Cyclone 2-minute drill: The Toledo Rockets

ISU RUSH OFFENSE VS. TOLEDO RUSH DEFENSE

Iowa State saw a slight uptick in its rushing attack in the loss to Oklahoma State and the Cyclones leading rusher was finally someone not named Sam Richardson. Aaron Wimberly netted 44 yards and averaged 4.4 yards per carry. Toledo looks to stop the run and ranks 30th in the NCAA in rush defense. Linebacker Junior Sylvestre leads the Rockets in tackles with 56, playing behind a stout defensive line. This might not be the game where the ISU rushing attack takes off. Advantage: Toledo

ISU PASS OFFENSE VS. TOLEDO PASS DEFENSE

As dominant as the Toledo rush defense is, the Rockets' passing defense is on the other end of the spectrum. Toledo allows 325.7 yards per game through the air, which ranks 122nd in the NCAA. Injuries and miscues have hampered the Cyclones' air attack in the past couple games, but Sam Richardson and the receivers will have an opportunity to air it out on today. Advantage: Iowa State

TOLEDO RUSH OFFENSE VS. ISU RUSH DEFENSE

Toledo is effective on the ground offensively, too. Toledo averages 242.7 yards per game rushing and ranks 20th nationally. Sophomore Kareem Hunt leads the NCAA in rushing yards per attempt (8.9) and freshman Terry Swanson tallied 172 yards in last week's win over Western Michigan. ISU Coach Paul Rhoads also noted how quickly offensive linemen get to the second level of defenses, making the task for ISU's front-seven challenging. Advantage: Toledo

TOLEDO PASS OFFENSE VS. ISU PASS DEFENSE

After not grabbing interceptions in the first two games of the year, the Cyclones have hauled in four picks in the last three games, including two last week against Oklahoma State. Toledo is operating with sophomore backup quarterback Logan Woodside after losing starter Phillip Ely to a season-ending knee injury. Anchored by Nigel Tribune, the young ISU secondary is starting to get more of a nose for the football at an opportune time. Advantage: Iowa State

SPECIAL TEAMS

Iowa State experienced a couple uncharacteristic special teams errors against Oklahoma State, both of which eventually resulted in touchdowns for the Cowboys. Rhoads was adamant those would be addressed and corrected throughout the week. Cole Netten is perfect this season kicking. He is 14-for-14 with PATs and 4-for-4 on field goals. After getting banged up against Oklahoma State, Jarvis West is expected to play, which will allow the Cyclones to be a threat in the return game. Advantage: Iowa State

ISU WILL WIN IF ...

It can slow down the Toledo rushing game and exploit matchups against the Rockets' secondary. E.J. Bibbs was fairly quiet in the ISU passing attack through the first four games, but caught two touchdowns against Oklahoma State and proved he can be a reliable target. Allen Lazard also is coming into his own as a true freshman with 13 catches for 208 yards and a touchdown.

TOLEDO WILL WIN IF ...

It can find consistency in its secondary to take away the Cyclones' passing game. The Rockets have relied a lot on their run defense to stifle their opponents, but if they can find a way force Richardson into making bad decisions, it could be another long day for the ISU offense.

Iowa State 31, Toledo 20

- Dylan Montz