Cyclone 2-Minute Drill: Oklahoma Sooners

ISU RUSH OFFENSE VS. OKLAHOMA RUSH DEFENSE

Iowa State found a rhythm in its running game against Texas, rushing for 179 yards and getting 110 from senior Aaron Wimberly. It will be the stout defensive line up front that will give the Cyclones problems on the ground. Advantage: Oklahoma

ISU PASS OFFENSE VS. OU PASS DEFENSE

OU sophomore Zack Sanchez leads the Big 12 in interceptions with five, which is tied for third in the country. Senior Julian Wilson also has 10 pass break ups in 2014, but the Cyclones have started to hit their stride offensively with Sam Richardson posting back-to-back career numbers in completions. The emergence of D'Vario Montgomery and Allen Lazard, with the consistency of E.J. Bibbs, as well as the size of all three players, could keep the Sooners guessing. Advantage: Iowa State

OU RUSH OFFENSE VS. ISU RUSH DEFENSE

The Sooners will provide perhaps one of the biggest challenges for the ISU defensive front this season with their size at the line of scrimmage. Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said Oklahoma might be the deepest team at running back the Cyclones have played. As opposed to most of the Big 12, Oklahoma has established more of a power-run identity, so the smaller defensive front of Iowa State has been focused on playing sound in the gaps. Advantage: Oklahoma

OU PASS OFFENSE VS. ISU PASS DEFENSE

The ISU secondary ended the game against Texas on a sour note, giving up two big passing plays to set up the Longhorns' game-winning field goal. The challenges don't let up against the Sooners. Junior Sterling Shepard ranks ninth in OU history in receptions (145), sixth in receiving yards (2,135) and fourth in 100-yard receiving games (eight). ISU defensive backs have had two weeks to prepare for the OU passing game and quarterback Trevor Knight. Advantage: Oklahoma

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Sooners experienced a bit of a nightmare in a 31-30 loss to Kansas State last weekend when kicker Michael Hunnicutt missed two short field goals and had an extra point blocked. ISU kicker Cole Netten has been perfect this season, hitting 24-of-24 PATs and 8-of-8 field goals. Jarvis West also will be at the Cyclones disposal in the return game, which is a spark Iowa State hasn't had in recent weeks. Advantage: Iowa State

ISU WILL WIN IF ...

It can slow down the Oklahoma rushing game. The Cyclones don't match up well with the Sooners up front, but if Iowa State can play more sound assignment-wise and use its speed against the OU size, it could prove to be a key to success.

OU WILL WIN IF ...

It can control the tempo and take advantage of its size and weapons on offense. Coach Paul Rhoads said this week his team isn't built to win in shootouts so the defensive presence has to be more apparent.

Oklahoma 35, Iowa State 24

- Dylan Montz