The Iowa Hawkeyes’ passing attack was what stood out last week, but it’s the running attack that has linebacker Alvin Bowen seeing monsters.

“They got a two-headed horse as far as running back, and from what I hear the quarterback is pretty good, and they got some talent at wide out so they’re a very talented team,” Bowen said. “But as far as what stands out, it’s probably the dual running back.”

The Hawkeye backfield is led by two senior running backs in Albert Young and Damian Sims, both of which already have 100-yard rushing games in 2007.

Bowen isn’t the only Cyclone worried by the duo, as the tandem has coach Gene Chizik concerned, as well.

“They run the ball well,” Chizik said. “They throw the ball well. They’re playing really well right now.

“They do a great job up front. Their offensive line is physical. Their backs are physical. They certainly will pose a challenge.”

The duo could be bad news for an ISU defense, which has allowed a 100-rusher in both of its two first games. Worse yet, the Cyclones have allowed opposing running backs 5.8 yards per carry.

“We need to get better and we know that,” said linebacker Jesse Smith. “We haven’t been as good as we know we can, but we aren’t going to dwell on it.”

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday at his weekly press conference that he isn’t concerned about the Cyclones’ recent struggles, and that he expects to get their best shot. “I really think what we’ve done and what they’ve done is probably irrelevant,” Ferentz said. “What happens Saturday is really all that counts. I don’t know how to handicap what’s happened in the last couple weeks for them or us – how that factors in – so really what’s important is what we do this week. That’s all we can control.”

Smith said he and the rest of the Cyclone defense are taking a similar “forget the past” approach to prepare for Sims and Young.

“We need to have a short memory,” Smith said. “We can’t worry about last week or the week before. We have to live in the future and look forward to getting better. We can’t let what’s happened bother us.”

Young and Sims burst out of the gates early for the Hawkeyes, going for 145 and 113 yards, respectively, against Northern Illinois two weeks ago.

Although the backs are known to have slightly different running styles that compliment each other – Young’s thunder to Sims’ lightning speed – both backs averaged over six yards-per-carry against Huskies.

Last week, however, Syracuse frustrated the Hawkeyes by playing nine men in the box almost the entire game. Although Syracuse lost the game 35-0, they did hold Sims to 65 yards and Young to just 27 yards on 11 carries.

“It’s frustrating, but we expected that all week,” Sims said. “We felt like every team we play will do that at some point in the game, that we will not beat them [only] running the ball. But I will take that score each week. If that is what it takes for 35 points, I will take that.”

Chizik hinted that Iowa State would not mirror Syracuse’s plan when it comes to shutting down the Hawkeyes. Iowa quarterback Jake Christensen penalized Syracuse’s plan with a 23-of-32 effort passing for 278 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Tony Moeaki also concerned Chizik with three touchdowns and 112 yards receiving.

“Any game you have to stop the run first, but you can’t get so carried away with that so they can beat you over the top,” Chizik said. “Their tight end had a phenomenal game Saturday, so you have to be careful with what you do. But I don’t think you go into any game without trying to stop the run first.

“These guys are good enough on offense where you have to be able to mix in and out of things and defend both equally as well.”

With the ISU defense allowing an average of almost 175 yards per game, the Cyclones will certainly have their work cut out come Saturday.

“They’re a great team and we’re going to have to really step our game up this week to win,” Smith said.