“New year, new me.” That’s what a lot of people have said over the past couple of days. Not West Virginia men’s basketball coach Ross Hodge, or at least for his basketball team.

The Mountaineers face No. 3 Iowa State on Jan. 2 in Ames, Iowa. It’ll be the start of Big 12 play for WVU. Some coaches look at the start of conference play as a fresh start. They’re right because you could’ve lost all your nonconference games and still win your conference, gaining an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Hodge doesn’t think that way.

“Obviously, everyone knows it’s the start of Big 12 play,” Hodge said. “But all games matter, especially when you’re talking about trying to get at large bids and NCAA Tournament ramifications. There’s not a game on your schedule that doesn’t matter, or has less or more significance. We really don’t spend a lot of time talking either or. Just been talking about Iowa State. What we got to do to beat those guys.”

Hodge might look at the trip to Ames as every other game, but it’ll definitely be the biggest challenge this year. The Cyclones are ranked as the second-highest-ranked team in the Big 12, according to the most recent AP Poll. Iowa State is ranked third in that poll — that just shows the strength of the conference this year.

The Cyclones are similar to WVU in some aspects. Not record, Iowa State is a perfect 13-0, compared to WVU’s imperfect 9-4 record. But, both are defensively focused. The Cyclones are ranked third in the Big 12, and the Mountaineers are second. Iowa State is third in the country in turnover margin.

“A lot of it starts with their defense,” Hodge said. “Obviously, they are one of the best defensive teams in the country.”

Iowa State is one of the best teams at turning turnovers into points and spreading the ball around. The Cyclones have four players averaging over 10 points per game, and one player is close with 9.9.

Joshua Jefferson averages 18.1 points per game and leads the team. Right behind him is Milan Momcilovic with 17.9 per game, and he is second in the county in 3-point percentage. Tamin Lipsey is a quick guard who Iowa State can count on, too.

“Jefferson’s playing at an elite level, as good as he was last year,” Hodge said. “He’s probably got to be one of the most improved players in the country. Shooting the ball, draws fouls. He can kind of make plays for others. Momcilovic is one of the best shooters in the country… They play really well together and play with good pace.”

This won’t be easy for the Mountaineers, with all the weapons from Iowa State. This is one of the better, if not the best team WVU will face all season, and it’s on the road. Sometimes you can hold back against easier nonconference opponents, but this will be an all-out attack for Hodge’s squad.

“I don’t think we’re in a position to hold anything back,” Hodge said.

Hodge is trying to make the game simple for his players, so they don’t get too overwhelmed with the stature of playing the third-best team in the country. Like Hodge said, this is just another game and an essential win. The mindset isn’t any different than a nonconference game.

“It’s 10 four-minute games,” Hodge said. “You just got to play each one of those four-minute games and try to win each little four-minute segment of that game. Keep the game intact, and give yourself a chance to win.”