Iowa State vs. Iowa
September, 14th.
4 PM EST. FS1
Host of “College Gameday”
College Football rivalries are some of the most intense environments in all of sports. Something about College Football just brings more passion to the fans.
Whether that be due to being alumni, proximity to the university, or just growing up being fans.
There are the normal major rivalries like The Iron Bowl, The Red River Rivalry, Army-Navy, as well as, many others. One of the more under the radar rivalries is the Cy-Hawk rivalry game.
Iowa State and Iowa have never had any high implication games, but the game is always competitive and the sweat is as thick as blood during the game.
Cy-Hawk History
This series has gone in different directions throughout the past decade. It’s mostly been Iowa wins, but the Cyclones have caught them a few times. With Iowa winning 4 straight however, the momentum has shifted toward the Hawkeyes.
After a 44-41 slugfest 2 years ago, the defenses buckled down as it was a 13-3 affair last season. The highlights are limited, but the intensity is at an all time high.
For the first time in program history, College Gameday will be headed to Ames, Iowa. Even though Iowa State has faced bigger opponents, this is the biggest game in over a decade.
This game is a FS1 televised game, but the exposure of being hosts for gameday provides an enormous amount of pressure.
For Iowa State, they played a very close Week 1 game against Northern Iowa. Some would seem worried, however, Iowa State has tended to struggle with good FCS opponents (Drake 2018, Northern Iowa 2016).
Meeting the Teams
Iowa State would end up having a pretty successful 2018, despite the close game with Drake. Brock Purdy returns, but finding threats at the skill position will be key. Iowa State was off Week 2, and I think that hurts the Cyclones.
Outside of WR Deshaunte Jones, no one else is a legit threat. The defense wont be an issue, but containing AJ Espenosa and the Hawkeye defense will be problematic.
Speaking of Iowa, they’ve taken care of 2 Non-Power 5’s early in Miami (Oh.) and Rutgers. Although Iowa doesn’t have a clear #2 WR yet, they do have a talented duo of Mekhi Sargent and Toren Young in the backfield.
Defensively, AJ Epenesa is off to a slow start, but LB Djimon Colbert has been a nice surprise. He has produced 13 tackles, 1.5 TFL, and an interception so far.
Purdy may have the brighter future, but Nate Stanley just might be the better QB right now. After passing for 26 TD’s back to back seasons, Stanley will have it tough this season.
He is without not one, but two first round TE’s in Noah Fant and TJ Hockensen. It will open up Iowa more for more of a vertical passing game on play action.
Final Verdict:
I expect this game to be more of a defensive game. With this game being early in the year and the adjustment of losing NFL talent on offense, it could be sloppy.
In the end, I believe Iowa makes it 5 in a row as the pass rush and running game is just enough for a huge road win.
Iowa 27, Iowa State 23
Image Credit: https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/9/10/16281556/iowa-state-isu-final-score-results-game-recap-2017
