Thursday night football viewing guide, why-to-watch, and open thread

Tonight’s main event (well, the only event) takes the Texas Longhorns to Ames for a face-off against much-improved Iowa State. The Horns are a really iffy 1-2, having gotten blasted by Maryland and then blowing their wad in a loss to USC. Iowa State is going the other direction. At 2-1, they are just one win shy of matching last season’s 3-banger. The ‘Clone renaissance has been led by a stingy ground defense, an opportunist secondary, while leaving the wide open offensive attack in place. Coaching changes have that effect, eh?

What’s the bigger indictment of Texas football: That the Cyclones are a measuring stick for Texas’ season, or that the ‘Horns may not be able to live up to the challenge. A loss tonight all-bit consigns Tom Herman’s squad to bowl oblivion. A win for Iowa State could be the launch of a return to post-season play. Watch a potential meltdown unfold!

Texas Longhorns at Iowa State Cyclones

7:00 Central, ESPN /WatchEspn

Texas -6, O/U 60.5