After all of this talk about the Big Four in the state of Iowa in recent weeks, there is only one game that matters.

That game is Iowa State versus Iowa.

Here’s a closer look at the game and some keys for both teams:

Iowa State’s style of basketball is to run and push the ball up the floor. If Iowa can slow up the game and make Iowa State run a halfcourt offense, that will favor the Hawkeyes. On the other hand, if it gets into a running game, that will favor the Cyclones.

Look for Iowa State to continue to use its zone press against the Hawkeyes, as its athletic ability should allow it to get back on defense. Iowa State will probably try to run a box and one zone defense against Iowa with John Neal manning up with Iowa’s Pierre Pierce.

Iowa has three guards in Pierce, Jeff Horner and Adam Haluska, all capable of knocking down threes, but only Horner has been a consistent threat all season. The Cyclones cannot let him go off in this game. If Iowa starts hitting threes, Iowa State will need to get out of its zone and man up with the Hawkeyes.

Iowa will have fits trying to contain Curtis Stinson. Pierce will probably match up with him, but also watch for Mike Henderson to try and hold Stinson.

The matchup down low will make or break this game. Iowa has a 6-foot-11 center, Erek Hansen, who has blossomed for the Hawkeyes as of late. Hansen, along with Greg Brunner, produce most of Iowa’s points in the paint. Look for Iowa State’s Jared Homan to match up with Brunner while Reggie George and Damion Staple will try to contain Hansen.

Iowa State has a couple wild cards with all of its newcomers. Rahshon Clark, Robert Faulkner and Anthony Davis will be key for Iowa State.

Stinson and Will Blalock will get their 20 points, but it’s the rest of the role players that need to step up for Iowa State and stay out of foul trouble.

Iowa hasn’t seen much of Iowa State’s type of press this season, so that could possibly make or break this rivalry game.

If Iowa proves it can beat the press and Iowa State is forced to get out of its game, it could be a bad night for the Cyclones.

Don’t look for Iowa’s crowd to be much of a factor, considering 2,000 tickets are still available and there should be a lot of ISU fans in attendance.

With the athletic advantage going to Iowa State and the pure shooting and inside advantage leaning toward Iowa, it’s anyone’s game.

The game will all come down to who is ready for the other team and who plays the best defense.