Iowa Players to Watch in Ames

Iowa State (1-0) may be the more experienced team in the trenches, but both teams return playmakers for the 67th meeting of Iowa vs. Iowa State.

Note, Iowa (2-0, 1-0 B1G West) played 10 true freshman during the 2017 season; right now, four appear the focus heading into 2019 and fewer on defense.

Iowa takes pride in road openers under Kirk Ferentz. Iowa has won 8 of last 10, with lone losses at Arizona (34-27 in '10) and at Iowa State (44-41 in 3 OT in '11), so it would be shocking to see Iowa not come into Ames, with their "A Game."

Look how competitive Iowa has been each season, winning eight games.

It will take Matt Campbell's team's best performance against Iowa most likely. The Cyclones are likely hungry, since the Hawkeyes have won four straight, three over Campbell coached teams. None of the Cyclones have won, and none of the Hawkeyes have lost.

The Hawkeyes don't want to be the first?

Matt Campbell and his 2019 team, especially his seniors, are seeking to get that first win in the CyHawk series.

Iowa's secondary is not at full strength heading into Ames. Up to four players are out. The senior leader Michael Ojemudia is making his 2nd trip to Ames. He saw action in 44-41 OT win at Iowa State. Ojemudia made a career-high four tackles at Iowa State, with one solo tackles and three assists, along with one pass break-up in 2017. He and Geno Stone, who was one of 10 true freshmen, who played during the 2017 season are back leading the young secondary. Stone also saw action in 44-41 OT win at Iowa State, recording one solo tackle for first career statistic.

The back 7 is expected to run Iowa's traditonal 4-3 defense, since injuries have impacted the secondary. Just like the past four CyHawk Games, which Iowa have won.

On defense, Iowa returns only one starter from the 2017 game. It is starting senior DT Cedric Lattimore. He clearly plays a key role anchoring the middle against Cyclones on Saturday.

He started at defensive tackle in the 44-41 OT win at Iowa State, recording one QB pressure. Last year, Cedric saw action in 13-3 win over Iowa State, recording one assisted tackle as defense allowed just 19 net rushing yards and 188 yards total offense. This is his fourth CyHawk Game.

His running mate also played in 2017. Brady Reiff saw action in 44-41 OT win at Iowa State, recording one solo tackle and one QB pressure. He missed last year's game.

Iowa's top edge rush AJ Epenesa saw action in 44-41 OT win at Iowa State, recording one sack and one QB pressure. Last year, he had five tackles vs. ISU, including three solo stops and two assists.

So, five of Iowa's starters played in 2017. The linebacker corp was three seniors last time in Ames. Nick Niemann did play in 2017. He recorded one solo tackle for his first career statistic. Last year, Niemann came up big, career-best seven tackles vs. ISU, including three solo stops and four assists, along with one sack.

One senior many are likely interested to see against Iowa State is DE/ST player Amani Jones. He had one assisted tackle in 2017 in Ames.

It will be important for the linebackers to tackle well in space. Djimon Colbert had a great game last year, with career-best five tackles vs. ISU, including three solo stops and two assists. The linebacker corp was the question mark last year entering the CyHawk Game. It is the secondary in 2019.

Senior MLB Kristian Welch did not see action in 13-3 win last over over Iowa State due to injury. He played briefly in the 42-3 win his true freshman season at Kinnick, but had no statistics as defense allowed just 291 yards total offense.

The Iowa defense has a corp group of players who will have to lead others making their debut in Ames.

Offensively, one returning starter from the 2017 game is out injuries in Alaric Jackson at LT. Not one starter in the offensive line has played in Ames.

Getting off to a good start will be important on the road in Ames. The Hawkeyes will want to keep the Cyclone fans from making this one any more emotionally charged, as it will already be.

