Cyclone 2-Minute Drill: Texas Tech

ISU RUSH OFFENSE VS. TECH RUSH DEFENSE

Although Iowa State's running game has been spotty at times this season, senior Aaron Wimberly has begun to hit his stride. He has rushed for 232 yards in the last three games, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Texas Tech's rushing defense ranks last in the Big 12, giving up 260.3 yards per game on the ground. Advantage: Iowa State

ISU PASS OFFENSE VS. TECH PASS DEFENSE

With junior quarterback Sam Richardson expected to return after missing the last game against Kansas with a shoulder injury, the Cyclones have an opportunity to get some production against a young Red Raiders' secondary. Texas Tech does have athleticism with two freshmen, two sophomores and junior, but ISU receivers D'Vario Montgomery, Allen Lazard and tight end E.J. Bibbs have found ways to exploit size mismatches throughout the season. Advantage: Iowa State

TECH RUSH OFFENSE VS. ISU RUSH DEFENSE

Injuries have bitten the front-seven of the ISU defense hard this season. Linemen Brandon Jensen, Robby Garcia and Devlyn Cousin all have been banged up this season and senior linebacker Jevohn Miller suffered a torn ACL against Oklahoma to end his season. TTU running back DeAndre Washington is 148 yards away from becoming a 1,000-yard rusher and will be able to expose weaknesses in the middle of the Cyclones' defense. Advantage: Texas Tech

TTU PASS OFFENSE VS. ISU PASS DEFENSE

Red Raiders' sophomore quarterback Davis Webb is expected to start and the ISU secondary will be put on alert for the deep throws. Freshman quarterback Patrick Mahomes started Texas Tech's last game and threw for 393 yards and four touchdowns in a loss to Oklahoma, and with the ability of the TTU offense to stretch the field, communication in the ISU secondary will be as important as ever. Advantage: Texas Tech

SPECIAL TEAMS

Although Cole Netten missed his first kick two weeks ago in the loss to Kansas, he still owns an 88.9 percent field goal average this season. Texas Tech's Ryan Bustin is 8-of-11 kicking with a long of 38 yards, and weather could potentially be factor in the special teams game with the temperature dropping. Struggling on and off this season with health, Jarvis West always is a threat in the return game. Advantage: Iowa State

ISU WILL WIN IF ...

The Cyclones can consistently get stops early. Iowa State fell into an early 17-0 hole in its loss to Kansas, and if it wants to find its first Big 12 win, the defense will have to force Texas Tech into tough situations early.

TTU WILL WIN IF ...

The defense can force Iowa State into three-and-outs in the first few drives. ISU Coach Paul Rhoads talked about his team having to play its way into confidence and if the Cyclones experience adversity to begin the game, it might be another long day on both sides of the ball.

Texas Tech 31, Iowa State 24

- Dylan Montz