ISU 2-Minute Drill: Oklahoma State

ISU RUSH OFFENSE VS. OSU RUSH DEFENSE

Iowa State has averaged 209.1 rushing yards per game in the last seven games, but dipped in production last week against a physical front seven. Mike Warren is three yards short of 1,000 rushing — he should reach the milestone with ease — but will have to contend with an OSU defense that brings lots of pressure up front and is holding opponents to 147.3 yards per game. Advantage: Oklahoma State

ISU PASS OFFENSE VS. OSU PASS DEFENSE

Quarterback Joel Lanning was dealt a heavy pass rush last week and threw 51 times, completing almost 51 percent of them. Despite throwing for 260 yards and a score, too many Lanning throws dove toward the ground and created missed chances for the ISU playmakers. The Cowboys secondary might be slightly overlooked. Oklahoma State has 14 interceptions and is holding teams to 243.7 passing yards on average. Advantage: Oklahoma State

OSU RUSH OFFENSE VS. ISU RUSH DEFENSE

Iowa State has a history of holding one-dimensional teams in check defensively, and could have a chance to slow the Cowboys rushing game. Oklahoma State is the second worst rushing team in the Big 12 (143.6 yards per game), but still managed 19 touchdowns on the ground this season. Dale Pierson has 7.5 sacks this season and is one away from tying the ISU single season mark. Advantage: Iowa State

OSU PASS OFFENSE VS. ISU PASS DEFENSE

Oklahoma State uses a two-quarterback system with Mason Rudolph and J.W. Walsh with different packages for both. Walsh is used primarily in the '4-wheeler' package in the red zone while Rudolph is effective in the open field, throwing 17 touchdowns to eight interceptions and 314.9 yards per game. James Washington and David Glidden are speedy threats on the outside that could give the ISU secondary some trouble. Advantage: Oklahoma State

SPECIAL TEAMS

Iowa State is top-10 nationally in punt return (7th, 16.89 yards per return) and kickoff return defense (8th, 16.71 yards per return). Cole Netten nailed three field goals — all 40 yards and up — against Oklahoma while Cowboys kicker Ben Grogan is 11-for-14 in field goals this season with three missed PATs on 50 tries. Advantage: Push

INTANGIBLES

1. The series — Oklahoma State leads Iowa State in the all-time series 28-18-3, but the series is tied in games played in Ames with a 12-12-1 mark.

2. Tough slate — Iowa State has the toughest schedule in the nation at this point, according to the Sagarin rankings. The six ISU losses this season are to teams with a combined record of 45-8, with only Texas Tech (5-5) having more than one loss.

3. Big numbers — Only five ISU teams have ever ended a season averaging more than 400 yards of total offense. The Cyclones are averaging 417.4 yards with three games remaining.

3 AND OUT

1. Big win — The last time Iowa State beat Oklahoma State was Nov. 18, 2011 when the Cowboys were ranked No. 2 and vying for a spot in the BCS National Championship. It was the last ISU home win against a ranked opponent.

2. Cowboy woes — Iowa State has beaten a Top 25 Oklahoma State team three times: (1973—28-12, 1985—15-10, 2011—37-31). The Cowboys are No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

3. Losing record — Paul Rhoads is 4-27 against ranked opponents as ISU coach with the last ranked win coming against No. 15 TCU, 37-23, on Oct. 6, 2012.

ISU WILL WIN IF ... It can own time of possession and force a couple turnovers. Oklahoma State isn't the highest scoring team Iowa State has played (44.6 ppg) but is +12 in the turnover margin. Taking care of the ball while forcing Cowboy mistakes will be essential.

OSU WILL WIN IF ... It can force Iowa State to quick drives. Oklahoma State is capable of scoring quickly through the air, and the Cyclones showed against Oklahoma they can be vulnerable when the opposing offense moves up tempo.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma State 45, Iowa State 31