NCAAF Nation@NCAAFNation247

Iowa defeats Iowa State 44-41

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2:57 PM - Sep 9, 2017

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The only returning starters from 2017 are Iowa two players of the game from week one in senior QB Nate Stanley and junior wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

Learfield IMG College Audio@IMGAudio

IOWA - IOWA STATE

Nate Stanley had TD passes, including the game-winner in overtime, giving @HawkeyeFootball a 44-41 win over the rival Cyclones in 2017 #Hawkeyes | #TBT

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Stanley had his first road start in Ames as Iowa's QB. Smith-Marsette his first start at wide receiver in 44-41 OT win at Iowa State for an offense that gained 497 yards total offense. He had four receptions for 36 yards at Iowa State, including two touchdown receptions . His first career score came on 15-yard reception in fourth quarter. He had his second touchdown on five-yard reception in overtime to secure the Iowa win. He also had one rushing attempt for seven yards. Last year, he one reception for 45 yards vs. ISU, got hurt and missed the next game.

Kory Kuffler

✔@kuff_sports

Iowa wins the Cy-hawk trophy for 3rd straight year 44-41 in OT

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Stanley completed 27-41 pass attempts for 333 yards and five touchdowns at Iowa State, with no interceptions. He had a 46-yard scoring strike to tie the game with 1:09 remaining. As mentioned, his five-yard touchdown pass in OT provided the winning margin. Stanley also had scoring passes of 10, 17 and 15 yards while leading team on four scoring drives that covered 89 yards or more in 2017, in Ames.

Stanley saw action in 42-3 win over Iowa State as offense gained 435 yards total offense. He completed one of two pass attempts for two yards vs. ISU. His first completion, as a Hawkeye. Last year, Stanley completed 16-28 attempts for 166 yards vs. ISU, with no interceptions. He also had two rushing attempts for seven yards, along with one punt for 25 yards.

Cyclone fans don't have much respect for Stanley's mobility, but he used his feet last year and has made a couple key first downs this year. Like in 2003 and 2015, Iowa's starting QB will likely need to make a play with his feet in Ames.

In 2017, Ivory Kelly-Martin recorded two KO returns for 39 yards at Iowa State, with a long of 24 yards. He also recorded one solo tackle on special teams. He was injured last season. It was nice to see him provide an explosive play last week against Rutgers in the pass game and with Tyrone Tracy's first career TD reception on play action.

Iowa fans should see true freshman Tyler Goodson today in Ames. Here's a prime example. Junior WR Brandon Smith saw first action of career in Ames in 2017. Last year, Smith started at wide receiver in 13-3 win over Iowa State. His one reception for 30 yards vs. ISU, led to the only touchdown of the game.

Junior Shaun Beyer is the only TE, who has played in Ames. Hesaw action on special teams in 2017 at ISU. Last year, he played, with no statistics.

Overall, Iowa has more experience, but limited who have played in Ames. But, you have to like the corp group of players for the Hawkeyes.

GameDay and the 67th meeting of the Cy-Hawk Game on Saturday in Ames

Football is a team sport, so when is it ultimately ever a game of one quarterback vs. the other.

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Nate Stanley will make his third start against Iowa State and play in his fourth game. He has completed a pass in all four games, unless something dramatically shifts at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday.

Nate Chandler in Ames

Drew Tate

Ricky Stanzi

C.J. Beathard

They all won as senior QBs over Iowa State. So, why should one pick against Nate Stanley, who is playing well entering his third game of his senior season?

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For sophomore Brock Purdy, this is the biggest game in his 10 game career at Iowa State. He is an impressive 8-2 and had an impressive true freshman season.

However, lately, long-term QBs at Iowa State have been rare territory. Has Brock Purdy won the biggest games?

When has Iowa State ever won the biggest Cy-Hawk games, other than the 2002 Cy-Hawk Game in Kinnick?

Iowa State hasn't been ranked, since the 1978 game. Iowa has apparently been ranked 13 times heading into the Cy-Hawk series. In 2009, Iowa fell out of the ranking, after the UNI opener. The Hawkeyes didn't jump back into the Top 25, until after the GameDay win at Penn State.

The 2009 team was Iowa's best in the Cy-Hawk series, under Kirk Ferentz. Matt Campbell is 0-3 and his team has played one game against an FCS program to date.

