2-Minute Drill: Iowa State Cyclones at Texas Tech Red Raiders

Breaking down Saturday's Big 12 football game between Iowa State and Texas Tech at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Kickoff is 11 a.m. and TV is FS1.

Iowa State rush offense vs. Texas Tech rush defense

Texas Tech's rush defense has been much improved this season. Opposing teams are averaging just 125 yards per game against the Red Raiders, which is fourth in the Big 12. Last season, Texas Tech surrendered 238 yards per game. Texas Tech revamped its defense in the offseason, bringing in a host of transfers.

Iowa State, on the other hand, is averaging just 117 yards on the ground. Star running back David Montgomery still has the ability to break off big plays, but teams are keying on him so his production on the ground has been limited.

Last season, do-everything-player Joel Lanning rushed for five touchdowns against Texas Tech, and while he'll still get his touches this game, the newly revamped Red Raider front seven has the ability to contain him.

Advantage: Texas Tech

Iowa State pass offense vs. Texas Tech pass defense

While Texas Tech's rush defense has improved, its pass defense still leaves a lot to be desired. A lot. Texas Tech is last in the Big 12, allowing 307 yards per game through the air.

If Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt can get the ball into the playmakers' hands, the Cyclones should have no problem picking apart the Red Raiders secondary. It wouldn't be surprising to see Montgomery used in the passing game quite a bit on Saturday as well. If he gets the ball in space, he's as dangerous as anyone in college football, leading the nation in broken tackles.

More: Marchie Murdock makes his presence known in red zone

Receivers Allen Lazard and Hakeem Butler could have big days in the red zone, as well. Texas Tech doesn't have a cornerback over 6-foot-2 on its roster so Iowa State's big receivers will have an advantage.

Advantage: Iowa State

Iowa State rush defense vs. Texas Tech rush offense

Texas Tech is a pass happy team, but the Red Raiders do have a capable running back in Justin Stockton, who averages 80 yards per game. But they only average 169 yards total on the ground, just 31 percent of their total yards.

More: Iowa State has detailed prep for Texas Tech's offense

Iowa State's rush defense has been the surprise of the team this season, allowing just 119 yards per game on the ground, which is third in the Big 12. Defensive lineman Ray Lima should be able to take up two blockers on every play, allowing his teammates to make the play when Texas Tech does decide to run.

Advantage: Iowa State

Iowa State pass defense vs. Texas Tech pass offense

Brian Peavy and Iowa State's defensive backs are going to get a workout Saturday. Texas Tech has done a great job of mixing horizontal, vertical and screen passes, so Peavy and the defensive backs will need to stay on their toes and react quickly.

The Cyclones have used a three-man rush in Big 12 play, dropping eight into coverage. That's worked well because it closes any windows the quarterback may have. Texas Tech quarterback Nic Shimonek isn't very mobile, so expect to see more of the three-man rush on Saturday, especially if defensive end JaQuan Bailey still can get pressure on the quarterback.

Even though Shimonek isn't mobile, he has the ability to pick apart a defense in the pocket. He completes more than 70 percent of his passes and has passed for 2,134 yards and 18 touchdowns through six games.

Texas Tech has five receivers who have caught more than 16 passes. The Red Raiders average just over 375 yards through the air. The receivers are led by Keke Coutee who has 672 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Iowa State needs to contain him and his big-play ability if it wants a chance.

Advantage: Texas Tech

Special teams

Special teams have been an important factor for Iowa State this season. Kicker Garrett Owens has missed only two field goals, and punter Colin Downing routinely pins teams inside the 20-yard line (15 times, best in the Big 12).

Texas Tech's specialists, on the other hand, have struggled. Kicker Michael Barden has only made 50 percent of his field goals (4 of 8). And punter Dominic Panazzolo averages 40 yards a punt and has pinned teams inside the 20-yard line five times. Texas Tech's return game isn't much better. Cameron Batson has returned seven punts for a total of 22 yards, just 3.1 yards per return.

Iowa State's Trever Ryen showed the ability to return punts for touchdowns and significant gains. He's fielded 11 punts for 116 yards.

Advantage: Iowa State

Intangibles

1. Road woes — Iowa State has only won once in Lubbock in eight tries.

2. Force mistakes — Iowa State has a plus-6 turnover margin. If the Cyclones can create turnovers and get the ball out of Simonek's hands, Iowa State could find success.

3. Hang tough — In its last game, Texas Tech held an 18-point lead against West Virginia. The Red Raiders ended up losing the game 46-35.

3 and out

Three keys for an Iowa State victory.

1. Protect the ball — Iowa State doesn't need to give Texas Tech's offense any help by turning the ball over.

2. Affect the quarterback — Make Shimonek move his feet and scramble outside of the pocket. Iowa State can't let him get comfortable.

3. Establish a run game — As improved as Texas Tech's run defense is, Iowa State still needs to establish the run game to help control the clock and keep Texas Tech's defense off the field.

Iowa State-Texas Tech prediction

Iowa State wins if ... It control the ball and keep Texas Tech's offense off the field.

Texas Tech wins if ... It can create turnovers and get its offense back on the field.

Prediction: Texas Tech 42, Iowa State 38