As the Cyclones look over their matchup this weekend with Missouri, in many ways they’ll be looking in a mirror.

“Larry Smith has done an excellent job of rebuilding that program. He has done a real good job recruiting and has brought in some excellent players,” Cyclone head coach Dan McCarney said. “Missouri is a team that has been to two bowl games in the past two years, they are very physical and we have to be well-prepared.”

Like Iowa State’s, the Tigers’ passing game is marked by inconsistency and a brewing quarterback controversy. Jim Dougherty will return to the starting lineup this week after backup Kirk Farmer got the start last week against the Buffaloes.

So far, the tandem has completed just a hair under half of their passes for 918 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The top targets so far have been wideout Kent Layman and tight end Dwayne Blakley, who have averaged 22.8 yards per catch and caught five TDs, respectively.

Also like the Cyclones, Missouri will complete the season without the services of an injured starting receiver in John Dausman.

The Tiger offensive line, anchored at center by senior Rob Riti, has helped to produce one of the top rushing attacks in the country so far, succeeding everywhere except against Nebraska in a week three matchup. Against the Huskers, the Missouri line broke down consistently, opening the door to four quarterback sacks and producing only 25 yards in rushing offense.

Tailback DeVaughn Black has received the majority of the offensive chances and has piled up 580 yards so far, making him the no. 23 back in the nation.

“They have good running backs, quarterbacks, and offensive linemen,” McCarney said. “They are scoring and moving the ball on everybody.”

Defensively, the Tigers have been adequate at best and need to improve against the run if they have any hope for a postseason berth. More importantly, they need a quick fix before facing the second-rated running back in the country in Darren Davis.

Nose guard Jeff Marriott and tackle Steve Erickson are the Tigers’ leaders in the trenches, but those trenches haven’t recently been kind. Rated one of the poorest run defenses in the nation, the Tigers will need vaunted pass rusher Justin Smith to step in and help slow down opposing backs as well.

Senior Barry Odom leads a mediocre linebacking unit and corner Carlos Posey anchors a secondary that is the strength of this unit.

The Missouri backfield hasn’t been nearly as inconsistent as the front and has shown several flashes of brilliance, including Julian Jones’ four interceptions in the first five games.

Despite their shortcomings, McCarney is not taking the Tiger defense lightly.

“Defensively they are very physical,” he said. “Their defensive line has depth and ability and Justin Smith is as good a defensive end as there is in football.”

Finally, the Missouri special teams tend to be pretty strong. Punter Jared Gilpin has struggled at times, but kicker Brad Hammerich has already connected on seven field goals and 16 PATs.

Kick returner Ricardo Rhodes is well above average with a 23.75-yard average.

The Tigers have made a living on tough, physical play and that won’t likely change on Saturday.

“Missouri is real physical and they have good athletes,” McCarney said. “They are just a really good physical Big 12 team. I think it will be a great match-up. This will not be a finesse game for either team.”