Howdy from Ames, Iowa! We woke up to assurance that it is indeed autumn. The thermometer read 30 this morning.

That’s just a reminder that we are on the road and that the Frogs need to heat up early tonight against Iowa State.

The Cyclones can run the ball. Recall last week’s tussle at K-State? The Frogs’ defense will need to carry over last Saturday’s second-half effort early in this one. ISU running back Mike Warren is the hottest ball-carrier in the country over the last month, averaging 8.8 yards per tote, and he shredded Texas Tech for 245 rushing yards last week.

Iowa State’s offensive line is best when run blocking, so the Frogs need to make the Cyclones believe that they’re a passing team, much like what TCU did to KSU last week after halftime. If the ‘Clones do decide to throw, there are weapons at wide receiver in the Cardinal & Gold: D’vario Montgomery (6-6) and Allen Lazard (6-5) are tall matchup problems, and No. 9 Quenton Brundrage can fly. Don’t forget that Iowa State’s offensive coordinator is Mark Mangino, former head coach at Kansas, who’s a master game-planner.

On defense, Iowa State has gotten better. They needed to. Last year, ISU was dead last in the nation in total defense. They gave up an average of 571 yards per game in Big 12 play.

This year, they’re up to No. 101 in the nation — not great but a jump ahead. Nose tackle Demond Tucker is my favorite. He’s a big-time player for Iowa State, maybe the biggest recruit head coach Paul Rhoads has landed in his seven years at the helm. The linebackers are OK, but the secondary is the strength of the ISU defense. I think the Frogs will test that ISU secondary early.

All in all, the Frogs’ seventh week of the season should be their best. I believe this team has learned its lessons well — especially last week’s close shave.

Kick ‘Em High!