Iowa holds on in Ames to defeat Iowa State 27-21 to take back the Cy-Hawk Trophy to Iowa City

AMES, Iowa -- The University of Iowa football team jumped out to a 27-7 lead before holding off a fourth-quarter Iowa State rally to claim a 27-21 victory on Saturday night in the annual Cy-Hawk Series matchup inside Jack Trice Stadium.

Iowa limited to the Cyclones to 181 yards and seven points over the first three quarters before Iowa State found fourth-quarter life. The Cyclones piled up 138 yards in the fourth quarter alone en route to 14 points to stage a late-game comeback.

"We're thrilled to get the victory," said UI head coach Kirk Ferentz. "We knew it would be a battle, it's a battle every time we come to Ames. They don't give away victories here. We had to earn it."

The Hawkeyes finished the game with 378 yards of total offense, piling up 218 on the ground and 160 through the air. The Cyclones netted 319 yards -- 260 passing and 59 rushing.

Junior Mark Weisman had a career-high 35 carries for 145 yards, his third-straight game surpassing the 100-yard mark. Sophomore Jake Rudock completed 14-of-23 attempts for 160 yards with two touchdowns, and junior Kevonte Martin-Manley had seven catches for 60 yards with one score.

"Mark did a great job running hard," said Rudock. "You could see it in his eyes, like 'Keep giving it to me.' I kept telling him, 'Keep running well, if the offensive line keeps blocking the way they are, we are going to keep giving it to you and keep going.'"

Martin-Manley surpassed 100 career receptions and 1,000 career receiving yards, pushing him to 101 catches for 1,057 yards. He is the 20th Iowa player in program history with at least 100 receptions and the 36th to surpass 1,000 yards.

Iowa State's Sam B. Richardson completed 22-of-39 attempts for three touchdowns, while also tossing two interceptions. Wide receiver Quenton Bundrage had seven grabs for 146 yards with three scores, while James White finished with 26 yards on five carries.

A pair of Iowa defenders notched double-digit tackles. Senior Christian Kirksey finished with 11 stops (five solo), while senior Anthony Hitchens had 10 tackles with six solo.

After bottling up the Cyclones for the first two-plus quarters, a big-play attempted to flip the game's momentum. Iowa State's offense didn't go over the 100-yard mark for the game until the seven-minute mark of the third quarter, but despite that, a 67-yard touchdown pass cut the Hawkeyes' lead in half.

On third-and-4 from its own 33, Richardson connected with Bundrage for a 67-yard score when the receiver broke a B.J. Lowery arm tackle and out-ran the Iowa defense to make the score 13-7 with 5:28 remaining.

Iowa's offense had an answer, using a nine-play, 60-yard drive to put the Hawkeyes up 20-7.

Senior Jordan Cotton gave Iowa solid starting field position with a 28-yard yard kickoff return to the Iowa 40. After moving into Cyclone territory via the ground attack, Rudock converted a third-and-8, withstanding an Iowa State blitz before delivering an 18-yard strike to Martin-Manley on a crossing route to move the chains.

Three plays later, Rudock made the Cyclones pay for blitzing the house, when he connected with sophomore Jacob Hillyer for a 26-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown. The reception was Hillyer's first career touchdown reception.

After Iowa's defense forced a three-and-out, the Hawkeyes followed with a 15-play, 73-yard drive to push its advantage to 27-7. Fourteen of the 15 plays came on the ground, with Iowa bull-dozing its way into the end zone for the score. Weisman and junior Damon Bullock combined for 65 yards on the drive before Rudock scored from 1-yard out.

It was Rudock's fourth rushing touchdown this season, and he is the first quarterback in the Ferentz era to rush for a score in three-straight games.

The Cyclones wouldn't go down quietly, as they kept their hope alive with a seven-play, 82-yard drive that eclipsed 2:32 on the clock. Richardson ended the series with consecutive completions of 32 yards (to Tad Ecby) and 26 yards, the latter of which was a touchdown toss to Bundrage, making the score 27-14.

