Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads says the Cyclones can begin writing their new history against Texas Tech.AMES, Iowa (KTIV) - -
Iowa State and Texas Tech were picked to finish eighth and ninth in the Big 12's preseason football poll. But when they kick off the conference season on Saturday night in Ames, both teams come in with perfect 3-0 records.
The Cyclones have not allowed a touchdown in their last two wins against Iowa and Western Illinois, something that hasn't happened for ISU in the same season since 1959.
Texas Tech's defense has only allowed 30 total points, second lowest in the Big 12, and they lead the nation in pass defense.
Iowa State was also 3-0 last season, but lost four in a row and finished at 6-7.
"A lot of players on our football team have been down this road, a lot of players that contributed to that four game losing streak," said ISU head coach Paul Rhoads. "I've remarked about our maturity and our experience, we can either go repeat history or change it and write it ourselves. I think that's the mindset they're approaching the week with."
Last year, ISU beat Texas Tech 41-7. Tech was ranked 17th at the time and it was the Cyclones biggest win over a ranked team, ever.
Iowa State had last week off. With the conference opener and six ranked teams ahead on the schedule, the time off came at a good time.
"I do feel like we're ready," said ISU quarterback Steele Jantz. "I know we're all excited to get the first conference game in and see how good we can be and kind of prove ourselves so we're excited about it."
"The leaders on this team have not allowed people to take the week off just because it was a bye week," said ISU safety Jacques Washington. "We're practicing better and that's what we need to do as Iowa State. We've got to practice every day and take it one day at a time and focus on the task at hand. I believe we will not lay an egg this week."
Iowa State and Texas Tech kickoff at 6 o'clock on Saturday night at Jack Trice Stadium. Tech is a 2 1/2 point favorite.
