As the Cyclones prepare to tackle Nebraska, one factor is apparent. The Cyclones aren’t playing well enough in the second half to win a big game.

Against UNLV, a team can play lackluster and escape with a win.

Against Iowa, it was okay to let them score, knowing that the Hawkeye defense couldn’t stop ISU.

Against Baylor, it was okay to hit the off switch in the second half and miss field goals.

But this weekend’s opponent is a whole different story.

As the Cornhuskers roll into town, one thing is apparent: If the Cyclones only put together one good half of football, it will be a long day in Ames.

Against Baylor, the Cyclones showed that they were half way there, playing stellar on both sides of the ball, Iowa State built a 31-3 halftime lead.

J.J. Moses, despite an early fumble, ignited the ISU offense with touchdown reception and his punt returns.

Ennis Haywood dominated the game in Davis-like fashion, scoring two touchdowns in the first half and rushing for over 100 yards.

In the second half, Haywood didn’t slow down. he ran another hundred yards, totalling 241. However, there was no scoring.

What happened to the team that scored three touchdowns in under six minutes in the second quarter?

If the Cyclones think that one good half is going to be enough to beat Nebraska, they are dead wrong.

Nebraska hasn’t looked incredible this year, but they are still Nebraska. Eric Crouch could single-handedly win the game for the Huskers if he wanted.

Iowa State does not have a great history against Nebraska. The Huskers lead the all-time series 77-15-2, and there haven’t been any close games since the Cyclones shocked the world in 1992.

But not all is bad in Cyclone country.

Iowa State did play one good half last week, and that half was good enough to beat Baylor.

Everything worked in Waco, for a half. The Cyclones of old struggled on the road, and may not have been able to overcome the Moses fumble on the first drive.

This current Cyclone defense not only stopped Baylor, but forced a turnover of their own.

That is a sign of a team that is turning around.

The option worked well for Iowa State as quarterback Sage Rosenfels was able to flip the ball to Haywood and watch him scamper for yards.

Haywood looked simply awesome, carrying the ball 39 times, averaging over six yards per carry.

The Cyclones did show that killer instinct that so many critics want them to show, but they only did it at the end of the first half.

By forcing turnovers and scoring touchdowns late in the second quarter, the Cyclones took all the wind out of the Bears’ sails.

And the biggest stat: Iowa State is 4-0, two wins from a bowl.

Whether or not the Cyclones have a chance will depend if they can play 60 minutes of solid football. They don’t have to score 31 points in the first half; not many teams do against Nebraska. They do have to score when Nebraska scores, and the defense does have to hold the Huskers as much as possible and give Iowa State a chance to take the lead.

The problem with this game may lie in special teams.

If Iowa State is to beat Nebraska, it probably won’t be by 20, 14 or even 6 points. It may come down to a field goal, and that could be a scary situation. Placekicker Mike McKnight is 7 for 12 on field goals this year, and has missed many, late in the games, including two in the second half at Baylor.

Against Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, that won’t be acceptable. It can possibly cost the team a victory.

Benching McKnight isn’t the solution. Something needs to be done to build his confidence, because right now his play simply isn’t well enough and Iowa State needs him.

For now, the Cyclones can enjoy being 4-0 for the first time since 1980. But after Saturday, we will all have a much better picture of what type of team we have.