Cyclones In The Weekend Forecast For The Jayhawks

Anyone reading this probably knows plenty about the Jayhawks-Cyclones matchup set to hit Lawrence at 11:30 A.M. this Saturday.

Iowa State is coming off a depressing loss to Kansas State in Arrowhead, while KU spent the week recovering and scheming.  KU is 4-0 and has an excellent winning streak against North opponents at home, while Iowa State's conference road record is abysmal at best.

All signs point to KU stomping all over Iowa State this Saturday, right?

Well, I can't really beat around the bush, because things truly don't look so hot for Paul Rhoads and his 'Clones.  However, things don't always work out how they're supposed to, and behind those non-successes usually lies a good reason.

Any Big-12 fan has likely heard the names Austen Arnaud, Marquis Hamilton, and Alexander Robinson, but I can assure you that in NCAA BCS conference football, there's always more in the cupboard.

There may not be a lot in Iowa State's favor this weekend, but if they want to come up really big, here are a few guys that could really help them...

The Offensive Linemen

The Jayhawk defensive front looked pretty ordinary against an experienced Southern Miss O-line two weeks ago, and Iowa State won't make anything easier.  Sure Austen Arnaud is athletic and the Cyclones thrive on running the ball, but when Arnaud does drop back to throw, he usually has plenty of time.

If Alexander Robinson is not healthy and KU jumps out the customary early lead, this won't be much of a factor.  However, this offensive line could keep Saturday's contest a close game if they can support a strong running game, something no team has succeeded in doing against the Hawks so far.

Jeremiah Schwartz, RB (5' 11'', 232 pounds)

Speaking of a good running game, Mr. Schwartz here will have to do his bit.  Robinson, one of the premier backs in the Big-12, should be ready to go for Saturday's game, but Paul Rhoads does not know for how long.

This redshirt freshman happens to play behind an athletic quarterback and a solid line, so he won't have to do much.  Simply avoiding mistakes or taking major risks would do well to help Jeremy minimize any drop-off from Robinson in the line-up.

The Cornerbacks

Leonard Johnson, Ter'ran Benton, and Tennard Banks will have their hands full come Saturday.  Johnson and Banks will both be at a noticeable height disadvantage, and neither Johnson and Benton has a particularly impressive amount of experience with big-time receivers.

Not only will there be four high-caliber receivers on the field for Mark Mangino, but also returning is a running back in Jake Sharp who will make any team pay that neglects him.

I'm almost certain that in order for the Cyclones to win this game, their cornerbacks will have to be at least semi-successful going one-on-one in most scenarios with Todd Reesing's targets.  Doing so will allow Rhoads to blitz our young line, keep a spy on Sharp, and Reesing or throw a deep safety into the fold to assist his undermanned secondary.

If nothing else, Saturday's contest should be a physical one, and Jayhawk fans will at least get to see if, for once, their run defense is up to the task. 

Hopefully, some momentum still remains from an impressive fourth quarter stand against the Golden Eagles and the Hawks can make the Cyclone running game a non-factor early.  That should be all the edge Mark Mangino and company need.