FACTS & STATS: Site: Jack Trice Stadium (55,000) -- Ames, Iowa. Television: None. Home Record: KSU 0-0, ISU 1-0. Away Record: KSU 0-0, ISU 0-0. Neutral Record: KSU 0-1, ISU 0-0. Conference Record: KSU 0-0, ISU 0-0. Series Record: Iowa State leads, 4-1.

GAME NOTES: The Iowa State Cyclones will try to start a season with two straight wins for the third time in the last four years when they host the Kent State Golden Flashes this Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium.

The Golden Flashes' season-opener was an embarrassing one to say the least, as KSU was shut out by Boston College, 21-0. It was the eighth straight loss for Kent State dating back to last season. After this contest, the Flashes will return home to host Delaware State.

As for the Cyclones, they wasted no time making a statement in their season- opener, as they systematically destroyed South Dakota State, 44-17. It was the third straight home victory for Iowa State, which entered this season with a mediocre 7-7 mark at Jack Trice Stadium over the two previous campaigns.

The Cyclones have a 4-1 edge over Kent State in the all-time series. However, the lone win for the Golden Flashes came this past season by a 23-14 margin.

The Flashes' offense was stymied by a very tough Boston College defense in their season-opening 21-0 setback. Kent State collected just 12 first downs and finished the game with 260 total yards. Julian Edelman put forth a horrible performance in the opener, throwing for just 123 yards, while tossing two interceptions in the setback. Edelman also added 32 yards on the ground against Boston College. Not much worked for the Golden Flashes, as even talented tailback Eugene Jarvis struggled. The nation's leading returning rusher had just 51 yards on 11 carries. It was a very poor showing for Jarvis, who racked up 1,669 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2007.

The main problem for the Golden Flashes against the Eagles were their inability to stop the run, as Kent State was pounded for 230 yards on the ground. Overall the defense surrendered 336 yards, but limited BC to just 17 first downs and only 5-of-12 on third down attempts. However, at the same time, the defensive unit did not force a turnover, or record a sack in the setback. Derek Burrell was easily the most active player on the defensive side of the ball for KSU, as the linebacker tallied 14 tackles. Brian Lainhart added 12 stops, while Rico Murray posted nine.

The Cyclones' offense was in mid-season form this past Thursday, as Iowa State pummeled South Dakota State, 44-17. ISU used a heavy dose of its ground attack in the win, pounding South Dakota State's front line for 229 yards on 42 carries. Jason Harris led the way with 78 yards and one touchdown in the win, while Alexander Robinson collected 74 yards on 15 totes. Iowa State's ground game should be even tougher this week if J.J. Bass (462 yards and four scores in 2007) is permitted to return to the playing field. Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates both saw time under center, and while neither were overly impressive, both players did toss a touchdown pass. Arnaud finished 8-of-11 for 98 yards, while Bates completed 5-of-8 passes for 61 yards. Overall Iowa State finished with 20 first downs and converted 6-of-7 red zone chances in the victory.

The offense did its part in the victory this past Thursday, but this matchup was won on the defensive side of the football, as Iowa State forced six turnovers, five of which were interceptions. One of the five interceptions were returned for a touchdown by Derek Schmidgall. One concern that coach Gene Chizik could have is the play of the front seven against the run, as the team was generous in that regard, allowing 180 yards on 25 carries (7.2 ypc). Michael Bibbs only collected 19 tackles this past season, but the linebacker made his presence known in the opener, racking up a team-high nine stops, while also grabbing one interception.

Kent State did not show much signs of life offensively, and considering how tough the Cyclones were against the pass, KSU's Edelman could be in for a long game. Expect Iowa State to continue to pound the football as the team moves to 2-0 on the season.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Iowa State 34, Kent State 14

Saturday, September 6th, 7:00 p.m. (et)