Iowa State:
Jaylin Noel – Wide Receiver
It’s kind of shocking Noel hasn’t been featured in the Players to Watch series yet, but here he is now.
Noel leads the Cyclones in receiving yards with 681, ranking him 22nd in the country in yards, on 37 catches. That’s a team-high 18.4 yards per catch. He’s also second to fellow wide receiver Jayden Higgins in receiving touchdowns with three.
The explosiveness Noel has was seen against North Dakota and Iowa, with over 130 yards in each game, but he didn’t reach the century mark in the next four games. That all changed against UCF.
Noel reached his season high of 153 yards in that game on eight catches. Without him, Iowa State likely wouldn’t have beaten the Knights.
The senior receiver should be in for a good day, considering Texas Tech ranks 121st in opponent passing yards per game.
Tyler Moore – Tight End
One of the biggest surprises in the last game was tight end Benjamin Brahmer, who was sidelined with a leg injury. Brahmer had a huge wrap on his leg and missed the majority of the UCF game.
If Brahmer is unable to return, and even if he does, Tyler Moore could see some more time on the field Saturday.
Moore has been the No. 2 tight end alongside Stevo Klotz. Though his production has been limited, he does have four catches for 33 yards and a 10-yard touchdown.
Through just seven games this season, Moore has tied his total receptions in each of the past two seasons. All of his catches have come at home, so odds are Moore will get a catch, and possibly some more considering Brahmer’s injury.
J.R. Singleton – Defensive Lineman
A senior defensive captain, Singleton has been the rock of the Iowa State defensive line.
Singleton has the most total tackles of the defensive linemen with 22 and leads the team in sacks with three. The next closest lineman in total tackles is Tyler Onyedim with 13.
If he gets one tackle against Texas Tech, he will break his previous season high of 22, which he achieved last season.
Singleton will be the first line of defense against Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks, who is closing in on 1,000 yards this season.
Texas Tech:
Tahj Brooks – Running Back
Speaking of Brooks, he will no doubt be the biggest problem for the Cyclones defense Saturday. It’s becoming a theme of Iowa State facing top-tier running backs in 2024, and Brooks is the next man on that list.
As mentioned before, Brooks is nearly at 1,000 rushing yards with 925 after playing in seven of Texas Tech’s eight games. He has done it on a whopping 179 carries for an average of 5.2 yards.
Brook’s far and away has the most touchdowns of the Red Raider skill position players at nine, with three coming on the road against Arizona.
Texas Tech is on a bit of a skid right now, but if someone can right the ship, it’s Brooks.
Behren Morton – Quarterback
In Texas Tech’s last game against TCU, Morton went down with a shoulder injury. All week it was speculated that he would not suit up against Iowa State.
However, recent reports have said that Morton will play Saturday against the Cyclones.
If that holds to be true, Morton enters sixth in the Big 12 with 2,063 passing yards and tied for fourth in passing touchdowns with 17. Not to mention he has thrown just three interceptions, which has been something the Iowa State defense has forced in every game this season.
Forcing Morton into mistakes will be tough for the Cyclones, but with him not at 100% due to his shoulder, Iowa State may slow him down enough to keep the Red Raiders offense at bay.
Jacob Rodriguez – Linebacker
Rodriguez has been one of the Big 12’s best linebackers this season. He has 70 tackles this season, tying him for second in the conference.
Not only has he been everywhere tackling, Rodriguez has also recorded a sack, deflected three passes, forced two fumbles and recovered one.
No matter if Iowa State runs or passes, Rodriguez will be there waiting to make a play. He will no doubt be the biggest threat to the Cyclones offense Saturday.
