2-Minute Drill: Toledo vs. Iowa State

ISU RUSH OFFENSE VS. TOLEDO RUSH DEFENSE

Last week's game against Iowa will be one of the most stout defensive fronts Iowa State will see, but the running game is a major concern. The Cyclones ran for just 63 yards — five in the second half — and the responsibility is going to fall equally on the offensive line and running backs. Toledo allowed 3.1 yards per carry last week and has a veteran group, the smallest of which is 6-foot-3, 235 pounds. Advantage: Toledo

ISU PASS OFFENSE VS. TOLEDO PASS DEFENSE

It's likely the running game will struggle to be consistent against the TU defensive front, so once again the pressure is on ISU quarterback Sam Richardson and the bevy of receivers to find ways to get open. Although he struggled last week, Richardson had a career day last season against the Rockets back-seven — most of which are the same personnel. Advantage: Iowa State

TOLEDO RUSH OFFENSE VS. ISU RUSH DEFENSE

Toledo didn't light the world on fire in the running game in its win against Arkansas, but Damion Jones-Moore averaged 6.2 yards on 11 carries. The Rockets also will get their stud, Kareem Hunt, back after he served a suspension for the first two weeks. The 6-foot, 225-pound Hunt is one of the best backs in the nation and has rushed for at least 100 yards in 11 straight games. Iowa State will have Demond Tucker in the fold as well as Dale Pierson. Toledo should be a good measuring stick for conference play. Advantage: Toledo

TOLEDO PASS OFFENSE VS. ISU PASS DEFENSE

The speed and athleticism of the ISU back seven will be a key piece to success against Toledo. In their upset of Arkansas, Rockets quarterback Phillip Ely was 21-for-38 passing for 237 yards and a touchdown, hitting eight different receivers. Cyclones safety Kamari Cotton-Moya has proved to be a valuable catchall with 8.5 tackles per game and 2.0 tackles for loss. Advantage: Iowa State

SPECIAL TEAMS

Toledo punted just four times for 146 total yards and kicked a 38-yard field goal last week. Iowa State kicker Cole Netten made his only attempt against Iowa — from 37 yards — while Colin Downing punted seven times for an average of 44.4 yards and five kicks inside the 20. And if Allen Lazard is given time on punt returns, he proved against Northern Iowa he can be a threat with his size and strength. Advantage: Iowa State

INTANGIBLES

1. Iowa State leads the all-time series with Toledo, 2-1. The Cyclones won in Jack Trice Stadium last season 37-30 and in 2006 45-43 in 3OT in Ames. The Rockets won 36-35 in Toledo in 2007.

2. Historically, Toledo's home stadium, the Glass Bowl, has been a tough environment for opposing teams. The Rockets beat No. 18 Cincinnati by six in 2012 and scored its highest-ranked victory against No. 9 Pittsburgh at home in 2003.

3. ISU quarterback Sam Richardson had the best game of his career as a starter last season against Toledo when he completed a school record 37 passes and career high 351 yards.

3 AND OUT

1. Iowa State running backs coach Lou Ayeni spent three seasons at Toledo before joining Iowa State last year. He was assistant head coach/run game coordinator and recruited TU running back Kareem Hunt.

2. After beating Arkansas in Little Rock last week, a win against Iowa State would be the first time Toledo has beaten two Power Five conference schools in the same season.

3. The Cyclones' win against Toledo in 2006 was the first overtime win in Iowa State history after it lost the previous five overtime matchups.

ISU WILL WIN IF ...

It can run the ball well enough to open up the passing game and contain the TU running backs. Running the ball well doesn't mean Iowa State has to rush for 150 yards as a team, but being in the neighborhood of 100 yards and 4.5 yards per carry will take some of the pressure off Richardson and the receivers.

TOLEDO WILL WIN IF ...

It can impede the ISU rushing attack early and press the receivers. The Iowa defensive line was able to get to the running backs outside and played more press coverage in the second half, making it hard for the receivers to get open. If Toledo can mimic that scheme, Iowa State will have its hands full.

PREDICTION: Iowa State 24, Toledo 21