CYCLONES VS. CORNHUSKERS

When Iowa State has the ball

One of the most difficult challenges of the season awaits in Nebraska's stout and speedy defense.

The Cyclones' best bet to move the ball with much success appears to be on the ground, where opponents are averaging 162.2 yards a game on the Huskers. ISU tailback Alexander Robinson has had back-to-back 100-yard games and is showing no real affects from his recent foot and ankle injuries. He'll get plenty of carries, as will backups Jeff Woody and Shontrelle Johnson, each of whom scored touchdowns a week ago in the win over Kansas.

Quarterback Austen Arnaud has been mostly sharp the past two weeks in the passing game, and much more involved in the running game. He had a season-high 59 yards against KU.

Opponents are completing just 47.2 percent of their passes against the Huskers this season for 148.0 yards a game. They have some standout defenders ISU will have to account for in linebacker Lavonte David, who leads the Big 12 at 10.8 tackles per game, and defensive tackle Jared Crick (4.5 sacks). The Huskers just held high-scoring Missouri to 17 points.

Advantage: Nebraska

When Nebraska has the ball

Assuming quarterback Taylor Martinez has a healthy ankle, Iowa State's defense could be in real trouble. The speedy freshman is a dynamic runner and could be the fastest player on the field today.

Martinez is third in the Big 12 in rushing (110.8 ypg) while also leading the league in passing efficiency. Twice this season he has accounted for five touchdowns in a game and twice he has had 80-yard scoring runs.

The kid can play.

He's not the only threat, however. Tailback Roy Helu Jr. also averages more than 100 yards and last week in the win over Missouri piled up 307 rushing yards. And when he gets tired, the ball can go to Rex Burkhead, who also has a 100-yard game under his belt this year.

Forcing Martinez to throw the ball would be ISU's best bet, though he has some capable receivers like Niles Paul.

The Cyclones have played terrific defense the past two weeks and held Kansas without a touchdown until the final half-minute of the game. They'll likely have an extra defender keeping an eye on Martinez, probably either linebacker A.J. Klein or Jake Knott. The two rank second and third, respectively, in the Big 12 in tackles. Knott is tied for the lead in interceptions with four.

Advantage: Nebraska

Special teams

The Huskers are blessed with a fantastic kicker in Alex Henery. The senior averages 45.6 yards per punt while also putting 10 of his 11 field goal tries through the uprights. Henery has a big-time leg, this season booting a long of 52. His career best is 57, a Nebraska and Memorial Stadium record.

ISU's Grant Mahoney started strong, but has cooled off. Mahoney has missed his last four attempts, though all have been from at least 45 yards. Josh Lenz scored ISU's first punt return for a touchdown in four years last week.

Nebraska leads the Big 12 with a 14.3-yard average on punt returns.

Advantage: Nebraska

The scoreboard

The Huskers want this game for many reasons, including revenge for last season's 9-7 turnover fest in Lincoln. ISU is expecting an onslaught.

A win would be ISU's first back-to-back wins over Nebraska since the 1976 and '77 seasons. These are the only two teams in the North that control their own destinies for a trip to the Big 12 Championship. As good offensively as the Huskers have been overall this year, they are even better on the road, averaging 51.7 points and 553.3 yards of offense in wins at Washington, Kansas State and Oklahoma State.

Iowa State needs some early success if it expects to keep this one close. Its previous three games against top-10 opponents have been ugly.

Nebraska 41, Iowa State 20

- Eric Petersen