Ironically, this is Iowa State’s third-straight home game against an Iowa team. ISU played Drake last Dec. 1, then opened this season against Northern Iowa. Both Cyclone games were wins, but they raised more questions than Top 25 votes.

The last win in the Cy-Hawk series was in 2014. The Cyclones won coming off a conference game. Iowa State has lost four straight coming off a scheduled game with an FCS opponent.

Something has to give on Saturday: as columnist Hlas shared, "Iowa has won its last seven road openers. Iowa State has won its last seven home games."

When it comes to defense, "Iowa State’s 188 yards at Iowa last year was the Cyclones’ lowest total in Matt Campbell’s 39 games as their coach."

Iowa has had three shutout games in their last ten conference games. Iowa won their bowl game 27-22 against a strong Mississippi State defense. Momentum likely favors the visiting team?

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"Iowa is fourth nationally in total defense, yards allowed per pass attempt, and time of possession" in the early 2019 season.

Iowa's defense in 2019 has been impressive? They may be playing better as a "TEAM" compared to their strong 2018 unit lead by an array of solid seniors and two NFL draftees, who elected to forgo their senior season.

Now, Iowa State does have a good defense themselves. They have only played one game in 2 weeks. They faced a freshman UNI QB and they didn't allow a touchdown, until overtime. But, there is youth to be found in their unit.

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WLB Marcel Spears is a senior. Otherwise, it is underclassmen at cornerback and in the linebacker unit. Sophomore Mike Rose played outstanding last year, as a true freshman.

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For Iowa State to win, it will have to be the perfect storm?

The Cyclones are going to have to pressure Nate Stanley, who has lost five games in his career, as a starter, on the road. The two most recent were at Penn State and Purdue last year.

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Stanley has lead the Hawkeyes in three trophy game victories on the road. The first, in Ames in his road debut, as a starter, in 2017. His other two wins were at Nebraska to close out 2017 and the road opener at Minnesota last year.

Stanley has lead Iowa to two bowl wins. Iowa State's last bowl win was ten years ago 14-13 over Minnesota. Iowa won the Cy-Hawk Game in Ames, in 2009, 35-3.

Other than against Wisconsin, the Hawkeyes have stepped up and won, as a team in trophy games, dating back to 2016, when Stanley arrived, as a true freshman. Iowa won all 4 trophy games in 2015.

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So, winning culture favors the Hawkeyes, who have won 4 out of the 5 last games in Ames. The Cyclones last home win was a triple OT game, 44-41, in 2011.

QB Purdy and the Cyclones didn't rise to the occasion at Texas last year. In their last four games, including the Alamo Bowl loss 28-26 to Washington State, they were one possession or OT games at home:

Kansas State

Drake

Northern Iowa

Iowa State has lost the last two games as a +2 underdog.

Purdy did lead the Cyclones to wins last year over  Top 25 Oklahoma State (on road) and West Virginia at home.

Lately, the Cyclones have played down to their opponents, rather than up?

Iowa has struggled with that issue in the early going, at times under Coach Ferentz. Since the 45-28 loss in the Gator Bowl to Tennessee in 2014, the Hawkeyes have witness a "new Kirk" with updated coaching staff of new and old faces.

This game is important. Iowa State's best seasons, over the last ten years, all came after an Iowa win in the Cy-Hawk series, for what it is worth.

If Iowa takes care of business on Saturday, we suspect it will be by the margin of Ten Points. Not a 30 plus blowout, like 2009 or 2016, but seperation enough to get a W.

Otherwise, close games are what the Cyclones have often pulled out, whether Oklahama 2017, Iowa in 2002 or other years, often against Iowa.

The only real outlier in Ames was 2005, when the Cyclones upset then #8 Iowa 23-3. The 2005 Hawkeyes were very young in the defensive line, unlike 2019.

Iowa 27

Iowa State 17

Fight for Iowa!

