After a tough 31-17 loss at home against 13th-ranked Utah, Iowa State (2-2) now hopes to rebound as they host the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday (11 a.m. CT, TNT).  The Mountaineers (3-1, 0-1) just suffered a 41-24 loss to Oklahoma State in Week 4 and are also desperate to get back on track.

For the Cyclones, the key to preventing a 0-2 start in their Big 12 games lies in carrying out the basic principles of football against a team that relies on a physical and direct style of play.

Here are three Iowa State position groups to keep an eye on ahead of Saturday's game.

This Cyclones' offensive line is coming off a tough game against Utah. The Utes were able to reestablish the line of scrimmage on multiple occasions in last Saturday's matchup, limiting Iowa State to 111 rushing yards (3.7 yards per carry) and only one rushing touchdown. Due to the lack of running lanes, Aiden Flora struggled, managing only 54 rushing yards and averaging under five yards per carry. 

Now facing off against West Virginia, this Cyclone offensive line needs to be much improved. The Mountaineers' defense has been good against the run, only allowing 4.1 yd per carry and three touchdowns on the season. They've also been good in the pass-rushing department, generating 10 sacks so far. In order for the Cyclones to get a win in Saturday's matchup, this offensive line needs to play well.

For Iowa State's defensive line to effectively counter West Virginia's fast-paced offense, they must have stamina and a solid rotation. The Mountaineers come into every game trying to tire you out, as they want you to be physically exhausted so you make mental mistakes.

Those mental mistakes could cost you in this one. Facing a dual threat like Michael Hawkins Jr. and not being able to keep contain could lead to big explosive plays in the run game, and stopping the run against the Mountaineers will be pivotal, as West Virginia averages 294.8 yards per game (4th in the FBS). This defensive line must be conditioned and gap disciplined to secure a win for the Cyclone on Saturday.

The linebacker core is here for the same reason as the defensive line. This fast-paced West Virginia offense is gonna try to tire these linebackers out. The difference between the linebackers and the defensive linemen is that the linebackers also have to play coverage, so dropping into coverage and stopping the run for these guys will be pivotal. Plus, with a lot of run-pass options (RPOs), this offense is going to try to play with these linebackers' aggressiveness, which will make it a very difficult game for these linebackers. These linebackers need to be able to play this game just as well mentally as they have to physically.

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