Iowa State made things interesting when tight end Ben Boesen recovered an on-side kick at the Iowa 46. The Hawkeyes had the on-side return set up, but the ball jumped over the first line of Iowa blockers and junior tight end Ray Hamilton couldn't snag the ball in mid-air, allowing for the Cyclone recovery.

On the second play of the Iowa State series, the Hawkeye defense forced Richardson's second interception of the game. The Iowa State quarterback targeted Jarvis West on a go route along the Cyclone sideline, but Lowery made a leaping, one-handed interception to give Iowa possession at its own 14.

After getting a three-and-out, the Cyclones took over at their own 41 yard line. Richardson then used completions of 7, 13, and 11 yards to advance Iowa State to the 34. The Hawkeyes buckled down to force a fourth-and-4 from the 17, but Richardon connected with Bundrage for a 17-yard score on a blown coverage making the score 27-21.

Iowa recovered the Cyclones' second on-side kick and needed just one first down to seal the victory. Weisman ran for 5 yards on first down, 4 on second, but his third-and-1 attempt was bottled up leaving 12 seconds remaining.

After a Hawkeye punt, Iowa State took possession at its own 13, but the Cyclones' miracle comeback was shot down, as Iowa ended its two-game losing streak in the series and brought the Cy-Hawk Trophy back to Iowa City.

"This is a big team win," said Rudock. "We are all trying to get better, trying to get the win and trying to put ourselves in a good situation."

Iowa controlled the opening half of action, jumping out to a 13-0 lead. The Hawkeyes gained three times as many yards as the Cyclones, holding a 186-61 advantage in total offense and had a 10-minute advantage in time of possession.

Iowa used a 10-play, 71-yard drive to score the game's first points early in the second quarter. After taking over at the 29 yard line, the Hawkeyes moved to midfield behind three rushes and a 7-yard completion to Martin-Manley. On third-and-4, Rudock connected with Hamilton to move to the ISU-38, and two plays later, Rudock split a pair of Cyclone defenders, finding Tevaun Smith for a 25-yard gain to the 2.

Following a 5-yard illegal formation penalty, Weisman rushed 2 yards to the 5 before Rudock zipped a 5-yard touchdown pass to Martin-Manley to give Iowa a 7-0 advantage. Rudock was 4-of-4 for 52 yards on the drive.

After three consecutive three-and-outs, Iowa used a healthy dose of its ground game -- using 13 consecutive rushes to advance to the Iowa State 11. The Hawkeyes converted three third downs on the series, but the drive stalled at the 10 to set up a 27-yard Mike Meyer field goal that made the score 10-0 with 1:43 remaining in the half.

The Hawkeyes added a field goal before the half when senior linebacker James Morris forced Iowa State's first turnover. After moving to midfield courtesy of just its fourth first down of the half, Morris batted up a pass attempted for James White, picked it off and returned it 27-yards to the Iowa State 25 with 33 seconds left. Meyer made the score 13-0 with a 38-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining.

Iowa (2-1) returns to action Sept. 21, hosting Western Michigan in its final nonconference game of the season. Game time is set for 11 a.m. (CT) inside Kinnick Stadium on the Big Ten Network.  Western Michigan was at Northwestern on Saturday night.

Iowa-Iowa State: Countdown to Cy-Hawk Game

IOWA CITY, Iowa - The 61st installment of the intrastate series begins at 5:05 p.m. (CT) inside Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday. The Cyclones are 0-1 this season following a 28-20 loss to Northern Iowa on Aug. 31. Iowa is 1-1 following a 28-14 victory over Missouri State on Sept. 7.

By the way, the USS Battleship Iowa wore the number 61.  This year's game will be special for one these teams.

Ferentz calls this week's matchup a new, difficult experience with Iowa hitting the road for the first time in 2013 with first-year starting quarterback Jake Rudock, a sophomore out of Florida.

