Despite struggles against tougher opponents, the Cyclones are sitting in a comfortable position before school provides a winter break. The schedule gets as easy as it needs to be for a young, inexperienced team to gain some ground, but runs right into the conference schedule when students return for school. A total of six games will be played before the Iowa State Daily publishes next, including the first one on the schedule that concludes after time of print.

Texas Southern Tigers (1-6 SWAC)

When: Sunday

Where: Hilton Coliseum

Outlook: Texas Southern has really struggled to start the season, but unlike the Southeast Missouri State team Iowa State took on Dec. 6, they’ve played some tough competition. Scoring under 60 points a game, the Tiger offense could struggle running with the Cyclones just two days after taking on the Hawkeyes, Freshman Lawrence Johnson-Danner leads the team in scoring and shoots 40 percent from three-point range, and scored 25 points in Texas Southern’s lone win over Oregon State.

Dartmouth Big Green (2-5 Ivy)

When: Dec. 19

Where: Hilton Coliseum

Outlook: The Big Green have only played one game decided by single-digits, and can’t seem to stay close against teams with more athleticism than the Ivy League boys have. Dartmouth is in the bottom 300 in the country in points per game, field goal percentage and rebounding, which means early three-point shooting by the Cyclones could put this squad away earlier. Providence went into halftime up 25 points on Dartmouth.

Chicago State Cougars (2-7 Great West)

When: Dec. 21

Where: Hilton Coliseum

Outlook: Chicago State is No. 332 of 346 in field goal percentage nationally. It may be fair to say they’re having trouble scoring. The Cougars allowed 100 points in four consecutive games in November, and will be returning from a road game Dec. 17 at Hawaii. The Cyclones better take care of business in this win.

Virginia Cavaliers (6-3 ACC)

When: Dec. 30

Where: Charlottesville, Va.

Outlook: Iowa State’s longest road trip of the season takes them to the east coast, to take on a very dangerous Virginia team. The Cavs lost two early games to Pac 10 teams Stanford and ranked Washington, but have since rebounded giving Minnesota its first loss Nov. 29 and winning two defensive battles since. They aren’t scoring a lot, but neither are their opponents, and Iowa State has to be wary of senior forward Mike Scott, who is leading the team with 16.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.

Northern Illinois Huskies (2-4 MAC)

When: Jan. 3

Where: Hilton Coliseum

Outlook: Cyclone guard Jake Anderson will get a shot at revenge against his old club as they come to Ames, struggling early this season. Guard Xavier Silas is scoring 26.3 per game, but is the only Husky scoring in double figures and is leading a team that has yet to post any quality wins. With games against Missouri and Temple soon on the schedule, the Huskies’ record likely won’t get better before they come to Hilton.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-2 Big 12)

When: Jan. 8

Where: Hilton Coliseum

Outlook: New faces, same type of tough games for the Cornhuskers early in the season. Coach Doc Sadler has started the year on a hot seat, and wins over Southern Cal and Creighton have cooled things down in Lincoln. Seven players average between 6 and 10 points per game, but Nebraska continues to play tight defense, and will definitely be looking to get a win in their last Big 12 visit to historic Hilton Coliseum.