The ISU football team was a 30.5-point underdog in Saturday afternoon’s game against ninth-ranked Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys, averaging nearly 44 points per game this season, will face a Cyclone defense that has been porous against Big 12 competition.

Chances of Iowa State (2-6, 0-4 Big 12) ending its six-game losing streak are slim, but here are seven things that must go right in order for the Cyclones to have a chance:

1. Tackle the first time

The Cowboys average 491.8 yards of offense per game, including 274.9 yards rushing. Oklahoma State (7-1, 3-1) has one of the fastest, most-balanced offenses in the country, and Iowa State’s defense must take advantage of every chance it gets to bring down OSU’s receivers and runners. The Cyclones have had trouble bringing down shifty runningbacks. Kendall Hunter, a 5-foot-8 sophomore, is one of the best in the nation, averaging 6.6 yards per carry and 139.5 yards despite sharing carries with 6-foot-1 Keith Toston and 5-foot-10 Beau Johnson.

2. Get completely overlooked

Oklahoma State lost to No. 1 ranked Texas, 28-24, last weekend and will play No. 7 Texas Tech in Lubbock next Saturday. Sloppy, uninspired play by the Cowboys would give Iowa State its best — and maybe only chance to win. Still, Oklahoma State is one of the nation’s best teams and can probably coast through this weekend’s game on talent alone.

3. Shorten the game

Three-and-out possessions by Iowa State’s offense will ensure failure on defense. The Cyclone offense must play keep-away from the Cowboys, gaining as many first downs, and running as much time off of the clock as it can. Long drives will allow the defense to rest.

Fewer total possessions and a time-of-possession advantage in this game would be Iowa State’s best-case scenario.

4. Score touchdowns

A field goal is a failure against a team like Oklahoma State. This season Iowa State has scored touchdowns on only 17 of 34 possessions that have reached opponent’s 20-yard line. Execution inside the redzone must improve for the Cyclones to stay in the game.

5. Force and recover turnovers

Iowa State’s greatest success this season has been winning the turnover battle. This season, the Cyclones have caused 21 turnovers, which ranks fifth best out of 119 Div. I teams.

Five of Iowa State’s eight interceptions came in the first game of the season, however, and OSU junior quarterback Zac Robinson has thrown just four interceptions in 160 passing attempts this season. The Cowboys have lost just seven of their 16 fumbles this season.

6. Contain Dez Bryant

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound wide receiver has NBA athleticism to go with NFL playmaking skills. Through eight games, Bryant is a top Biletnikoff Award candidate, with 51 catches for 883 yards and 11 touchdowns. The sophomore has a 37-inch vertical jump, according to the Tulsa World. The ISU secondary will need to match the wideout’s physical play in order to contain him.

7. Count a moral victory

Beating the spread doesn’t count. If the Cyclones can compete with Oklahoma State, it will give the team momentum going into the final three games. ISU quarterback Austen Arnaud has been playing through an injury to his throwing shoulder during the past three weeks. Since the Cyclones will likely be forced to throw often, keeping Arnaud from being hit all game would be a large success.