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

GAME NOTES: Iowa State will try to surpass its win total from a year ago when the Cyclones host the Army Black Knights this weekend at Jack Trice Stadium.

The Black Knights storm into Ames riding high off a hard-fought, 24-17 victory over Ball State. it was the second win on the year for Army, which opened the 2009 campaign with a 27-14 decision over Eastern Michigan. Army has enjoyed minor success against teams currently in the Big 12, posting an 11-18 all-time ledger against schools in the conference.

As for the Cyclones, they are coming off a 2008 season in which the team tallied just two victories. However, after three games, Iowa State has already grabbed two victories, defeating North Dakota State (34-17) and Kent State (34-14). The Cyclones have enjoyed success at home against non-BCS schools over the years, posting a 16-3 ledger.

This will be the third meeting between Army and Iowa State on the gridiron. The first meeting took place in 1964 and was won by Army, 9-7. However the two teams did not meet again until 2005 and in that contest the Cyclones grabbed a 28-21 victory.

The Black Knights are primarily a running team, and have dominated the opposition for 257.7 rushing yards per matchup on 4.7 ypc. Patrick Mealy is currently pacing the team with 236 yards on an amazing 10.7 yards per clip, while Kingsley Ehie and Jameson Carter have posted 159 and 142 yards, respectively. Trent Steelman has chipped in 134 rushing yards, and that is more than his passing yards, which coming into this weekend totals just 94 yards on 7-of-18 passing. Last weekend against Ball State, the Black Knights totaled just 265 yards, but still managed to grab a seven-point victory. Army rushed for 207 yards in the contest, but averaged 3.6 yards per carry. Ehie led the way in the victory with 67 yards, while Carter added 57 yards and one score. Steelman only rushed for 39 yards for Army, but did throw for 58 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively the Black Knights have been surprisingly effective, limiting opponents to just 278.0 total yards per contest, and that has translated to just 22.0 ppg. Army has done a terrific job against the run, holding opponents to a mere 77.0 ypg on just 2.6 yards per attempt. The Black Knights have also made some big plays through the first three contests and head into this weekend with nine forced turnovers and nine sacks. The Black Knights did not put forth their best effort against Ball State, as the Cardinals racked up 375 total yards, but Army still walked away with a win. The defense surrendered 121 rushing yards in the contest, which was a bit surprising, but the defensive unit recorded four interceptions and two sacks, which was a big reason for the victory.

Much like their counterpart, the Cyclones have used a devastating rushing attack to punish opponents. ISU comes into this game averaging a healthy 209.3 rushing ypg on an impressive 5.4 yards per attempt. Overall Iowa State is producing 383.0 total yards, but that has led to only 23.7 ppg. Alexander Robinson has been the main source of production out of the backfield, and is currently pacing the team with 326 yards and two touchdowns on 5.6 ypc. Quarterback Austen Arnaud is second on the team with 176 rushing yards and has scored a team-best three rushing TDs. The signal caller has not been as effective with his arm, completing just 54.9 percent of his throws. After three games the junior has only 450 yards and three touchdowns against four interceptions. In the recent win over Kent State, the Cyclones punished the Golden Flashes for 234 rushing yards and finished with an impressive 404 total yards. Robinson led the way with 143 yards and one touchdown, while Arnaud added 42 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. The signal caller also threw for 144 yards and one more touchdown in the contest on 13-of-21 passing.

The defense for Iowa State has been a different story, as the team is surrendering 372 total yards per contest, but that has only led to 22.0 ppg. The main problem for this unit has come against the pass, as the Cyclones are allowing 222.7 yards per contest, and have also surrendered seven passing touchdowns in just three games. The struggles against the pass continued for Iowa State against KSU, as the defense yielded 255 yards. However, as a whole the unit fought hard, holding the Golden Flashes to just 302 total yards and 14 points. What was a huge benefit for Iowa State was the five turnovers the defense forced, four of which were fumbles.

Both teams rely heavily on the run, so expect a battle in the trenches, as the two teams will likely try to impose their will with their respective ground games. Iowa State has a better all-around offense and should be able to slip past Army in this one.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Iowa State 27, Army 20