Cyclone 2-minute drill: The Texas Longhorns

ISU RUSH OFFENSE VS. TEXAS RUSH DEFENSE

Iowa State has struggled in the running game all season, but finally got a bit more production against Toledo from running back DeVondrick Nealy. The athletic front-seven of Texas can physically impose itself in the opponent's backfield. Advantage: Texas

ISU PASS OFFENSE VS. TEXAS PASS DEFENSE

Against Toledo, Iowa State experimented with an up-tempo offense and it paid off. Sam Richardson had a career day passing with D'Vario Montgomery having the best game of his young ISU career. Texas' pass defense is the best in the Big 12 and has nine interceptions so far this season, giving up just 133.7 yards per game. Advantage: Texas

TEXAS RUSH OFFENSE VS. ISU RUSH DEFENSE

Texas has a veteran running back combination with senior Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray, but have yet to see the running game really take off. The Longhorns are No. 9 in the Big 12 - just ahead of Iowa State - in rushing and average just 3.7 yards per carry. Texas also has a somewhat inexperience offensive line and will face an ISU defensive front with speed and a bit more emphasis on blitzing, as well as safeties who are frequently used to stop the run. Advantage: Iowa State

TEXAS PASS OFFENSE VS. ISU PASS DEFENSE

Texas quarterback David Ash was forced to give up football because of repeated injuries, forcing sophomore Tyrone Swoopes into the starting spot. Swoopes averages 178 yards per game passing. ISU Coach Paul Rhoads has seen a lot of growth from his secondary, so forcing Swoopes into tough situations and taking away short passes will be critical for success. Advantage: Iowa State

SPECIAL TEAMS

ISU kicker Cole Netten continues to be a safety net for the Cyclones. He is 7-for-7 halfway through the season with a long of 47 yards. The true x-factor on special teams will be Jarvis West. He was held out of the Toledo game, but Rhoads said West will play tonight and has the ability to be a spark at any time. Advantage: Iowa State

ISU WILL WIN IF ...

It can exploit the Texas secondary. Richardson gained a lot of confidence in his performance against Toledo, but it will be a stark difference in talent level against the Longhorns.

TEXAS WILL WIN IF ...

It can force Richardson into making bad decisions and making him overthink his job. Swoopes can gain confidence finding receivers in the flats for short gains to set up longer throws.

Texas 30, Iowa State 24

- Dylan Montez