Game Day: #24 Iowa vs. #31 Iowa State for the CyHawk Trophy

Check out @HawkeyeFootball’s Tweet:
https://twitter.com/HawkeyeFootball/status/1038411955881627649?s=09

Iowa City, IA --- The 66th meeting of the CyHawk Game kicks off at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as a sell out crowd is expected to watch the #24 Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) vs. the #31 Iowa State Cyclones (0-0) with a 4 PM start on FOX. The series resumed back in 1977, after it was dark for over four decades.

Both teams finished off 8-5 last season, though Iowa pulled off a 44-41 OT victory over Iowa State in Ames. The Hawkeyes lead the series 43-22. The Hawkeyes are going for their fourth straight win.

Kirk Ferentz is in his 20th season leading the Hawkeyes. As a head coach, he has never won four straight, though he was on hand, as OL coach, during the Hayden Fry era, when the Hawkeyes ran off 15 straight over the Cyclones. He is 10-9 in the series, as a head coach, 17-11 at Iowa.

Twenty years ago, as a 28 point underdog, the Cyclones pulled out a 27-9 win, under coach Dan McCarney, ending the 15 game win streak, in Fry's final season in Iowa City.

In 2002, the Cyclones were a 3 point underdog, but pulled out a monster 36-31 win, again in Iowa City over the Hawkeyes.  The Hawkeyes dropped the game after a series of miscues and turnovers, despite an early 24-7 lead.

Last year, the Hawkeyes took an early 14-0 lead, only to fall behind by two possessions, but grinded their way back to force overtime in Ames. The Hawkeyes finished the game with a walk off TD from QB Nate Stanley to WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

For Iowa State coach Matt Campbell, he is entering his third season at the helm, leading the Cyclones.  His first visit to Iowa City in 2016, the Cyclones lost big, 42-3 against the #16 Hawkeyes. So, as head coach, Campbell is 0-2 searching his first win in the series.

Back in 1977, when the series resumed in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes pulled out the upset win 12-10 to kickoff the renewed series, as the late Bob Commings for Iowa and late Earle Bruce for ISU lead the programs.

The 2018 game should be a competitive match up between two young programs coming off bowl wins and entering with positive expectations for the new season. Mutual respect is the tone from both head coaches and opposing players.

Confidence appears to be present on both sides. So, how should the breakdowns fall between the Hawkeyes and Cyclones

Game Day Iowa: Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy from Jack Trice Stadium, in Ames

The Iowa Hawkeyes won back the Cy-Hawk Trophy, after a
31-17 win over the Iowa State Cyclones in 2015. The Hawks
are seeking to make it three straight, in Ames and in the series.

Ames, IA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) are looking to carry off the Cy-Hawk Trophy for the third straight time, from the field of Jack Trice, as the Hawkeyes face the Iowa State Cyclones (1-0), with an 11 a.m. kickoff on ESPN2.

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell is making his 2nd
appearance in the Cy-Hawk Game today.

It is Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz's 19th season, as head coach, and 28th season overall, connected with the Cy-Hawk Game, as part of the Hawkeyes coaching staff. Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell heads into Round 2 of the series, after the 42-3 loss in Iowa City, in his first season at the helm, leading the Cyclones.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz has been involved in 27 Cy-Hawk
games in his coaching resume, as an assistant and now leading.

The dean of college football enters the game tied 9-9 in the series, as head coach. The rubber match today should be a good one.

It was 40 years ago, since the renewal game was played in Iowa
City. The Hawkeyes were the underdog back in 1977, but Iowa
pulled out the win in an exciting 12-10 win, which included a
77 yard TD run by WB Dennis Mosley for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa generally wins 2 out of every 3 against the Cyclones, but after a 15 year win streak from 1983 to 1997, the Cyclones pulled off 27-9 win at Kinnick Stadium in 1998, to begin a five year win streak of their own.

The 2002 game may have done more to spice up
the Cy-Hawk Game, as the Cyclones won another
one in Iowa City, with a 36-31 win over what would
become a Top 10 Iowa Hawkeye team, under Kirk Ferentz.
The first of three straight Top 10 seasons for the Hawkeyes.

What could we see at Jack Trice on Saturday on offense?

