Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com.
TEXAS (-10) over Iowa State: Cashed last week against Iowa State in this same spot. In the loss to Oklahoma, in which the Cyclones were outgained by 303 yards, the defense felt the full effect of losing LB Jake Knott. Now they must travel to Austin with a defense that has allowed 586 yards and 29 first downs per game in their last three. Negative press is besieging the Longhorns, but the reality is they are still 7-2 and nothing quiets criticism as much as an easy win.
TEXAS TECH (-25 1/2) over Kansas: In Part 2 of my Texas 2-step, I’m calling for another blowout. Tech comes in with the NCAA’s No. 12 offense and No. 18 defense while Kansas ranks 99th in both categories. Jayhawks already have lost to Kansas State (56-16), Oklahoma (52-7) and Baylor (41-14).
LAST WEEK (NCAA): 1-1. SEASON: 9-11.