HornsNation: Texas-Iowa State Preview
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STATS to watch: Seeing Red
By Carter Strickland
Everybody knows where the ball is going in the red zone -- right into the hands of Joe Bergeron. The running back, who runs like the boulder going downhill (think Indiana Jones.) has punched the ball in 16 times. That has allowed Texas to turnaround its red zone offense from one of the worst (it was 107 in FBS last season) to a top 20 unit this year (No. 16.)
But the reason for the turnaround in red zone play can be credited to more than just Bergeron. The Texas passing game has made huge strides inside the 20. Last season, Texas completed 40 percent of its red zone passes for 1.6 yards per attempt and had an efficiency rating of 98.6. Ash and Case McCoy have combined to complete 55.6 percent of their passes for 5.0 yards per attempt and have an efficiency rating of 224.9.
Read our stats that matter here. 
HORNSNATION PREDICTIONS
Max Olson: Texas 41, Iowa State 24
Carter Strickland: Texas 38, Iowa State 21
William Wilkerson: Texas 56, Iowa State 24
Read the staff's full predictions here.
FOUR DOWNS: Redemption
By Sean Adams
I'm sure Carrington Byndom does not want to read this because he has not had the year that he hoped for. But if the Texas Tech game is any indication, redemption might be right around the corner.
Byndom has not played with confidence for most of the year. He has dealt with nagging injuries and inconsistent play. Most Texas fans were looking at his side of the field with fear and trembling.
In the last couple of games, he has played well on special teams, in coverage and shown an ability to make big plays. With what Texas is trying to do, things will be a lot easier on the defense if the two cornerbacks can be trusted in coverage by themselves.
Byndom told me on Monday that he felt like he got back to playing the way he is capable of playing. He did not make excuses with the injuries. He only talked of his need to continue to work hard and get better every practice. He will have the chance to redeem himself more and more over the next few weeks.
Read Adams' four downs here.
Stories Of The Week
Some of the top Texas stories from HornsNation in case you missed them:
• Texas defense, LB Edmond hitting high gear
• Hard work propels Ash to excel against Tech
• Adams: Victory allows Longhorns to write new ending
• University of Texas community mourns loss of DKR
• Texas-Texas Tech film review
• Five storylines: Iowa State vs. Texas
• Evaluating Texas' bowl game scenarios
• Inconsistent Horns must get rid of 'lulls'
For more discussion, check out The Tower
The Recruiting Trail
Longhorns recruiting tidbits:
• The Heard: In-depth Texas recruiting notes
• Visits looming for A'Shawn Robinson
• WR Jacorey Warrick makes jump in ESPN 150
• Q&A: 2013 junior college DE Kewan Alfred
• Q&A: Coach of 2014 RB commit Kyle Hicks
For more, check out RecruitingNation
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