Iowa State vs Tulsa Preview

The only team in the Big 12 that comes in as an underdog this week are the Iowa State Cyclones. It’s a metaphor for the history of a program that’s always picked to finish at the bottom of the conference. But head coach Paul Rhoads wants to change that culture and attitude, and he’s doing it one year at a time.

Another attempt to break out of the old tradition begins today.

It’s the first meeting between both ball clubs since a 27-6 Cyclone victory in 1961 – that’s been their only meeting in history. Dating back to last season, Tulsa won seven straight games until the regular season finale against Houston and then dropping a 24-21 decision at the Armed Forces Bowl against Tulsa. Iowa State currently rides a three-game losing streak, also losing their bowl game against Rutgers.

Tulsa will be bringing in a new quarterback, but he’s hardly a new opponent for Iowa State. Cody Green makes his debut for the Golden Hurricanes after transferring from Nebraska and sitting out last season.

Green led the Huskers to victory against the Cyclones two years ago, a 31-30 final in overtime after a failed two-point conversion after a touchdown. Holder Daniel Kuehl underthrew a pass to Collin Franklin, and the ball was intercepted to end what likely is the final time Iowa State and Nebraska will play.

A lot has changed since the last time the Cyclones locked up against Green, and the defense boasts more depth and will be rotating constantly to keep fresh. The Tulsa newcomer may find himself in trouble under pressure, but he’ll have plenty of weapons to help him. Two of the leading receivers and rushers from last season are back with the Golden Hurricanes.

Last year, Ja’Terian Douglas was the leading rusher with 114 carries for 900 yards and four touchdowns; Willie Carter was the leading receiver with 62 catches for 868 yards and seven touchdowns.

With Steele Jantz receiving his starting job again and adapting to the offense, both teams will likely use their depth at running back to try and control the game. The main matchup advantages for the Cyclones are having a deep defensive line and setting up the pass to take advantage of a Tulsa defense that gave up over 286 passing yards a game.

Kickoff is slated at 2:30 p.m. CT today at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Clones Confidential, follow the site on Twitter and Facebook. Read his other work on the Oregon Ducks blog, Autzen Zoo, and Lacrosse the Web.