*10* SIDE OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma State.

The Iowa State Cyclones will host the Oklahoma State Cowboys tonight, and the home team is a big favorite. When you look at the Cowboy's 3-13 conference record, it's easy to see why they are a double-digit dog. The Cyclones though have failed to impress in recent weeks, going 4-5 in their last nine games. My money is on the Cowboys plus the points.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - The Cyclones have won five straight in this series, but all five of those games were close, decided by five points or less. Not once in the last 10 meetings between the two teams has a game been decided by more than 10 points.

2. Depth - The Cyclones have a real problem with depth, relying almost entirely on their starters for scoring. Their bench was out-scored 16-3 in the last meeting between these two teams, and they rank dead last in the BIG12 in scoring off the bench.

3. X-Factor - The Cyclones have failed to cover in six of their last seven versus teams with a losing record.

Selection: This is a play on the Oklahoma State Cowboys (10*)