GAMEDAY: Cyclones focused on improvement, not favorite role

AMES - The words “Iowa State football” and the term “underdog” have become virtually synonymous.

In Coach Paul Rhoads' two-plus seasons, the Cyclones have been favored to win a total of 10 times.

They've emerged victorious in 16 games in that span, rendering the formulations of experts suspect, if not irrelevant.

“We proved against Texas Tech favorites don't really mean nothing in this league,” said ISU running back James White, who rushed for a game-high 138 yards in last week's 41-7 upset of the Red Raiders. “We've just got to play hard every week.”

Case in point this season - and this weekend.

The Cyclones enter today's 11:30 a.m. Big 12 game against Kansas (2-6, 0-5) as two-touchdown favorites. It's the first time this season ISU (4-4, 1-4) has been picked to win against a fellow Football Bowl Subdivision school.

“I don't think we really pay too much attention to that kind of stuff,” Cyclone linebacker Jake Knott said. “In this conference, it doesn't matter who's the favorite. All the teams are good and anybody can beat anybody.”

So far, the Jayhawks are the only team to fall short of that claim. They have shown flashes, however. Kansas trailed Oklahoma, 24-17, three weeks ago before surrendering 23 unanswered points.

And the Jayhawks led Texas Tech, 20-7, after one quarter before falling 45-34.

“I think they're a talented football team and we've had enough crossover that I've had a chance to see them play,” said ISU Coach Paul Rhoads, who is 1-1 against Kansas. “(Texas Tech coach) Tommy (Tuberville) and I were talking about it before the game, they're a talented football team. They've got the ability to compete with anybody in this league.”

Just a week ago, coaches were talking about the Cyclones in much the same way. How quickly roles - and fortunes - can change.

“Now that we've played a complete game, how good can we get in the last four games here of the regular season?” Rhoads said. “And I think our team's excited about that challenge. They had fun (last Saturday). They saw the success of a great weeklong preparation and then game day execution and they're excited to see what we can add to that as we push forward.”

On paper, ISU's resurgent offense appears capable of pushing around the Jayhawks, who rank 119th out of 120 FBS schools in rush defense. Kansas has allowed at least 42 points to seven straight opponents and 59-plus to three of them.

“Everybody knows we need to get this win, so we just have to go into (it) ready,” Cyclone quarterback Jared Barnett said.

Favorite or not, it's any which way to two more wins and bowl eligibility for the second time in the past three seasons.

“Our focus, our vision, is more about improvement than it is about avoiding the pitfalls of the euphoria of a great victory, or being the favorite; having the target on your chest,” Rhoads said. “We want to get better.”

To do that, paper gets tossed into the wind. ISU has won six more than expected in its past 33 games and at least one more triumph plucked from the plus-side of the odds sheet is required to meet the team's annual baseline goal.

“We're not focusing on the people voting us to win or lose, or be underdogs,” Cyclone defensive end Jake Lattimer said. “We're just trying to stay level headed.”

GAME ANALYSIS

When Kansas has the ball

Stack the box:  The Jayhawks are reasonably productive on the ground, churning up 164.3 yards, which ranks 53rd nationally. ISU has given up 300-plus yards rushing twice this season.

Reheat.  Judicious use of blitzes helped ISU spring three sacks on Texas A & M's highly-rated offensive line a couple weeks ago. Kansas is allowing 2.4 sacks per game.

Respect Webb.  Jordan Webb is one of the least productive quarterbacks the Cyclones have faced all season. He's still talented. Given time, he tends to be accurate (33rd in pass efficiency).

Success in threes.  Iowa State limited Texas Tech to a 23 percent third-down conversion rate. Cyclones must keep that trend up. All tolled, they're allowing 40.5 percent of third downs to be converted.

A.J. = A1.  Linebacker A.J. Klein has quietly led ISU in tackles four straight weeks. What's not quiet is Klein's intensity, which has also led to a pick six, a sack, and two pass breakups.

When Iowa State has the ball

Create chasms.  The banged-up offensive line began to jell against Texas A & M and truly excelled against Texas Tech, opening up lanes for 368 yards rushing. Kansas allows 258 on the ground.

Keep Barnett's jersey clean.  ISU, like Kansas, allows 2.4 sacks per game (tied, 84th in nation). The Jayhawks' pass rush is toothless, though, managing seven quarterback takedowns all season.

Turn nine to 10.  The Cyclones put together a touchdown drive spanning 8:40 last week. Why not add a minute to that this week? It's possible, particularly if Barnett can up his completion rate.

Give Kirby a rest.  ISU punter Kirby Van Der Kamp has punted five or more times in all but two games this season. A light day means points are going up instead of kicks, always a good thing.

Hold on.  Ball security has been an issue all year, but last week the Cyclones fumbled three times. They're fortunate only one was lost - James White's, while one-yard short of the goal line.

The scoreboard

Cyclones may be challenged early, but the outcome will never be in doubt.

ISU 34, Kansas 17