As Iowa State prepares for Saturday’s showdown with fourth-ranked Nebraska in Lincoln, there is little doubt the key for the Cyclones’ upset chances lie in their revamped rushing attack.

The Cyclones (3-1, 0-1) currently lead the nation with an average of 328.3 yards rushing per game, and ISU tailback Darren Davis is touting an NCAA-best 176.8 yard average, individually. However, the Cyclones will face a stiff challenge from the Cornhuskers, who boast the nation’s fourth best defense, allowing only 210.8 yards per game.

“They’re so good and so physical, and their defensive linemen are playing so great that it’s hard to find a seam of daylight,” ISU head coach Dan McCarney said. “[But] as good and as strong as they are against the run, we just have to establish a strong running game. We can’t sit back and throw it 40 or 50 times a game.”

The Nebraska defensive trench men include two quick and powerful tackles in Steve Warren and Loran Kaiser along with speedy rovers Aaron Wills and Kyle Vanden Bosch. “They’ve got some really good defensive linemen,” ISU senior offensive tackle Bill Marsau said. “They’re all Big 12 type performers.”

Marsau said that he and his fellow linemen must focus on opening up quick holes so Davis, Ennis Haywood and the other Cyclone backs can create yards.

“[If] we get them holes, they’re going to break ’em and make extra yards,” Marsau said. “As long as we can go out and execute our assignments the way we’re supposed to, that’s all I can ask.”

The Cyclone line will be without starting center Ben Bruns and backup lineman Josh Rank, but backup center Zach Butler will be back in full force after suffering an injury in the 35-28 loss to Kansas State on Sept. 25.

Marsau said he knows ISU has a tough test in front of them, but he added that he is anxious for the Cyclones to go out and show Nebraska they are for real.

“I’m excited for the challenge,” Marsau said. “I’m ready for them, and we’ll just see what happens.”