"This is not an easy environment to walk into," said Ferentz. "It will be another degree of difficulty from the challenge standpoint. They do a good job pressing and pushing the envelope with noise right up to the snap, so it makes it tougher on the offense.

"I can't remember many trips (to Iowa State) in the last 15 years where it hasn't been lively."

Iowa State has won the last two meetings, claiming a 44-41, three-overtime victory during the 2011 game in Ames, and 9-6 last season in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 39-21 and they are 16-8 all-time in Ames.  Iowa has won three of the last five; six of the last ten.

Ferentz says the rivalry is great for the state and unique to college football, pitting two schools from different BCS conferences.  Georgia and Georgia Tech would be the other one, but that game is reserved for the last game of the regular season.

Twelve years ago, the Cy-Hawk Game was postponed, due to 9/11.  The game was moved to the final game of the season, in 2001, due to 9/11.  It was the only time the game at season's end.

How much attention nationally will the Cy-Hawk Game grab this year?

"I am not saying everybody is paying attention, but there are a lot of people in our state paying attention," he said. "Whether we're playing here or there, it's guaranteed to be a great environment. If you like college football, it's a great thing."

Iowa's no-huddle attack has the Hawkeyes averaging 82.5 plays over the first two contests. Ferentz says whether the team runs 50 or 100 plays, it is still all about lighting up the scoreboard.

"No matter how many plays you run or how many yards you get, it's still about getting points," he said. "That is the No. 1 criteria for an offensive football team."

Ferentz is pleased with the development of the Hawkeye defensive line through the first two games. The rotation features six players with sophomore Nate Meier serving as an auxiliary seventh as a pass rusher.

"We're making progress," said Ferentz. "We're further along the road than last year at this time, and that's encouraging. It is a matter of keeping getting better, and we have to do that at every position."

With the Cy-Hawk Trophy up for grabs Saturday -- the first of four trophy games on the Iowa schedule in 2013 -- the Hawkeyes are focused on bringing hardware back to Iowa City.

"If there is a trophy at stake, we want to get it," said Ferentz. "It stands for winning the game, so that is important. If you get a chance to possess a trophy, that's a good thing."

Saturday's game will be televised on Fox Sports 1 with Justin Kutcher, James Bates, and Brady Poppinga calling the action.  Channel 219 on DirecTV and channel 150 on Dish Network.

University of Iowa football defensive coordinator Phil Parker, now in his 15th year on the Hawkeye coaching staff, has been involved in rivalry games long enough to know, you have to expect the unexpected.

Parker is in his second year as coordinator of the Iowa defense, and is again working with the Hawkeye secondary. In addition to the Cy-Hawk series rivalry, Parker became very familiar with the rivalry in the state of Michigan as a player, at Michigan State.

"The best thing you can do as an athlete, the thing the great athletes are able to do, is to keep your focus," said Parker. "You have to block out the noise and realize that all that matters is what happens on the field, between the white lines. You have to be able to go on to the next play and stay focused on the task at hand."

In the two most recent meetings between Iowa and Iowa State, the scoreboard has looked a lot different at the end of the game. The teams combined for 85 points in a triple overtime contest two years ago in Ames, while just one touchdown was scored in the contest last season that ended with just 15 points on the scoreboard.

"You have to be prepared for anything," said Parker. "We have a heck of a challenge on our hands with their offense. You just have to be prepared for a great game, in a great environment. You hope no one gets injured and go out there and play a good, tough, game."

Iowa's defense is allowing 22 points and 317.5 yards total offense through two games, but seven of the 44 points came on an interception return. A week ago the Hawkeyes held Missouri State to just 197 yards total offense. Parker knows the Iowa defense will be challenged Saturday.

"I think things went well for us this week," said Parker, as the Hawkeyes wrapped up their preparation on Thursday evening. "It will be a big challenge, playing on the road against a good team."

Iowa is lead by three senior linebackers in James Morris, Christian Kirksey and Anthony Hitchens. Last year, a pair of senior linebackers helped lead the Cyclones to victory in Iowa City.

