Time To Move On: Nebraska Vs. Iowa State

I know it is tough, but we all must put that Texas Tech debacle behind us and focus on Iowa State. 

Iowa State is coming off of its first Big 12 conference victory in 11 games, with a 24-10 victory over the Baylor Bears at home. 

Paul Rhoads definitely has this team moving in the right direction.  They have a winning record (4-3) halfway through the football season.  And with two more wins this Iowa State team could be bowl eligible for the first time since the Dan McCarney era.

Nebraska is coming off of one of the most confusing losses this season to Husker fans.  It's a loss that has people calling for offensive coordinator Shawn Watson's job and for the replacement of Zac Lee by true freshman Cody Green. 

So how does this weekend shake out?  This is the way I see it, but once again remember, these are just my opinions.  Obviously last week, I was way off.

 
     Iowa State (4-3 [1-2])

Iowa State is a team that is desperately seeking success, and they don't seem far from it.  Iowa State fans are not delusional; they know that this is going to be a tough road, but on that road Paul Rhoads seems to be making a turnaround more likely. 

The Cyclones are a blocked field goal and completed fourth quarter pass away from being 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference with their lone blowout loss to the undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes. 

This Cyclones team is much better than they were a year ago and sees themselves as a danger in this Big 12 North.  And Nebraska cannot look beyond that.  So what are the keys for Iowa State in this game?

Offensive Keys: Iowa State's offense has been flying high all season long.  Their running game and the surprisingly accurate passing of Austin Arnaud has this team clicking on all cylinders and averaging over 26 points per game this season. 

The key for Iowa State is to get the running game going.  Alexander Robinson has turned into an impressive weapon for an offense that is going back to its bread and butter of the past: the power running game. 

Robinson has gained over 700 yards this season with a 5.7 yards per carry average and six touchdowns.  Arnaud has over 400 yards rushing, averaging just over 4.5 per carry. But it has been the success of the passing game that has the Cyclones moving and opening up a decent offense. 

Austin Arnaud has thrown an impressive 1,200+ yards this season with completion percentage of 56 percent and nine TDs with five INTs. 

But, as of right now, the Cyclones have not seen a defense like the Nebraska Cornhuskers besides Iowa.  And Iowa forced a multitude of turnovers and held the Cyclones to only three points the entire game.

Iowa State must get Robinson going on the ground if they are going to have any success in this game.  They need to move the ball quickly and take advantage of all scoring opportunities they get because there won't be many. 

Arnaud must scramble effectively but still challenge the defense down field, while not making any mistakes on the road.  This is a tall task for the Cyclones but it can be done.

Players to watch: Alexander Robinson and Marquis Hamilton

Defensive Keys: The Iowa State defense has been less than reliable this season, however they seemed to turn it around against Baylor last week, and they will need more of the same this week.

The key to this game is playing up to the competition.  Nebraska's offense has been so sporadic that it can make defenses look better than they actually are. 

The key for Iowa State is to take advantage of early miscues by the Cornhuskers just like Texas Tech did. 

Iowa State's defense is the epitome of mediocrity, being ranked seventh in conference in scoring defense.  Iowa State though, must do better than their 10th ranked rushing defense implies they will do against the run.  They will be focusing on stopping Roy Helu and getting to the quarterback, whomever it may be.

Iowa State has to slow down Nebraska's running attack and force mediocre receivers with mediocre quarterback play to beat them.  If they cannot do that, it will be a long day for the Cyclone Defense.

Payers to watch: Jesse Smith and Fred Garrin  

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