Iowa State will have its hands full this Saturday when the ninth-ranked Colorado Buffaloes invade Jack Trice Field with their high powered offense. Fresh off a 34-7 loss to Kansas, who beat Colorado the week before, the Cyclones will try to put it all together for a homecoming victory. Here’s how they match up.

At quarterback the Buffaloes are solid as anybody in the country. Koy Detmer, who is arguably the best quarterback in the nation, is injured for the year. But backup quarterback John Hessler, who has already been named Big Eight Offensive Player of the Week twice this year, has a firm grip on the Buffalo offense. Todd Doxzon has improved every week, but Hessler’s arm is the difference.

Troy Davis and the ISU running attack have the edge on the Buffaloes. Another week goes by and Davis is still the nation’s leading rusher. And once again the Cyclone tailback has earned the nod over Colorado backs Herchell Troutman and Lendon Henry, who played second fiddle to last year’s Heisman Trophy winner Rashan Salaam.

The offensive lines of both squads are equal. The size of Colorado is exceptional. Seniors Heath Irwin, 6’5″ 290 lbs, and Brian Stoltenberg, 6’2″ 285 lbs, lead the Colorado push. Stoltenberg has started 36 consecutive games and has never allowed a sack. Pretty impressive, especially when you consider the talent level in the Big Eight. The ISU front, led by Tim Kohn, opened holes big enough for Davis to rush for 120 yards last week against seventh-ranked Kansas.

The wide receivers of Colorado get the nod over the Cyclone receiving core. Phil Savoy, Rae Carruth and James Kidd are the big guns of Colorado. Carruth led all Buffalo receivers with an average of 18.2 yards per reception.

The defensive front of Colorado has the edge over ISU. Senior Kerry Hicks, 6’6″ and 260 lbs, has the size, strength, and quickness to cause serious problems for the Cyclones. The Buffaloes seem to rely on speed more than size, which seems to work well. Iowa State’s defensive line was making progress, but seemed to take a few steps back against Kansas.

The linebacking core of both schools are even. Angelo Provenza, Michael Cooper and Tim Sanders are arguably the best linebacking crew that ISU has had in years. Let’s not forget that two weeks ago against Oklahoma, Sanders and Cooper combined for 38 tackles. The Colorado linebacking core is led by Matt Russell who stands 6’2″ and 240 lbs. Junior Greg Jones, 6’4″ and 235 lbs, led the Buffaloes in tackles last season with 67. Jones was also the leading sacker with 6.5 sacks.

The secondary of Colorado stands above the Cyclones. Strong safety Donnell Leomitri is a serious prospect for professional football. Leomitri is supported by senior cornerback Dalton Simmons. Both are quick and have great instincts for the game. ISU’s secondary is young, and it has showed in the last couple of weeks. Senior Matt Straight is having an excellent season, but it’s Straight’s supporting cast that is still in the learning process.

The specialty teams are equal. Both sides have good kickers and returners. They have good coverage teams that get the job done. But ISU has thrown a new face into the return spot. Sophomore Jahi Arnold will get his chance to return kicks on a regular basis, and at the same time give Davis a much deserved rest.

The 12th man on the team goes to the Cyclones, who will draw on the support of the fans and the homecoming spirit in their efforts to upset the Buffaloes.