PREDICTION TIME

Mike Babcock

My inclination is that Nebraska will win handily. It should, given how it has played on the road thus far. However, I probably should temper that inclination by acknowledging the possibility of an emotional letdown following the Missouri victory combined with uncertainty about Taylor Martinez's ankle and Alfonzo Dennard's recovery from a concussion. Having acknowledged those things, I'm still going with my inclination. Nebraska 42 Iowa State 14 Season: 7-1 vs. the spread: 6-2

Robin Washut

Nebraska has been almost unstoppable on the road this season, and even though Iowa State is coming off a nice win over Texas last week, I see the Huskers continuing to roll today. Despite Taylor Martinez likely being limited with his injured ankle, I see the Huskers coming out with a game plan similar to what they showed last year in the Holiday Bowl and attacking the Cyclones from all angles. Unless they somehow turn the ball over eight times again, this one should be a route. Nebraska 42 Iowa State 14 Season: 7-1 vs. the spread: 5-3

Aaron Babcock

With or without Taylor Martinez, the Huskers will be too much for the Cyclones. The battle to watch will be Nebraska's defensive line against the Iowa State offensive line. If the Huskers can pressure quarterback Austen Arnaud, it could be a huge day for the Husker secondary. Nebraska 42 Iowa State 17 Season: 7-1 vs. the spread: 4-4

John Talman

After last year's loss to the Cyclones in Lincoln, Nebraska enters this final conference game with Iowa State knowing that a victory will put themselves in a strong position as leader of the North. After being shutout by Oklahoma, Iowa State has put just 28 points up on their last two Big 12 opponents. The Huskers have played well on the road all year and I don't anticipate ISU putting up four touchdowns on the Blackshirts on Saturday. I think a well-coached ISU team keeps it somewhat close early before Nebraska pulls away. Nebraska 41 Iowa State 17 Season: 7-1 vs. the spread: 4-4

AMES, Iowa - Nebraska will try to get their third win in a row on Saturday in Ames today against a feisty Iowa State team that has won their last two ball games.

As things get closer to kickoff here are the five keys to a Husker victory over the Cyclones. NU enters today's game as an 18 point favorite over ISU

Establish your will early

It's important for Nebraska to let Iowa State know right away there's a reason why they're a top 10 football team. They need to make big plays early on offense and defense and let their style dictate the pace of the game.

Iowa State is going to do their best to try and slow things down similar to what Kansas State did. The quicker Nebraska can get them out of this pace, the more likely they can blow things open early on the scoreboard.

Ball security

This one doesn't need a whole lot of explaining, as everyone is well aware that Nebraska turned the football over eight times in last years' 9-7 loss against Iowa State. Realistically the Husker probably would've won that game by 21+ points if they would've controlled their ball security problems.

The Cyclones are very opportunistic on defense and have a knack for forcing turnovers with their defense, despite the fact the biggest thing Paul Rhoads does is preach sound fundamentals. One of the only ways ISU will be able to stay with the Huskers is by forcing some early turnovers.

Getting Helu going again early

If you have a hot horse you might as well keep running him. For Nebraska, senior running back Roy Helu is fresh off a record breaking 307 yard performance against Missouri. I see no reason why Helu can't get going again on Saturday. I

I look for a steady dose of Helu early and often, especially if quarterback Taylor Martinez is still bothered by his sore ankle. This will be a game again where hopefully the Huskers can take some of the load off Martinez. They need him fresh down the stretch.

Play fundamental defense

You saw how good Nebraska's defense can be last week when they execute and play with sound fundamentals.

I really like the move at safety with starting Austin Cassidy and Courtney Osborne in back end. You didn't see near as many assignment errors or missed tackles in space. The Huskers need to play this way again on Saturday and force ISU into some early three-and-outs.

Take the crowd out early

Jack Trice Stadium can be a tough place to play if you let the crowd get into the game. The key for Nebraska will be to set the early tone with some big plays on offense and some quick three-and-outs on defense.

If the Huskers can do this, I see no reason why they shouldn't win this game handily and cover the 18 point spread. I'll take the Huskers to win and cover the points.


Callahan's Prediction:Nebraska 34 Iowa State 14
Season Record: 7-1 overall; 6-2 vs. points