The Cy-Hawk rivalry is back, and with it comes one of the most anticipated matchups on the college football calendar. Iowa and Iowa State will battle once again for bragging rights and the coveted Cy-Hawk Trophy. Both teams enter with plenty to prove, and the outcome could set the tone for the rest of the season. Here is our staff’s breakdown of the 72nd edition of the Cy-Hawk game.
Chris Williams (2-0)
Despite the quarterback situation & other offensive injuries, I was really impressed with Iowa’s offensive line in week one. This feels like classic Cy-Hawk. My guess is that Iowa State struggles to run the ball. Can the Cyclones play clean football through the air? Feels like Iowa State is in mid-season form, while the Hawkeyes are breaking in a new quarterback and particularly three new linebackers on defense. Iowa State 24, Iowa 20
Rob Gray (2-0)
The No. 16 Cyclones have lost six straight to the Hawkeyes at home but possess a modest two-game win streak at Kinnick Stadium. Go figure. Seems nuts? It kind of is but given how close — and strange — the Cy-Hawk game has typically been for at least the past decade, it shouldn’t be that surprising. This year’s matchup, as usual, will hinge on who wins the turnover battle and who makes the fewest mistakes. That’s been Iowa
by a mile in these recent matchups at Jack Trice Stadium. But the Cyclones’ wild card is quarterback Rocco Becht — a proven winner at this level who’s led his team on five game-winning drives in the fourth quarter in his two-plus seasons as the starter. Iowa State 24, Iowa 17
Jake Brend (1-1)
I think Iowa State is better 1-85. I know Iowa State has a massive edge at quarterback. I also think Iowa State has an edge at TE, LB and CB for the first time in a long time. The Cyclones are also feeling good with a 2-0 start, but I’ve felt zero overconfidence from this group. I trust that Rocco Becht will find a way to get Iowa State to score early and if that’s the case, Iowa could really struggle playing from behind with a question mark at QB. Party like it’s 2011, Cyclone fans. Iowa State 23, Iowa 10
Jackson Pence (1-1)
Who doesn’t love a good ole fashioned Cy-Hawk game. It’s one of the most
underappreciated rivalries in college football and it’s games like this that need to happen every year. Can’t wait to be in Ames on Saturday for all the festivities. Now onto the game.
The talk all week is how Iowa State fans should be careful feeling confident about the game because we always get hurt when that happens. And to some extent I agree. But I just think this Iowa State team is different. They are so tough and have never looked this good this early in the season under Matt Campbell. I think Iowa scores early, but Iowa State rolls from there. Rocco Becht makes all the throws, and the Cyclones defense shuts down a really good Iowa running game. This may come back to haunt me, but my gut says the Cyclones are winning by double-digits in this one. But I wouldn’t be surprised if this one comes down to the end like it always does (which it probably will). Iowa State 27, Iowa 13
Jacqueline Cordova (2-0)
There’s nothing like Cy-Hawk week, amiright! The tension, the trash talk, the gut-wrenching nerves that make you wonder why we willingly sign up for this every year. History hasn’t been kind to Iowa State at home in this rivalry…these games always find a way to get weird, that won’t change on Saturday. I’m expecting chaos, mistakes and a fourth quarter where your Apple Watch is begging you to breathe. My gut says the Cyclones edge it out because Rocco Becht knows how to win close games. My one concern? Iowa’s defense against Iowa State’s o-line.
But at the end of the day, I still believe the Cyclones are the better team. It’ll be close because the Hawkeyes always find a way to show up in this game and do things they can’t seem to pull off the rest of the season. They passed for just 48 yards against Albany, so naturally they’ll probably double that on their first drive in Ames and then not touch it again all year. Still, I’m staying positive. Iowa State 23, Iowa 21
Jeff Woody (2-0)
Nothing’s ever as good as it seems and nothing’s ever as bad as it seems. Iowa couldn’t throw the ball a lick against Albany. But that will be better. And even if it’s not, Gronowski is basically another running back. Iowa is going to want to make it a fistfight. Iowa State can win that game with their personnel, but they’re not going to want to. Iowa does more on offense than fans (of both teams) expect, but Rocco is just too much. Iowa State builds a big lead, Iowa pulls it closer at the end of the game, but it’s not enough. Iowa State 27, Iowa 19
Derek Duke (1-1)
It’s Cy-Hawk week and I couldn’t be more excited for the great state of Iowa. Not only is this one of the best games in the Big 12 but the entire country which is why Big Noon Kickoff is in Ames. If there is one thing I am sure of in this game, it’s Iowa State’s offense. Rocco Becht has been electric so far this season and is arguably the best quarterback in the Big 12.
Even if Iowa State isn’t able to run the ball successfully, I feel good about the weapons around Rocco. I know Iowa will want to establish the run and slow this game down but at some point, their quarterback Mark Gronowski is going to have to show something, and I don’t think he’s ready. For the first time since 2011, Iowa State beats Iowa in Ames. Iowa State 28, Iowa 24
