Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Much of the success Iowa has had over time can be pinned on superior strength at the line of scrimmage. The Hawkeyes have long more than held their own in the trenches, and this point-of-attack prowess has been on full display so far this season. That’s another reminder for rival Minnesota of how much work is left to do in building the program under coach P.J. Fleck. The Gophers were outmanned on the lines in their last game at Maryland. They host the Hawkeyes for homecoming this weekend. (Pre-game today at 12:30-p.m., Kick-off at 2:30 on KJAN)

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — It could come down to defense on Saturday for No. 25 Oklahoma State when they face Iowa State at home. The Cyclones’ offense has struggled this season, ranking last in the Big 12 in both scoring and yards this season. So if Oklahoma State can unleash the pressure of its potent pass-rush that leads the nation in sacks, they should be able to prevail.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Winless Nebraska faces another tough challenge with a trip to No. 16 Wisconsin this weekend. The Cornhuskers are 0-4, having lost a program-record eight straight going back to last season. But coach Scott Frost says how his players respond to the hard times will make things sweeter when the team gets better. The rested Badgers are coming off a bye week. They feature the nation’s leading rusher, Jonathan Taylor, who is averaging 157 yards per game.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska running back Greg Bell has left the team and received a release from his scholarship. An athletic department spokesman said Bell didn’t make the trip for the Cornhuskers’ game at No. 16 Wisconsin on Saturday and planned to transfer. Bell started the first three games but lost his job to Devine Ozigbo last week.