The Iowa State Cyclones bid for their first Big-12 victory of the season when they host Nebraska. Cyclone coach Dan McCarney says the Huskers are vastly improved this season and a strong running game is the reason. McCarney says they can “bloody your nose” running the ball and can also pass the ball.
McCarney says to have a chance the Cyclones must play well in all phases. He says they have to play with more consistency and urgency and they have a chance to have a real fine season.
The Cyclones have won the last two games against the Huskers in Ames. McCarney says any time you can beat a well respected team, it’s a statement game for the program that gives you honor and respect.
The Iowa Hawkeyes look to bounce back from a loss to top ranked Ohio State when they host Purdue. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says the Boilermakers have always been a tough matchup. Ferentz says Purdue does a nice job of taking their personnel and making it match their system. He says last year Purdue took it down on the opening drive and made them play the whole field.
Ferentz says they have had trouble solving the Purdue defense, and a lot of that he says is a credit to the coaching staff. With two injured safeties Ferentz says the Hawks won’t be able to insert extra defensive backs against the Purdue spread offense.
Ferentz says it’s too late to go recruiting, so “we are what we are.” Ferentz says they know their personnel and know what they have to do to be successful.