Could this be the year for Iowa State to finally beat Iowa? Well, on paper, maybe not. The talent level of this year’s Hawkeye squad is at a peak, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

The Hawks get the nod at the quarterback position. Iowa quarterback Matt Sherman has proven to be a reliable and accurate quarterback. Last week Sherman shredded Northern Iowa’s defense for 220 yards on 11 of 22 passing. Sherman’s only weakness would be his inability to scramble.

Cyclone fans will be witnessing the long awaited return of ISU quarterback Todd Doxzon. Doxzon will return after a two week absence due to a sprained ankle. While Doxzon can throw the ball, his strength would be his scrambling ability. If Doxzon rolls out often, look out Iowa defense.

The offensive backfields line up dead even. The Hawks come loaded with a seasoned veteran in Sedrick Shaw, and one of the most explosive young tailbacks in the nation – Tavian Banks. Both have good size and speed, and both will get more than 10 carries a game.

The receiving core of Iowa outmatches the Cyclones. More speed and experience catching the ball is the defining factor. With Doxzon, the receiving core of the ‘Clones should raise to a new level.

Iowa State matches up with the nation’s second leading rusher. Troy Davis, who averages 235.5 yards a game, ran for 71 yards more in his first game than Shaw and Bank’s UNI performance combined. Iowa may have two weapons, but the’Clones have the biggest gun.

Now the offensive line, where the ‘Clones and Hawks are also dead even. While Iowa racked up big numbers in the UNI game, the offensive line is still unproven. The Panther defense was outsized, to say the least. Although Iowa State lost to a tough Texas Christian team, the Cyclone offensive line still opened holes big enough for Davis to scamper for 180, while allowing quarterback Jeff St. Clair the time to complete 16 passes.

The Iowa defensive line gets the nod over the ‘Clones. Northern Iowa gained 143 yards on 45 rushing attempts against the Hawks. Not a shocking statistic, but the Horned Frogs gained 262 yards against the Cyclone defensive line, while Ohio gained 218 yards.

The secondaries for both teams also match up evenly. The Hawks secondary allowed 195 passing yards against the Panthers. In ISU’s toughest challenge yet, the Cyclones allowed 242 yards against Southwestern Conference co-MVP Max Knake.

Both squads are equal in the specialty department. The ‘Clones and Hawks have proven kickers and punters, with each team having excellent return men. For Iowa, hometown hero Tim Dwight could light it up on any given kickoff or punt return. For ISU, Davis showed his kind of ability last season against Colorado.

This Saturday’s game is sold out, which should help the Cyclones’ efforts. Kickoff is at noon.