Cyclones need another group effort against Cornhuskers

AMES - Offense, defense, special teams - each has had its fingerprints on Iowa State's victories the past two weekends.

And to achieve bowl eligibility for a second straight season with a win this Saturday against Nebraska (No. 7 in the BCS standings) at Jack Trice Stadium, those units will need to be at their best.

After a pair of lopsided losses threatened to derail the season, this team has impressively regained its focus and swagger. The Cyclones (5-4, 3-2 Big 12) shook off a slow start and had a monster second half in a 28-16 win over Kansas this past Saturday.

“We are a confident football team right now,” Coach Paul Rhoads said. “We have an understanding and appreciation of how good of a football team we can be.”

Trailing 9-7 at halftime against the lowly Jayhawks, the offense ripped off 21 straight points in the third quarter.

Running backs Alexander Robinson, Jeff Woody and Shontrelle Johnson each had touchdown runs as the Cyclones took control after the break.

“We came out more confident and knew what we had to do,” said tight end Collin Franklin. “The defense played great all game and had our back. We just had to put up some points for them.”

The defense - which came up with four take-aways the previous week at Texas - held Kansas to 268 yards and an average of 3.6 yards per play.

A long touchdown drive late against ISU's reserves made those numbers look better than they were.

Linebacker Jake Knott led the way with 13 tackles, an interception and a sack.

“They've got a nice confidence level in getting the job done,” Rhoads said.

Punt returner Josh Lenz supplied the excitement on special teams with his wild 62-yard score, ISU's first on a punt return since 2006.

Lenz now has touchdowns in consecutive games. The sophomore made a touchdown catch against the Longhorns and is becoming a real factor in the passing game.

“I'm getting more reps and really understanding things more,” he said.

Johnson tallied his second rushing touchdown of the season. Woody's was the first of his career.

“It's reflective of our entire football team,” Rhoads said. “Continuous improvement is the objective of this team. We are really making nice strides with that.”

Nebraska (7-1, 3-1) won't lack for motivation coming to Ames for the final time as a member of the Big 12.

ISU upset the Huskers a year ago in Lincoln. Eight turnovers helped the Cyclones to a 9-7 victory, its first at Memorial Stadium in 32 years.

The visitors will be ready.

“I know they will,” Franklin said. “But we are going to be ready for them, too.”