Game analysis: Iowa State vs. Utah

When Iowa State has the ball

The Cyclones showed last week by scoring 52 points in a win over Texas Tech they've got some offensive firepower. They'll get to try and continue their run against a Utah defense that's allowed just three offensive touchdowns and ranks seventh nationally in both total defense (246.8 ypg) and scoring defense (12.8 ppg).

Austen Arnaud tossed four touchdown passes, with no interceptions, and looked like the quarterback many hoped he would be coming into the season. He's found a favorite target in tight end Collin Franklin, who leads the team with 21 catches and is a red zone threat.

Utah doesn't appear more susceptible to either the run or pass through four mostly easy games.

ISU would like to establish the run with Alexander Robinson, though the senior has been slowed some by a sore ankle. Both Robinson and freshman Shontrelle Johnson topped 100 yards last time out, the first time two runners eclipsed that mark in the same game since 2004.

Utah has held three of its four opponents under 100 yards total. Arnaud should be aware of Utes cornerback Brandon Burton, a preseason all-conference and All-America candidate.

The Cyclones appear to have put things together finally. Now if they can just avoid all the penalties.

Advantage: Iowa State

When Utah has the ball

The numbers the Utes have put up through four games have been staggering. They are averaging 44.2 points, sixth-best nationally, and nearly 400 yards with an offense that is extremely well-balanced with the run (176.2 ypg) and pass (223.2).

Sophomore quarterback Jordan Wynn missed some time due to injury but returned to the lineup for Utah's last game, a 56-3 win over San Jose State where the starters played only one half. The Utes have been dominant in the second quarter of games, outscoring opponents 70-7.

Iowa State doesn't have the best pass rush around and could have a tough time getting to Wynn as it is. The Utes have allowed just one sack this season, none by the first-team offensive line. ISU's defense under Wally Burnham has proved to be pretty good in the red zone in squashing scoring chances. That'll be tested big time tonight. Utah has scored on 15 of its 17 trips inside and opponent's 20-yard line, with 13 of those being touchdowns.

Receivers Jereme Brooks and DeVonte Christopher are the two Utes to watch. Brooks leads the team in catches (20), receiving yards (307) and touchdowns (4).

The Cyclone defense has gotten better the last few weeks, particularly in the area of tackling. Open field tackles now are being made, not missed.

Advantage: Utah

Special teams

Both teams should feel awfully confident in their kicking game. Grant Mahoney made his only attempt last week and has hit his last seven field-goal attempts. Utah senior Joe Phillips has drilled his last 12 kicks dating back to last season and has made 23 of his last 25 tries.

The Utes also have a solid punter in Sean Sellwood, who leads the Mountain West Conference and would be second nationally if he had enough attempts to qualify. Where Utah has the edge - and where ISU should probably think long and hard about its strategy - is the punt return game. Shaky Smithson has returned a pair of punts for scores and ranks second in the NCAA in punt return yards (299).

Advantage: Utah

Scoreboard

Something's got to give here. Iowa State is 7-0 in night games under Coach Paul Rhoads, including 3-0 this season. Utah is 5-0 under Coach Kyle Whittingham coming off bye weeks and 15-2 when his teams have had more than one week to prepare. Add in the Utes' 11-1 record as a top-10 team and the numbers favor the visitors.

The Cyclones are halfway to bowl eligibility for a second straight year and are feeling good with how they are playing right now. Utah has taken advantage of a weak schedule to achieve its lofty ranking. Is it deserved? Maybe not, but they appear to have a more complete team than the Cyclones.

Utah 37, Iowa State 28

- Eric Petersen

Game guide

• Teams: Iowa State (3-2) vs. Utah (4-0)

• Where: Jack Trice Stadium (55,000), Ames

• When: 6 tonight

• Kickoff forecast: Clear and 76

• TV: Fox College Sports (Direct TV 623)

• Radio: KGYM-AM (1600)

• Spread: Utah by 6

• Series: ISU leads, 4-0

• Coaches: Paul Rhoads is 10-8 in his second season at Iowa State. Kyle Whittingham is 52-17 in his sixth season at Utah.