Iowa State has the daunting task of opening the Big-12 race at home on Saturday night against top ranked Oklahoma. The Sooners are 4-0 and had last weekend off. Coach Bobby Stoops says the week off gave his team a chance to focus on themselves instead of an opponent. He says they needed to get healed up and ready to start conference play. Stoops says anytime you’re on the road in the conference you need to be ready to play. With numerous injuries the Cyclones are limping into the start of conference play. Stoops says that is no excuse for a letdown from his team, as he says McCarney does an excellent job of coaching his players. Stoops says they’ll be focused in and ready to start the Big 12 season in the right way. Stoops says a retooled offensive line is getting better with each game and providing better protection for the quarterback and better run blocking.