College football Week 15 picks: Iowa State vs. Arizona State, Penn State vs. Oregon, Georgia vs. Texas

IOWA VS. ARIZONA STATE

Mike Hlas (0-3, 26-16) — All I ever want from the teams in this state is a good story. A Cyclones win would be a great story. Iowa State 24, Arizona State 21

John Steppe (1-2, 30-12) — As I write this Thursday morning, it’s 12 degrees in Iowa. It’s 47 in Tempe. I think it’s time to start a Gazette Arizona bureau. Arizona State 27, Iowa State 24

Jeff Johnson (2-1, 30-12) — It worked last week for the Cyclones, so let’s do it again. Arizona State 31, Iowa State 28

Rob Gray (2-1, 31-11) — ISU’s been good at controlling the clock offensively most of the time in recent weeks, and if it can get solid production from it’s run game — and win the turnover battle — a playoff berth looms on the horizon. Iowa State 27, Arizona State 24

Beth Malicki (2-1, 31-11) — I tried to buy a sandwich to thank a co-worker and accidentally ordered the party sub and now I’m the most beloved person at work. Iowa State 31, Arizona State 27

Todd Brommelkamp (3-0, 31-11) — The winner of this game may be stuck at the CFP version of kid’s table, but you still get a chance to eat and that’s all that should matter. Arizona State 27, Iowa State 23

PENN STATE VS. OREGON

Hlas — It would be funny if the winner of this game planted Michigan’s flag at midfield, just to stick it to Ohio State one more time. Penn State 34, Oregon 31

Steppe — RIP Big Ten West. Oregon 38, Penn State 31

Johnson — Tickets to this game going for $12, I saw the other day. That’s still too much. Oregon 28, Penn State 14

Gray — What a new-school matchup for the Big Ten leaders. About 2,200 miles separate the two schools’ campuses from one another, but the TV money bridges that gap nicely in what should be a competitive game. But I’m going old-school on this one, for old time’s sake. Penn State 30, Oregon 24

Malicki — The greatest phrase my newly-adult daughter taught me is, “I’m not an available person.” Want to write this story? Want to listen to my podcast? Want to attend an early morning meeting? Such a versatile response. Oregon 27, Penn State 20

Brommelkamp — Is this a big game? Is James Franklin coaching? This just comes down to the Ducks’ motivation to win big or just win. Oregon 31, Penn State 17

GEORGIA VS. TEXAS

Hlas — If Georgia needed eight overtimes to beat Georgia Tech last week … Georgia 81, Texas 79 (22 OT)

Steppe — I asked a friend “Georgia or Texas?” She says, “Texas, Beyoncé is from Texas.” Beyoncé aside, I think the Longhorns are the better team. Texas 28, Georgia 21

Johnson — Somehow Alabama will get a first-round bye out of this deal … Georgia 28, Texas 27

Gray — It’s Horns up in this new-look SEC battle and the former Southwest Conference school will win a conference crown in its first season in a new league. Texas 31, Georgia 27

Malicki — Want to enjoy a holiday shopping experience? Check out West Branch’s downtown. Then send me a thank you so I can take credit. Texas 20, Georgia 17

Brommelkamp — Kirby Smart implies the existence of Kirby Dumb. Texas 28, Georgia 24