GAMEDAY: Win over Iowa has led to good things for Cyclones

This week's big.

Next week may be bigger.

For Iowa State, the arduous path to bowl eligibility - while facing one of the nation's toughest schedules for the second season in a row - begins getting steeper with today's 11 a.m. rivalry game against Iowa at home.

"There's a lot stacked against Iowa State," ESPN analyst Ed Cunningham said while referencing the Cyclones' schedule, which features perennial power Texas and nine 2010 bowl teams.

That's nothing new.

Nor is the fact the annual battle with the Hawkeyes (1-0) often foreshadows the success level of ISU's season.

The Cyclones (1-0) have reached bowl games in four of the past five seasons that included a triumph over Iowa.

"I think we will learn a lot about our football team, first of all because of how we played last week," Cyclones Coach Paul Rhoads said when asked about the beat Iowa/go bowling equation. "If we're going to be the team that we believe we can be, we've got to play quite a bit better this week against a very fine opponent. Not that last Saturday's (Northern Iowa) wasn't a very fine opponent ...

"We've got to improve everywhere you look so at the end of this game Saturday, we'll have a lot better feel."

Rhoads casts a wide net for good reason.

l New quarterback Steele Jantz accounted for three of four turnovers against the Panthers, but also keyed a fourth-quarter comeback.

l A depleted offensive line couldn't fully protect Jantz, who endured just one sack, but was hurried seven times.

l The defensive line saw its sack-less streak extend to three games dating back to last season.

Now along comes Iowa, which has forced nine turnovers the past two seasons while outscoring the Cyclones 70-10.

"You come out of that game sore as all get out," said ISU running back Jeff Woody. "Iowa hits you, we're going to hit them back. It's black and blue, blue collar."

Just as Rhoads likes it.

That he stresses a working-class approach to his team doesn't surprise Cunningham.

Nor does the tendency of Rhoads-coached outfits to outdo outside expectations.

"I think he's the perfect guy for the job," said Cunningham, who noted Rhoads' track record as an assistant included summoning maximum effort from sometimes outmanned units. "His positive energy doesn't wear thin because there are results behind it. Some guys, after a while, it's like, ‘All right. Enough with the rah-rah.' But his doesn't wear thin because it shows up and the players respond to it, obviously."

Few thought ISU would high-step out of Lincoln in 2009 with a win over Nebraska - and attain bowl eligibility in Rhoads' first season. Few figured the Cyclones would upset Texas in Austin last season - despite the Longhorns' uncharacteristic struggles.

So surprises are part of Rhoads' repertoire; less a trend than a given.

"What you're starting to see with Paul is, again, that consistency of getting his players to play above their talent," Cunningham said. "And that's not saying there's no talent at Iowa State. That's saying when Texas won the (2005) national championship against USC, they played above their talent. It's just good coaching. It's what all good coaches do."

Cunningham said next Friday's game at Connecticut could be the "linchpin" of ISU's season.

The Cyclones proved in 2009 that a loss to Iowa doesn't squash postseason hopes, either. A win, however, frequently serves as a good harbinger - and securing one on today would halt a three-game Iowa winning streak in the series.

"Our football team has not performed well in this game (recently)," Rhoads said. "Are you over-prepared, coach? Are you putting too much into it? No, I wouldn't say that is the case. I think we've gotten manhandled at the line of scrimmage both years and if we're going to change the outcome, that's where it's going to start."

WHEN ISU HAS THE BALL

 Shine up front. Iowa's controlled the line of scrimmage - particularly on offense - the past three meetings, all Cyclone losses.

 Start quickly. ISU's worst down in the season opener against Northern Iowa was the first. Constant third and longs invite disaster. 

 Sharpen Steele. Cyclone quarterback Steele Jantz admitted nerves got the best of him early last Saturday. Can't happen against the Hawks.

 Create gaps - in the running and passing game. Cyclone runners struggled last week. Expect more James White if that continues.

 Safety first. If Jantz makes some of the throws this week he made in the last, there could be a flurry of Hawkeye interceptions.

 WHEN IOWA HAS THE BALL

 Stack the box. It's no mystery Iowa wants to run. If the Cyclones can slow that aspect of the offense, they'll be much more successful.

 Bump and run. ISU corners Leonard Johnson and Jeremy Reeves must be physical with Iowa's Marvin McNutt early in routes.

 Tale of the tape. Iowa's offense can be bland, but it's often executed with precision. Cyclones must stay a step ahead, based on film study.

 Pressure, pressure. It's essential to blitz at least with linebackers on occasion against the Hawks. Risky pass rushes could reap powerful rewards.

 Stoke the crowd. Hands to the sky: Jack Trice Stadium isn't all that big (capacity 55,000), but the fan noise can be deafening and disruptive.