Five keys to an ISU victory

1. Establish consistency in the running game. Iowa State will have to find a way to run the football to succeed on offense. The Cyclones haven't produced big numbers running the ball and backs Aaron Wimberly and DeVondrick Nealy, as well as the offensive line, will have to find and create lanes around the Hawkeyes' very stout front-four to open up the passing game.

2. Distribute the ball to the stable of wide receivers. Jarvis West was a do-it-all type of guy for the Cyclones against Kansas State, scoring touchdowns in receiving, punt returning and throwing. He led all ISU receivers with eight catches for 75 yards. Against the Hawkeyes, though, Iowa State will have to find a way to get receivers like Allen Lazard, Dondre Daley, Tad Ecby and D'Vario Montgomery involved in the action offensively. Iowa State also has preseason All-Big 12 tight end E.J. Bibbs at its disposal.

3. Find the energy on defense that showed itself against Kansas State. After senior Jevohn Miller was designated as the starting middle linebacker last week, he called a team meeting making sure his teammates were on the same page. He and other defensive leaders, like Cory Morrissey, talked about the energy they needed to play with to be successful. That same mentality will have to carry through to this week against an Iowa team that likes to play physically.

4. Prevent big plays. Traditionally more of a physical running team, Iowa has been throwing the ball a bit more this season. Iowa State has a young secondary, so the Cyclones will have to be aware of being lulled to sleep with a pounding running game that opens up opportunities for a long pass.

5. Stay poised in all facets of the game. Not only does Iowa State have to face its in-state rival on the road, it has to do it while that rival's fans are virtually on top of them. Iowa State will have to find a way to block out some of that crowd noise and swing momentum in its favor early.

- Dylan Montz