Cyclone 2-minute Drill: Baylor Bears

ISU RUSH OFFENSE VS. BAYLOR RUSH DEFENSE

Iowa State has yet to find an identity in the running game, ranking last in the Big 12 in rushing yards per game (96.3). Baylor has been very effective at stopping the run, allowing just 64.3 yards per game. Iowa State has two very capable running backs in Aaron Wimberly and DeVondrick Nealy - along with a mobile quarterback in Sam Richardson - but getting the running game started against the stout defensive front of the Bears is a tall order. Advantage: Baylor

ISU PASS OFFENSE VS. BAYLOR PASS DEFENSE

One area Baylor has not necessarily dominated its opponents in is defending the pass. Richardson has made good decisions through the first three games and will have Jarvis West at his disposal again after he suffered an injury late in the Iowa game against Iowa. The Cyclones will be looking at Dondre Daley, Tad Ecby, Allen Lazard, Brett Medders and D'Vario Montgomery to be even more productive. Advantage: Iowa State

BAYLOR RUSH OFFENSE VS. ISU RUSH DEFENSE

Iowa State comes into today's game with a faster defensive line after Mitchell Meyers was moved to defensive tackle and Trent Taylor slotted as a starting defensive end. Baylor is pretty fast, too, and leads the Big 12 in rushing offense (238.3 yards per game). The Cyclones are ninth in the Big 12 in rushing defense, giving up 221 yards per game on the ground. Advantage: Baylor

BAYLOR PASS OFFENSE VS. ISU PASS DEFENSE

The first three teams Iowa State played this season - North Dakota State, Kansas State and Iowa - are considered mostly power football teams. The Bears like to play a different game. Baylor leads the conference in passing yards per game (416), so the young ISU secondary will be put to the test with not only Bryce Petty as a quarterback, but all of the weapons at his disposal. Advantage: Baylor

SPECIAL TEAMS

Baylor's field goal kicker and punter rank last in their respective categories through three games. Not necessarily because they're ineffective, but because they aren't used much. BU punter Spencer Roth has only punted seven times while kicker Chris Callahan has attempted five field goals. Iowa State has West and will have to find away to keep him involved even more on special teams. Advantage: Iowa State

ISU WILL WIN IF ...

It can find a way to control the clock and shorten the game. Baylor prides itself on playing up-tempo and keeping its opponents heads spinning by how quickly plays are called and executed. The Cyclones will have to find a way to maintain control of the ball and tempo on to allow the defense adequate recovery.

BAYLOR WILL WIN IF ...

It can exploit the front-seven of the ISU defense in the running game and play at its usual breakneck pace. The Bears also have a defense to match their offense - albeit against lesser competition - but will come into the game in Ames with a lot of confidence on both sides of the ball.

Baylor 49, Iowa State 24

- Dylan Montz