• A back and forth game early on, unlike the affair last season, in Iowa City, where the Hawkeyes jumped off to an early 14-0 lead.
• Two young QBs, as both Iowa sophomore Nate Stanley and Iowa State junior Jacob Park make first starts in the Cy-Hawk Game today.
• Both Iowa and Iowa State have seasoned running backs, but none of them have had huge games in the Cy-Hawk Game, as of yet. Both Iowa senior RBs Akrum Wadley and James Butler will be making a debut at Jack Trice Stadium, while ISUs has sophomore David Montgomery and junior Mike Warren.
• ISU's top WR Allen Lazard is a senior, but he has never scored in a Cy-Hawk Game.
• Iowa's top WR Matt VandeBerg is fifth year senior, after having a career day as a senior last season in the Cy-Hawk Game. Suffering a season ending foot injury, after the game, he returns for one more stanza with ring already in hand.
• Let's not forget, both teams have others at wide receiver and tight end, who could step up and become Hawkeye or Cyclone legends today, in the Cy-Hawk Game ...
• It wouldn't be fair to two former offensive line coaches, as, they now lead their respective teams, if we didn't talk about the offensive lines today. The Hawkeyes have a veteran unit coming into Jack Trice, while Cyclones are younger, though senior LT Jake Campos returns from injury to make his final appearance today. Iowa hopes to see junior C James Daniels making his first start of 2017 today.

Iowa senior MLB 43 Josey Jewell is a pre-season all-American.

What could we see at Jack Trice on Saturday on defense?

• The Hawkeyes are coming off a 24-3 win last Saturday over Wyoming, who were lead by NFL prospect in junior QB Josh Allen. The Hawkeyes defense played a very strong game to kickoff 2017. 
• The Hawkeyes rotated in eight defensive linemen, who will be tested heavily today at Jack Trice, with a duo threat in both the rushing and passing games, by the Cyclones. The senior is DT Nate Bazata, but the Hawkeyes debuted five-star true freshman DE A.J. Epenesa in Week 1 for ten snaps. Bazata lead the 4th down stand for the Hawkeyes against Cowboys last Saturday and will be a key player to watch today, as Iowa must stop the duo threat of run and pass from the Cyclones.
• The Cyclones are coming off a 42-24 home win against in-state Northern Iowa, where 14 points was fueled by two early Pick 6 interceptions by the Cyclones back 7.
• The Cyclones can play using a 3-4 defensive set, as well as a 4-3, so look for some different looks, especially with Iowa's QB only making his second collegiate start today. The Cyclones defensive line is anchored by JC transfer, sophomore NG Ray Lima.
• The Hawkeyes return three senior starters at LB in 2017, and last Saturday, they accounted for 38 tackles. Lead by the Outlaw ... MLB Josey Jewell, flanked by OLB Ben Niemann, a Cyclone legacy, and WLB Bo Bower.
• The Cyclones moved former starting QB senior Joel Lanning to MLB for the 2017 season, while junior WLB Willie Harvey is his counterpart in the middle of the ISU defense again.
• Both teams have solid secondaries, though the Hawkeyes are younger, they will see the return of sophomore CB Manny Rugamba today, after missing Week 1, due to a violation of team rules. The Cyclones are lead again by junior LC Brian Peavy and senior LS Kamari Cotton-Moya for 2017.

What could the special teams bring to the equation?

• Iowa is young at placekicker and punter, while ISU senior punter Colin Downing could provide  huge boost in flipping the field position today. 
• Field position is huge in this series ...
• Both teams have capable players in the return game.

Iowa sophomore QB 4 Nate Stanley is making his first road
start for Kirk Ferentz, following three other Hawkeye starters
during the KF era making it on the road against ISU.
(Nathan Chandler 2003, Jake Christensen 2007 and Jake Rudock 2013)
The previous three were 2-1, mirroring the average for Iowa-ISU games.

The two deep on the Iowa Hawkeyes:

The two deep for the Iowa State Cylcones:

Our Pick in Cy-Hawk Game today:

• Iowa 30
• Iowa State 17

The series has been very competitive, 50/50, for the most part during the Kirk Ferentz era. Like 2013 and 2015, look for the Hawkeyes to play better on the road, rather than some of the close wins, ISU has had recently in Iowa City, 2012 and 2014. Of course, the 2011 went to ISU in triple overtime, so often the close ones have bounced the way of the Cyclones. Separation is often important for Iowa ...

