Iowa State opens Big-12 play on Thursday night by hosting Texas. The Longhorns are 2-2 and opened league play back on September 21st with a victory over Kansas State.

ISU coach Paul Rhoads says they are a very talented football team that is fast and strong. He says the Longhorn defense has changed following the mid-season switch to Greg Robinson as coordinator.

“They’re less risk taking, less gambling if you will and they are aligned where they are supposed to be with greater consistency,” Rhoads says.

A key in this game will be how the Iowa State defense matches up against the Texas ground game. Rhoads says they have talented runningbacks that can play for anybody and take advantage of any space the get on the field.

Kickoff in Jack Trice Stadium is 6:30.