Iowa State (2-2) will open the Big Eight season against one of the toughest teams in the nation. The Oklahoma Sooners (3-1) will invade Cyclone Stadium this Saturday.

At quarterback, ISU has the edge. Oklahoma freshman quarterback Eric Moore has been seeing a lot of action, but has looked shaky at times. A semi-healthy Todd Doxzon provides a consistent passing game, along with the constant threat to run.

Iowa State gets the nod at the running back position. Troy Davis, who needs only 88 yards to reach the 1,000-yard barrier, has yet to be stopped. Oklahoma tailback James Allen is impressive, but simply does not match up to Davis.

The receiving core of the Cyclones also gets the edge over the Sooners. Mike Horacek and Ed Williams have proven that ISU has a reliable air attack. Williams is currently among the top receivers in the Big Eight in every receiving category. Oklahoma showcases two freshman receivers in Jarrail Jackson and Gerald Williams. While both have great tools, inexperience could cause problems.

The offensive lines match up evenly. ISU’s offensive line has produced brilliantly this season. Oklahoma’s line also has been consistent. Both lines also have similar size and weight.

The defensive line of Oklahoma is superb, while the Cyclone defensive line is still struggling. The Sooners rushing defense currently ranks first in the nation, while ISU is towards the bottom.

The linebackers of Oklahoma are also top notch. The Sooner linebacking core is led by defensive end/inside linebacker Cedric Jones, who McCarney calls “the best I’ve ever seen.” ISU’s linebackers are the strong point of the Cyclone defense, but still may be a cut below the Sooners.

The secondaries of ISU and Oklahoma are dead even. The Cyclone defensive backs may be young, but have yet to be lit up this year. OU’s defensive backs were looking solid until Colorado’s John Hessler spanked the Sooner secondary for 348 yards on 24 of 34 passing.

The special teams are even as well. ISU punter Marc Harris is still among the top punters in the Big Eight, while Jamie Kohl has struggled at times, but looks to be a reliable kicker. The return men for ISU are as solid as any in the Big Eight. Oklahoma sophomore kicker Jeremy Alexander has proven this season to be an up-and-coming kicker for the Sooners, while return men JaJuan Penny and Jackson are as deadly as any.

Once again the 12th player goes to the Cyclones. A home crowd could provide the push for ISU’s first upset of the year.