It’s hard to have a make-or-break game just two contests into the conference season.

Most division races are decided down the stretch, going until there are only a few games left before an outcome is decided.

Not here.

Iowa State’s game against No. 22 Nebraska is one the Cyclones have to win.

“This is a big game,” said ISU quarterback Bret Meyer. “You don’t want to start 0-2 in the conference.”

Already saddled with one Big 12 loss and with a game against No. 14 Oklahoma waiting next week, Iowa State can’t afford to dig itself a bigger hole in its chase for the Big 12 North title that has barely eluded the team the past two seasons.

Nebraska is the frontrunner for the North crown, and it doesn’t have the brutal schedule the Cyclones do.

The Huskers (4-1, 1-0 Big 12) must play Texas, but Oklahoma and Texas Tech are off their schedule. That’s what makes this game so critical for the Cyclones (3-2, 0-1 Big 12) – they have to have this game to stay even with Nebraska.

“Once you’re in Big 12 play, that’s when your new season starts,” said running back Stevie Hicks. “A win puts us in a good position within the conference.”

When Bill Callahan took over as Nebraska’s coach three years ago, he instituted a version of the NFL’s West Coast offense to a school that had built its legacy on the option.

After struggling in his first two seasons, Callahan has found his stride. The passing game is running on all cylinders, but it’s the team’s running backs, ISU coach Dan McCarney said, that are making this Husker team so dangerous.

“The scary thing is, they’re so much better running the ball,” McCarney said. “I see four backs who could play for just about anyone in this league. They can bloody your nose and play really physical running the ball, along with having a great college quarterback and great playmakers at receiver.

“He [Callahan] had all the other pieces in place and now when you can run the ball like they are, that causes a lot of problems.”

The Huskers are averaging 202 yards per game this season, using four backs to pound away at opposing defenses.

Marlon Lucky is the primary back, averaging 81 yards per game and netting more than 6 yards per carry. Kenny Wilson (62.2 ypg), Cody Glenn (42.0 ypg) and Brandon Jackson (30.8 ypg) also see significant time on the field.

Even with their strong rushing, it’s Huskers quarterback Zac Taylor who calls the shots.

Taylor has already thrown 12 touchdowns this season and had his way with the Cyclones last season, throwing for 431 yards in the Husker double-overtime victory.

“He’s a good passer,” ISU safety Caleb Berg said. “He likes to mix [it] up. You have to be ready for everything with him.”

Nebraska leads the Big 12 in scoring offense, averaging 42 points per game so far this season.

Iowa State ranks last in the conference in total defense.

Saturday’s game begins at 7 p.m. at Jack Trice Stadium and will be televised on ABC.