Insight Bowl 2011: Who Needs to Step Up for Iowa vs. Oklahoma?

The Iowa Hawkeyes face a stern test in the Insight Bowl against No. 14 Oklahoma on Friday.

They are coming off a 20-7 loss to Nebraska on Nov. 25 and need to play much better if they expect to beat the Sooners, despite the Sooners' disappointing loss to Oklahoma State to end the regular season.

Several things need to happen for Iowa to even think about upsetting Oklahoma.

Here is a breakdown of the players who need to step up for the Hawkeyes.

Running backs: Jordan Canzeri, Brad Rogers, Damon Bullock, De'Andre Johnson

With Marcus Coker suspended, the Hawkeyes have lost their biggest offensive weapon.

That means Canzeri, Rogers, Bullock and Johnson all need to step up when called upon. Of the four, Johnson has the most carries this season with a grand total of 18 rushes (Coker had 281 carries on the season).

Don't be surprised if the Hawkeyes unleash their freshmen in this game to give themselves some semblance of a running game. If one of these freshmen can surprise, things could get interesting.

Cornerbacks: Micah Hyde, Shaun Prater

Hyde definitely has the ability to change the outcome of this game. He had the deciding interception against Blaine Gabbert and Missouri in last season's Insight Bowl, earning him defensive MVP honors.

But Prater will have to step up significantly for the Hawkeyes to have a shot against an offense led by quarterback Landry Jones, who is averaging 365.1 passing yards per game (fourth in the nation).

The good news is Jones has struggled minus injured receiver Ryan Broyles, tossing five interceptions and zero touchdowns in the last three games.

Defensive line: Mike Daniels, Broderick Binns

Iowa's defensive line has been inconsistent, going on hot and cold streaks throughout the season.

Daniels has recorded seven sacks while Binns has five sacks on the season. Both are seniors and have experience.

The defensive line has to pressure Jones if Iowa has any shot.