Watching Kansas move the ball almost at will, at times, against Nebraska last week gives Iowa State coach Dan McCarney some hope that his team’s offense can find its rhythm during tonight’s game.

But McCarney knows it’ll take a lot more than hope for the Cyclones to click against the Husker defense.

“They humiliated three teams, played a defending national runner-up, USC, real good defense a lot of that game,” he said. “There isn’t a better pair of defensive ends in Big 12 or college football (than Nebraska’s Adam Carriker and Jay Moore). You can see why people have had a lot of trouble moving the football.”

But not every team has a quarterback like Bret Meyer, who last week led the Cyclones back from a 21-7 deficit to a 28-27 victory against Northern Iowa. With ISU out of timeouts, Meyer produced a 74-yard, game-winning touchdown drive that took just 65 seconds.

“He’s just always got a great look in his eye,” McCarney said. “We’re down a couple touchdowns — it’s the same look as when he’s leading us down the field with a victory in the fourth quarter. It really is an honor to come to work every day and have a guy like that be your quarterback.”

HOME ON THE RANGE: Iowa State is seeking its third straight win against Nebraska in Ames. The Cyclones have never accomplished that feat. … The Cyclones have won 12 of their last 15 home games and 13 of 16 night games in Jack Trice Stadium.

A TOUGH ROAD: Based on 2005 records, Iowa State’s schedule is considered the second-toughest nationally. The Cyclones’ opponents were 93-54 last season (a winning percentage of .633). Duke’s opponents had a combined .639 winning percentage in 2005. ISU and North Carolina also have the most bowl teams from 2005 (nine) on their schedule.