Cyclone 2-Minute Drill: West Virginia

ISU RUSH OFFENSE VS. WVU RUSH DEFENSE

Iowa State's rushing attack, although slow to start, racked up 265 yards last week against Texas Tech, which was the highest output this season. Although the Red Raiders own the worst rush defense in the Big 12, the up-tempo attack helped Aaron Wimberly to rush for 102 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Wimberly has turned up his production the last several weeks and likely will take a lot of confidence as his college career nears its end. Advantage: Iowa State

ISU PASS OFFENSE VS. WVU PASS DEFENSE

Coming back against Texas Tech as the signal caller after missing the game against Kansas, quarterback Sam Richardson returned to old form. He was 24-of-38 passing for 304 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the Mountaineers boasting the third best pass defense in the conference, E.J. Bibbs, D'Vario Montgomery, Allen Lazard and Tad Ecby give Richardson plenty of options to spread the ball around. Advantage: Iowa State

WVU RUSH OFFENSE VS. ISU RUSH DEFENSE

Kane Seeley made his second start as Iowa State's middle linebacker, replacing the injured Jevohn Miller, while red-shirt freshman Brian Mills started on the weak side ahead of Luke Knott. The result was shaky. The Cyclones gave up 272 yards on the ground and 6.8 yards per carry, and will try to find away to slow down West Virginia, which averages 178.6 rushing yards per game. Advantage: West Virginia

WVU PASS OFFENSE VS. ISU PASS DEFENSE

Showing flashes at times in the secondary - with an interception last week by Nigel Tribune for example - Iowa State is trying to get its defensive backs to grow up fast. Big plays have been a concern in recent weeks as something that can derail the confidence of the secondary, and with West Virginia bringing a passing attack that averages 317.3 yards per game, the ISU secondary will be on high alert. Advantage: West Virginia

SPECIAL TEAMS

Nearly automatic through most of the season, ISU kicker Cole Netten saw a dip last week. He was 1 of 3 on field goals with misses from 41 an 42 yards. Meanwhile WVU kicker Josh Lambert has gotten plenty of opportunities to trot onto the field. He has attempted 32 field goals, making 24, with a long of 55 yards. Advantage: West Virginia

ISU WILL WIN IF ...

It can keep the defense off the field. Slow starts due to turnovers or simply stalling out have given ISU opponents short fields to work with, putting Iowa State's inexperienced defense in tough spots early. The Cyclones will have to find a way be productive on offense early to avoid a two touchdown hole like they did last week.

WVU WILL WIN IF ...

It can take advantage of the inexperienced ISU defense early on. The Cyclones' last three opponents have come out of the gate swinging and put Iowa State in holes. West Virginia will be sure to look at film and try to replicate the same rhythm as Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Tech.

West Virginia 34, Iowa State 28

- Dylan Montz