Can Iowa senior RB 25 Akrum Wadley pull a Dennis Mosley
game today? The former Iowa RB, had a great senior season,
including breakout game that lead to the first 1,000 yard season
by a Hawkeye in 1981. Iowa brings two 1,000 yard runners
to the game, with Wadley and Nevada grad transfer James Butler.

Game Day: Prime Time Game at Kinnick, as Iowa Hawkeyes host the Iowa State Cyclones for the Cy-Hawk Game!

Can Iowa carry the trophy off for the second straight game?
The series has favored by ISU in 3 of the last five games, including past two
in Iowa City, as Cy-Hawk Game kicks off today at 6:30 p.m.

Iowa City, IA -- In 1977, the Hawkeye State welcomed the return of the Cy-Hawk Game, as the Iowa Hawkeyes outlasted the Iowa State Cyclones 12-10 at Kinnick Stadium. Today's game is the 40th meeting, since the series resumed, as the Hawkeyes and Cyclones kickoff at 6:30 p.m. at Kinnick Stadium, as the Big Ten Network will the Cy-Hawk Game.

This is the 18th game for Kirk Ferentz, as head coach for Iowa, leading the
Hawkeyes in the Cy-Hawk Game. AD Gary Barta extended Ferentz through
the 2026 season this week, but the Cyclones have been a thorn for Ferentz.

There has been dominance by Iowa in the Cy-Hawk Series, with a 15 game win streak from 1983 to 1997. Iowa State has owned both three and five game win streak winning streaks, since the series resumed. In the past 17 games, since Kirk Ferentz was hired as Iowa's head coach in 1999, Iowa State leads the series 9 to 8. Iowa (1-0) comes into today's match at #10 nationally, while ISU (0-1) is unranked ...

Iowa State (0-1) against #10 Iowa (1-0), in this Big 12 vs. Big Ten match up!

The Hawkeyes haven't carried the trophy off the field at Kinnick Stadium, since Iowa's 35-7 win in 2010. Iowa State has won two straight at Kinnick, including a 9-6 game in 2012, where there was little offense.

Iowa carried the trophy off last year, but the Hawkeyes haven't in Iowa City,
since 2010, so there is a desire to keep it here for another year.

Iowa hosted the first four games in the renewal, with a 2-2 record.

It would be easy to pick an Iowa B1G win, since Iowa State factors to be in rebuilding mode in 2016, with a young offensive line and concerns in the line back corp. It is also Year 1 of the Matt Campbell era, who replaced Paul Rhoads after a 3-9 season.

The renewal of the series was tied 1-1, when Hayden Fry arrived in Iowa City.
Fry won his first Cy-Hawk Game in 1979, in Iowa City, 30-14. The Hawkeyes
would love to pull off another win in the series, as they lead 39-19 overall.
Fry's first win at Iowa was against Iowa State, back in 1979.

But, in rivalry games, the Cyclones have won in this series, with teams not succeeding in the W-L column before. Look back at 1982 or 1998 against Hayden Fry teams, then 2007 or 2014 against Kirk Ferentz teams ... three of those four games came in Iowa City.

Since the series renewed in 1977, Iowa has won 25, lost 14. The Hawkeyes own a better percentage in Ames, but Iowa is 13-8 at Kinnick. Iowa is 39-19 overall in the series, so Iowa is going for its 40th win overall in the 40th renewal game, since 1977.

Does Kirk Ferentz get to .500 against Iowa State today in the Cy-Hawk Series?

In many ways, this play at Iowa State, may have set the tone for Iowa QB 16
C.J. Beathard and the 2015 Hawkeyes, as Beathard avoided a safety in
the first half, with Iowa's back against the wall.

