GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 7 Texas Longhorns vs. Iowa State Cyclones When — 8 p.m. Where — Jack Trice Stadium TV — Fox

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

The Longhorns have the inside track to the Big 12 championship game and, as long as they keep winning, could land a spot in the College Football Playoff if things break right for them. There are still scenarios for the Cyclones to reach the conference title game, but they will have to upset Texas and Kansas State next week and get some help.

KEY MATCHUP

An Iowa State secondary that creates turnovers against a fast and good hands Texas receiving corps. Longhorn receivers Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy as well as tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders are matchup problems for any defense. Texas QB Quinn Ewers is still getting healthy after a shoulder sprain and any throws off the mark could be easy pickings for the Cyclones. Iowa State has 15 interceptions.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Texas: Freshman RB CJ Baxter was the highly-touted recruit who was the heir apparent to the departed All-American Bijan Robinson. Baxter won the starting job over Jonathon Brooks in training camp and was the No. 1 tailback for the first two games. But rib and foot injuries sidelined him and Brooks burst on the scene nationally with 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns. But Brooks is now out for the season with a knee injury, opening the door for Baxter’s return as the go-to guy.

Iowa State: QB Rocco Becht will be facing his highest-ranked opponent and with his team's slim hopes for a Big 12 title game appearance hanging in the balance. He's mostly been a steady performer, having thrown a touchdown in nine of his 10 starts, but probably will need to play his best game if the Cyclones are going to have a chance.