Before the Iowa State football team leaves to take on Akron this Saturday, both coordinators and multiple players met with the media to discuss last Saturday’s Cy-Hawk loss and the upcoming game against the Zips.

Here are some of the main takeaways from Tuesday.

Scouting report on Akron

Iowa State doesn’t know what to expect from Akron on Saturday.

In week one, the Zips got throttled by No. 5 Penn State, 52-0. The game was essentially over by halftime when Penn State took a 35-0 lead into the locker rooms.

Last week, however, Akron responded. Facing FCS Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the Zips won, 52-3.

Seeing only blowouts from one team can make preparation harder, since play calling and personnel decisions can change based on the score and situation.

“From a defensive standpoint, I think they present multiple fronts and a bunch of different coverages that can certainly give you a lot of trouble,” said Offensive Coordinator Tom Manning. “The score in [games like Akron’s this year] is something we never really pay attention to much.”

Akron’s offensive attack is led by running back Warren Ball. Ball struggled against Penn State in the opener, but he rebounded nicely with a 146-yard, three touchdown performance against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. In two games this year, Ball has 33 carries for 173 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and three scores.

“He’s very big and very agile,” said redshirt sophomore linebacker Marcel Spears Jr. “He’s a really good running back. We’ve just got to make sure we get him on the ground.”

Ohio reunion

Most of the Iowa State coaching staff, including Coach Matt Campbell, are from the state of Ohio or have coached there before. Several players hail from Ohio as well.

This week’s trip to Akron is just another game to some coaches and players, but for others, it’s a rare opportunity to catch up with family and friends during the busy season.

One of those players is sophomore running back David Montgomery. Montgomery has emerged this season as one of Iowa State’s biggest offensive contributors, especially after his 113-yard rushing performance against Iowa last week.

“I’m excited,” Montgomery said. “Right now I’m counting 58 [friends and family members coming to the game].”

Montgomery said there’s no added motivation in his first game back in his home state.

“Nah,” Montgomery said. “I’m gonna try to play the same every week and try to get better every week.”

Montgomery will be facing an Akron defense that has allowed 144 yards per game on the ground. Penn State had a field day with 247 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground against Akron.

If Iowa State can run like that on the Zips this weekend, the Cyclones should be looking at a 2-1 record heading into Big 12 play.

The Akron game will kick off at 11 a.m. this Saturday.