My thoughts, in order of importance. Note this is only off the small amount of tape I've seen of the Cyclones and what I've read through out the year, mainly the past week or so
Trenches - Edge ISU
--We're small on both lines, and still finding our identity on the offensive line. Only edge for A&M has to be Von Miller, guy has obliterated everyone put in front oh him not named Russell Okung. A&M was manhandled by Arkansas and KSU, hope for more of the same if you're a Cyclone fan.
Experience - Edge ISU
--Cleary A&M is very young and everyone knows it, I believe we've played 17 true freshman this year, with the addition of a new punter last Saturday. Iowa State seems to be much more seasoned which is clearly a big edge in conference road game. Been there, done that, esp. this year in a big game in Lincoln.
Turnovers - Edge ISU
--LOL no comment necessary except that A&M is still +3 in turnover margin despite losing that battle 5-0 against KState.
Quarterback - Push (if Arnuad can go, otherwise huge Edge in A&M's corner)
--Could talk all day about both of these guys. Two really good QB's for both teams, each are dual-threats, yet Arnaud appears to utilize more designed runs while the majority of Jerrod's are draw-reads or scrambles. Passing edge would seemingly go to Jerrod, but looking at last year's game, these two played to a virtual push. Obviously health is a big concern here, if Arnaud is unable to go, ISU could become too one-dimensional on offense.
Home Field - Edge A&M
--Saddens me to put this at #5, but we're having trouble selling-out games (i.e. haven't) and even w/ a big win last week I don't expect Kyle Field to be as crazy as it should be.
Defense - Edge ISU
--Clear edge here, at least in points scored in your Big12 bouts, however, you do seem to be a bit of a bend-don't-break defense, as every team has put up more than 350yards and it seems turnovers have made a big impact in every game. The Kansas game is telling, a similarly potent offense like A&M and you only caused 1 turnover, resulted in giving up 41pts and a tough L. A&M defense has a few excellent players, surrounded by a bunch of mistake-prone, tackle-missing, inexperienced athletes. ISU's style has been seen before in the likes of USU, OSU, and KSU, and A&M allowed 30+ in all of those.
Special Teams - Edge ISU
--A&M has big trouble on kick-coverage, and averaging under 40yd/punt doesn't help either. Haven't seen much from ISU other than the fake punt, but I'm assuming you cannot be worse than A&M. I do understand you've had trouble w/ PATs and FG's, do not fear, we haven't come close to blocking a kick since Bucky Richardson was around.
RBs - Push (Assuming Robinson can go but isn't 100%)
--Our two semi-studs vs. your stud, if I had to give an edge it'd be to Robinson b/c of his superior line play. Gray is a bit more active out of the backfield than Robinson or Michael, which is a nice bonus.
WRs/TEs - Edge A&M
--Would assume, along w/ home field, that this is the easiest pick. EZ+Fuller+Jackson+McCoy+Tannehill combined for nearly 300yd receiving in last year's game, and both EZ and Jackson were attending their Winter formal. Sumrall is gone, ergo, I give A&M a big edge here.
Prediction (subject to change as injuries clear up)
ISU 31
A&M 27
A few fumbles, and an inability to get off the field on 3rd and 4-7 plague the Ags all day. We grossly lose the T.O.P and Field Position battles, causing a short-handed defense to tire in the 4th, losing a hard-fought, clean game. Both team have plenty of bulletin-board type material to keep them focused. Each team is coming off of a big win, so while there might be a letdown, it's impossible to say which team it would come from. Both teams are basically playing for bowl-eligibility, as ISU probably needs 7 wins, A&M 6, and each have a remaining game vs. CU and the Ags still play Baylor at home Week 12.
