Greg McElroy predicted a close affair with Iowa State for Texas on Friday’s edition of Always College Football.

The Longhorns can clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship with a win over the Cyclones. Texas has won 4 games in a row since the loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown.

However, Iowa State has beaten Texas in 3 of the last 4 games in Ames.

One of Texas’ calling cards with Steve Sarkisian at the helm has been the great first half starts. The second half of games has given the team trouble in the past.

McElroy noted that this year Texas has done that again, but made the plays to win games late.

“We know Texas is a great first half football team. We’ve seen that for a long time, dating back to when Steve Sarkisian took over the job in 2021. I can think back to 2021 and in 2022 how many different times they had a first half lead only to let things slip away in the second half,” said McElroy. “That’s continued this year, but they’ve made the play to flip momentum back in their favor and ultimately steal the game.”

McElroy ultimately thinks that Texas will win a close one in Ames and clinch a spot in the Big 12 title game.

“This is a group that wants to keep everything in front of them and rally up and force you to play offense,” said McElroy. “They’re not gonna give up the big plays. They’re gonna have to be really methodical and Quinn Ewers is gonna have to be very patient. I think Texas handles their business, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this game comes down to the wire.”

Kickoff will be at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.