Texas Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Iowa State Cyclones are the first Big 12 game on the Texas Longhorns schedule. The Cyclones are a good measuring stick for where the Longhorns stand in the conference. Although they’ve got experienced offensive playmakers returning, they went just 2-7 in conference play last season.

Quarterback Jacob Park returns after starting the final five games of 2016. Park threw for 1,791 passing yards,12 touchdowns and five interceptions. Wide receiver Allen Lazard returns as well with after catching 69 receptions for 1,018 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

The Cyclones defense has three junior college transfers coming in on the defensive line. Matt Leo, Ray Lima and Kamilo Tangomoa should help improve a team that allowed 31.3 points per game last season. Their scoring defense ranked seventh in the Big 12.

The new additions give them some much-needed depth on the defensive interior that allowed 218.2 rushing yards per game.

The Iowa State secondary is their biggest strength and they should be tested all game long by Shane Buechele’s arm. A 21-point outburst in the third quarter led by two touchdown passes by Buechele broke last season’s game wide open.

The Longhorns won last season’s matchup 27-6. They are 12-2 overall against the Cyclones. Expect more of the same from Texas as they open conference play.

Final: Iowa State 13, Texas 24 (3-1, 1-0 Big 12)