No. 10 Utah at Iowa State Preview

No. 10 Utah will face their toughest challenge since Pittsburgh as they travel to face Big 12 school Iowa State.  The undefeated Utes are coming off a bye week where under Kyle Whittingham they have been very successful going (5-0). 

Iowa State is coming off their biggest win of the season, a 52-38 victory over Texas Tech.  They improved to (3-2) on the season and are undefeated at home.  Utah's defense will be put to the test with a more difficult offense than they have faced in the previous three games.  The Cyclones at home have averaged 35.3 points per game.

The Utes will need to shut down Senior QB Austen Arnaud.  He is a third year starter and can be a threat on the ground as well.  This season he has completed 60.6% of his passes for 780 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions.  He is coming off a great performance against Texas Tech where he went 20-28 passing for four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Another weapon for Iowa State is RB Alexander Robinson.  He is also coming off a great performance against Texas Tech, rushing for 103 yards on just 12 carries.  Iowa State likes to run the ball, ranking 35th in the country is rush attempts.  Utah's rush defense allows just 86.75 yards per game.

For Utah to avoid being upset, they will need to take care of the football.  Texas Tech outgained Iowa State 508-441 in total offense and had six more fist downs.  Turnovers cost them the game as Iowa State dominated the turnover margin 3-0.

Iowa State hopes to win this game in a shootout, since their defense likely wont stop Utah. Iowa State's defense ranks 83rd in total defense and will face an offense that is scoring 44.2 points per game.

The game will be on Fox College Sports (Comcast Ch 263 and DIRECTV Ch 623 in Utah).  Utah is a six point favorite.