At quarterback, Iowa returns senior C.J. Beathard, while ISU will turn to junior Joel Lanning, after he took over for Sam B. Richardson during the 2015 season. Iowa is coming off a 12-2 season, and Beathard is 14-2 as Iowa's starting quarterback, including the 31-17 win in Ames. Both Beathard and Lanning have shown success both in the passing game and using their feet. Beathard edges Lanning though  in experience and decision making.

Iowa QB 16 C.J. Beathard broke out of the end zone last year and lead the
Hawkeyes to a B1G win over Iowa State to put Iowa 2-0 on way to a record
12-0 regular season in 2015. The Hawkeyes are looking for a repeat in 2016 ...

In the loss against UNI last Saturday night, Iowa State had three costly turnovers against the Panthers, in the 25-20 loss. The last time ISU lost in the season opener (2013), the Cyclones followed up with a 27-21 loss in Ames, the following week.

Today's kickoff is 6:30 p.m., but the Cyclones spoiled the Hawkeyes back in 2002, with 36-31, as the lights turned on at Kinnick.

The Hawkeyes need to step up today at Kinnick. The Cyclones will be seeking its first win in the Matt Campbell era, while Kirk Ferentz looks to get to .500. He was 7-2 as an offensive line coach under Fry from 1981 to 1982. Iowa lost the first two, but found momentum, as they began the historic 15 game winning streak, which Ferentz was part of seven of those 15 years, as OL coach.

The offensive lines have some rework with both units today. Iowa State is going through an overhaul with five new starters. ISU opened fall camp, with the loss of junior Jake Campos, the only returning starter. After the 45-21 win last week over Miami-OH, the Hawkeyes will ask sophomore center Lucas LeGrand to make his first career start, as reports are coming out of Iowa City that sophomore center James Daniels is injured. So, who gets the most production today?

Both head coaches believe in strong play at the line of scrimmage. This will be a key to today's game, as will turnovers, special teams and explosive plays.

The old saying says, teams improve most between Game 1 and Game 2 of a season.

Iowa's defense will keep a close eye on ISU sophomore RB 2 Mike Warren today.

At running back, the Cyclones return a thousand yard back, in sophomore RB Mike Warren. The Hawkeyes are deep at RB, with senior LeShun Daniels, junior Akrum Wadley, who ran for 121 yards in the season opener; but don't forget true freshman Toks Akinribade and junior Derrick Mitchell. The Cyclones are younger at running back, then Iowa, with true freshman David Montgomery. The offensive line for ISU didn't get the running game going in the opener. Iowa will likely unveil a new center today, but the Hawkeyes will seek to be balanced, but you know, with the experience at running back, it will be an important part of the game for Iowa.

In 2014, Iowa State PK 1 Cole Netton last second FG lead the Cyclones to a
20-17 over Iowa in Iowa City.

Iowa needs to find separation typically against ISU. In 2014, the Cyclones hung around and pulled out a 20-17 win with a last second field goal by PK Cole Netten, who is now a senior. ISU has experience at placekicker and returns junior punter Colin Downing. Iowa has a true freshman at PK, as Keith Duncan debuted last Saturday, along with graduate transfer Ron Coluzzi, out of Central Michigan, who will handle the Hawkeyes' punting and kickoff duties today.

Special teams can be very important in rivalry games. A miscue, a block, an explosive return ... Iowa and Iowa State will look for an advantage there, as well.

Iowa State returns junior WR Allen Lazard, former UNI track runner, junior WR Trever Ryen, senior WR Dondre Daley and 6-6 redshirt WR Hakeem Butler, who all will need to be watched closely in Iowa back 7, who will face a bigger test today. Iowa gave up 410 yards of offense to Miami-OH last week. The Cyclones have a new TE and will look to get the passing game going today.  

The 4th quarter TD reception by Iowa WR 83 Riley McCarren changed the
game in the Hawkeyes favor last year.

The Hawkeyes return three key upperclassmen in the passing game, with seniors TE George Kittle, WRs Matt VandeBerg and Riley McCarren, who have all contributed in the Cy-Hawk Game previously. Sophomore WR Jerminic Smith will be making his debut in the series, as will hopefully WR Jay Scheel, who missed the season opener, due to injury. Sophomore walk on WR Ronald Nash is an in-state player making his first Cy-Hawk game, as well for Iowa. Explosive plays will be an important part of today's game.

