Iowa State – Nebraska Game Preview

Iowa State Offense vs. Nebraska Defense

Iowa State should be able to expose a Nebraska secondary that gave up more than 400 yards last week to Kansas. The Cyclones have a more talented quarterback and a stronger and deeper receiving corps than the Jayhawks. Jon Davis had a breakout game last week against UNI and he should be fired up to play Nebraska this week. The ISU offensive line has struggled allowing 14 sacks on the year, but the blackshirts of Nebraska have also struggled getting to the quarterback with only 7 sacks in 5 games. Iowa State will also be able to move the ball on the ground, but if Iowa State is going to beat Nebraska they are going to have to do it in the air.
Slight Advantage:

Nebraska Offense vs. Iowa State Defense

Nebraska should be effective running the ball on the Cyclones. Iowa State will do its best to stop the run, but the fact that Northern Iowa ran for 176 yards last week doesn’t instill confidence. Nebraska has four quality running backs that will pound the inexperienced Cyclone defense. Zac Taylor completed less than 50% of his passes last week but he made the most of his 15 completions. The Cornhuskers averaged 26.3 yards per completion. The Cyclones have done a great job of taking away the deep pass, so if Nebraska is going to be effective in the passing game they will probably have to hit on short and intermediate passes.
Heavy Advantage:

Iowa State Special Forces vs. Nebraska Special Teams

Iowa State needs to win the special teams this week to beat Nebraksa. Ryan Baum made a big play last week, but UNI also made a big play when they recovered Baum’s fumble on the ensuing punt. Baum should have a good opportunity again this week against an average punter and punt coverage unit. The kickers haven’t had much work this season, but their is a good chance that one of these kickers will have to make a big kick that could determine the outcome.
Slight Advantage:

 

 

 

 

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Turnover Margin
Iowa State: minus 1
Nebraska: plus 5

This is a game that Cyclone fans have had circled for a long time. If Iowa State is going to challenge for the Big 12 North title this year they have to win this game. The Cyclones came out flat last week against UNI, but that shouldn’t be a problem this weekend. The Cyclones will be fired up for this game, especially Nebraska natives Stevie Hicks, Jon Davis and Caleb Berg. I expect both offenses to put up alot of points this Saturday. The Cornhuskers will use a balanced attack to move the ball on Iowa State. The Cyclones will throw early and often and go after cornerback Cortney Grixby who was picked on last week. This game is evenly matched and should be another great game between these two schools. I think it will come down to who wants this game more and I think that will be the Cyclones.

Overall – Slight Advantage:

 

Now you know what I think. Let me know what you think. What are your predictions for the game?

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