Never grant this many points in a conference game -- except in extreme circumstances that apply here. Iowa State might have just six usable players at its disposal, with point guard Donovan Jackson (15.4 points per game) attending a funeral and forward Hans Brase doubtful with a knee injury. The Mountaineers wear down opponents with their high-octane defense, which puts the Cyclones in a precarious spot. Iowa State has covered just once in a stretch of 11 road games. It's ill-equipped to withstand WVU's ferocity.

Rebuilding Iowa State appears to be fading late, with losses in five of its past six games. But the Cyclones have been a sometimes-dangerous underdog, particularly at home where they have upsets of West Virginia, Oklahoma, Baylor and Texas Tech to their credit. The road has been a different story, as they are still winless in Big 12 play. Even though the Mountaineers should get their revenge Saturday, this is still too many points against a club that has proven it can beat the press and score its share. This is also a look-ahead spot for West Virginia in advance of its big home date with Texas Tech.