Cyclones to battle Black Knights before beginning Big 12 play

Iowa State concludes non-conference slate against Army on Saturday

Neither Iowa State nor Army won more than three games in 2008.

However, coaching changes at each institution have resulted in hope and some early season success against schedules built for it.

After opening the season with a 17-point victory over FCS foe North Dakota State, the Cyclones were humbled, 35-3, by the intra-state rival Hawkeyes.

A ranked Iowa team was on the receiving end of four of ISU quarterback Austen Arnaud’s passes, which aided its romp in the rivalry’s latest edition in Ames.

First-year head coach Paul Rhoads’ club responded with a comfortable 34-14 victory at Mid-American Conference opponent Kent State.

Arnaud, who was benched during that Iowa contest in which he went 10-of-22 with four interceptions, delivered a steady 13-of-21 for 144-yard effort against the Golden Flashes.

With the victory at Kent, the Cyclones will have a chance to surpass their ’08 showing—during which they started 2-0 before proceeding to lose their last ten—by securing a win against Army.

The task will not be an easy one, as Army and first-year head coach Rich Ellerson will present Paul Rhoads’ Cyclones with a tough to prepare for triple option attack.

The Black Knights opened the Ellerson era with a 27-14 triumph at Eastern Michigan before stumbling to Duke, 35-19, in the home opener. They led the Blue Devils, 10-7, at the break, but were bit by four turnovers and dropped the game despite outgaining Duke, 385 to 236.

Army turned the tables last week when it picked off Ball State four times and converted the extra opportunities into a 24-17 home victory. The Cardinals outgained the Black Knights, 375-265.

Ellerson’s club will also present the Cyclones with a new look to prepare for on defense. Army’s new head man is utilizing the unique “Desert Swarm” defense that he learned when he was at Arizona.

The Black Knights have swarmed opponent’s offenses to date, as they’re surrendering just 278 yards—including only 77 on the ground.

However, the Army front will face its stiffest test to date in this one as it goes up against a very big Iowa State offensive line.

Cyclone running back Alexander Robinson, who has rushed for 326 yards (5.6 ypc) and two scores, is seeking a third straight 100-yard effort.

Marquis Hamilton has caught 11 balls for an average of 17.3 per to help make the Iowa State attack two-dimensional. Darius Reynolds and Jake Williams are other top targets.

Possessions could be limited in this one so it’ll be important for the Cyclones to capitalize when they have red zone chances.

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Kicker Grant Mahoney will help ensure they get points when the opportunities arise. Mahoney is 5-of-6—including 2-of-3 from 40 yards or more.

If Army can force the Cyclones to keep coughing up the football—12 turnovers in the first three games—then they’ll an opportunity to control the football behind a potent ground attack. Slotback Patrick Mealy, who has rushed for 236 yards and nearly 11 yards per carry, is the team’s top threat.

The Black Knights don’t throw it very much or well, but they possess the ability to periodically connect on the deep ball. Alejandro Villanueva has 114 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions.

Don’t be surprised if the game is competitive into the second half. However, in the end, expect Iowa State to pull away and win by ten points to two touchdowns. If it can do so, the Cyclones will be 3-1 for the first time since ’05 and be halfway to bowl eligibility prior to conference play getting cranked up.

By Thomas "Bubba" Rosenbaum
DFN SPorts Senior Staff Writer

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