Iowa State won back to back games in Iowa City, 9-6 in 2012, then 20-17,
in 2014. Iowa won last in Iowa City, back in 2010, 35-7, as senior QB Ricky
Stanzi lead Iowa to back to back wins over ISU. Iowa returns senior
QB C.J. Beathard, who lead the Hawkeyes to a 31-17 win in Ames, last year.

An important area to watch, will be the front seven of both teams. Though, there has been some talk about ISU's new 4-2-5 defense, you may see more 4-3 look, against Iowa? We shall see. Iowa is known for a 4-3 base, but the Hawkeyes will use six defensive backs and maybe a Raider/Radar package in the pass rush on passing downs.

ISU senior NG 97 Demond Tucker anchors the Cyclones line of scrimmage.

Who wins the line of scrimmage game, will likely determine heavily the outcome of today's game. ISU senior NG Demond Tucker is the anchor of the Cyclones front line, while Iowa is lead by senior DT Jaleel Johnson, junior DT Nathan Bazata, with senior DT Faith Ekakitite. Iowa will not be 100% on the edge, since sophomore DE Parker Hesse is slowed with a hamstring, but the Full Nelson debuted in the season opener with sophomore Matt Nelson and redshirt freshman Anthony Nelson, no relation, at the defensive end positions for the Hawkeyes. ISU true freshman LEO JaQuan Bailey recorded his first sack against UNI in his debut last week.

Iowa is strong at linebacker, lead by junior MLB Josey Jewell, while ISU is lean there. Jewell was disqualified last week, after the first series, due to a head to head penalty, so many are interested to see, if the Iowa defense plays better this week, with its captain back? Iowa juniors Ben Niemann and Bo Bower are at the OLB and WLB positions and have both experienced Cy-Hawk games, as well. They lead Iowa in the season opener in tackles. ISU sophomore WLB Reggan Northrup lead the Cyclones with 13 tackles, one sack, in the season opener against UNI. Senior MLB Kane Seeley had a sack against UNI, as well. Don't be surprised to see ISU bring the blitz against Iowa in disrupting either the run or the pass against the Hawkeyes today.

The strength of both defenses are the secondaries for both Iowa and Iowa State. Iowa returns and is lead by senior all-American CB Desmond King, along with senior CB Greg Mabin, junior SS Mike Taylor and the only new starter is sophomore FS Brandon Snyder, who played special teams last year. The Cyclones feature junior LS Kamari Cotton-Moya and sophomore RC Brain Peavy, who lead ISU in tackles last year. Generally, who don't want your CB leading your team in tackles. Cotton-Moya is the only that leads the secondary.

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is 0-1, after a 25-20 loss against UNI.

The chess match begins at 6:30 p.m. Iowa's offensive coordinator Greg Davis and defensive coordinator Phil Parker, both were elevated to those positions in 2012. They are 2-2 against Iowa State as coordinators. Parker has been Iowa's secondary coach, since 1999, with one year off, during his first season as a coordinator, so he knows the series well, 

It is Kirk Ferentz's 27th Cy-Hawk Game, while it is ISU coach Matt Campbell's first one. His offensive coordinator Tom Manning, is also an OL coach. While his defensive coordinator Jon Hancock, who also coaches safeties, both came with Campbell from Toledo.

Iowa State @ #10 Iowa, 6:30 p.m. from Kinnick Stadium

Keys to the Game:

1. Line of scrimmage
2. Explosive Plays
3. Turnovers and miscues
4. Running Game
5. In game, adjustments 

While this looks like a game Iowa could be a blowout, it is a rivalry game and look at Iowa's recent track record ...

OUR PICK ...

• #10 Iowa 30
• Iowa State 28

We see Iowa winning, but we see the Cyclones taking this one down the wire, maybe after an early lead by Iowa. In 2002, Iowa won the first half, but ISU came back, upset Iowa ...