IOWA STATE
Think red: The Cyclones need to approach Kyle Field much like they did War Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. For the second straight week, ISU is playing in one of the sport's greatest venues and can accomplish a rare two-game sweep.
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Disrupt A&M's offense: ISU forced eight turnovers last week. The Cyclones would settle for half that this week. A&M has had only two turnovers in four home games.
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Turn Arnaud loose: Utah State quarterback Diondre Borel had 367 yards total offense against A&M with two touchdowns passing and another throwing. ISU's Austen Arnaud is just as talented, but has a much better supporting cast.
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Win the hidden yards: ISU needs to be better in penalties, return yardage and net punting, areas in which the Aggies have been inconsistent.
TEXAS A&M
Stick with the run: A&M leaned on a powerful running game to put Tech's defense on its heels last week. The revamped offensive line needs to prove that wasn't a fluke.
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Give them a double dose of Double J: ISU had no answer last year for quarterback Jerrod Johnson who passed for 381 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson is a much more physical runner this year and his receiving corps is better.
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Take away Robinson or Arnaud: A&M can't allow ISU running back Alexander Robinson and Arnaud to complement each other. The Aggies have to stack the line to stop Robinson or pressure Arnaud into bad decisions. Iowa has been the only ISU opponent to keep either from accounting for a touchdown.
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Get on the perimeter: ISU has allowed only 17 points in the last two games by controlling the clock and bottling up the offenses of Baylor and Nebraska.