.  Chizik, still seeking his first conference victory as a head coach, would love to get it at home against a ranked opponent, especially one that he was apart of for the last two seasons.  In all reality though, Texas will improve to 7-0 all time against the Cyclones, and start trying to dig their way out of an 0-2 hole in the Big XII South division.

Prediction:  Texas wins 35-10.  Charles still gets a fumble, but not inside the opponent's five yard line, maybe more like the eight. 

HOOK'EM