Strong offense, strong defense and special teams have all been contributing factors over the past 60 games.  What will bring victory in 2013?

We shall soon see on Saturday night at Jack Trice Stadium.

Cy-Hawk Game in Ames, as College Football Saturday hits Week 2 of the 2011 season

On the news of Brent Greenwood's collapse and apparent heart attack, the Cy-Hawk football game between #22 Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) @ Iowa State Cyclones (1-0) has a little different meaning on Saturday in Ames. Further, on Sunday, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, which postponed the Cy-Hawk game back in 2001, along with all of college football that historic week in our history.

So, what should we expect during the 59Th game of the Iowa-Iowa State series in Football?

• Both teams have new quarterbacks under center. Of course, ISU's JUCO transfer Steele Jantz is facing his first Cy-Hawk game. Iowa junior QB James Vandenberg is in his fourth season at Iowa and played briefly in Ames in '09 in a mop up role, after departed QB Ricky Stanzi lead Iowa over Iowa State 35-3. Look for more offense in '11 from the Cyclones.


• In the running game, Iowa is without '11 leading rusher true freshman Mika'll McCall (9 for 61 yards), who was lost for the season in Iowa's win over Tennessee Tech 35-7, due to a broken ankle. ISU's running game may be limited to a fleat footed QB, however, with Iowa's revamped defensive line, ISU coach Paul Rhoads will likely try to establish a running game, because Iowa's DC Norm Parker would love to see ISU become one demenional. Iowa's lead RB is sophomore Marcus Coker, who rolled Missouri for over 200 yards in the 2010 Insight Bowl, but looked rusty in the season opener.


• The passing game for Iowa looked very well with Vandenberg in Week 1. On the flip side, Jantz was only 18-40 for 187 yards in ISU's 20-19 late minute win over Northern Iowa last week. Jantz also threw three interceptions. Turnovers are typically huge in a rivalry game.


• As Paul Rhoads mentioned this week, the offensive line is often a key to victory in any football game. We can't forget the importance of the defensive line, as well. Iowa would appear to have a better O-Line, though ISU has some good parts, but will they have the chemistry needed? Is Iowa's O-Line ready for prime-time in Week 2? Iowa's 2002 O-Line is considered Iowa's best under coach Kirk Ferentz, but in Week 2 at Miami-OH in 2002, the Hawkeyes had to grind out a 29-24 win.


• Iowa senior DT Mike Daniels had his first sack of 2011, last week vs. FBS' Tennessee Tech. Senior DE Broderick Binns had a huge play at Arizona in 2010, but didn't start most of the season. Those two Hawkeyes must anchor a young group of players in new roles for Iowa. ISU has some experience in the D-Line, but the Cyclones finished 5-7 in 2010 and defense was not strong in last year's 7-35 loss to Iowa in Iowa City.


• Injuries have hit both Iowa and Iowa State in the linebacker corp over the past two seasons. Health could play a role in this year's game. The stronger unit on Saturday may be a huge part in determining the final outcome.


• Both Iowa and Iowa State have some new parts in the secondary. Iowa's ability to force turnovers has been a big part of the Hawkeyes' success, including a +4 in '10 and +3 in '09. Iowa beat ISU in 2003 in Ames and turnovers played a key role in Iowa's 40-21 win.


• In closing, another key area will be special teams. In Dan McCarney's first win over Iowa, in J. Hayden Fry's final season in 1998, a blocked punt fueled an Iowa State avalanche. Coaching should be solid on both sidelines. Kirk Ferentz and Paul Rhoades are fine representatives for both programs.

Our Prediction in the Cy-Hawk Game:

#22 Iowa 35, Iowa State 21
11:00 a.m. on FSN (HD) / Mediacom

A look around the rest of College Football for Week 2:

Central Michigan at Kentucky, 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU (HD)
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
#22Iowa at Iowa State, 11:00 a.m. on FSN (HD) / Mediacom
Oregon State at #8Wisconsin, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3
San Diego State at Army, 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN (HD)
South Dakota State at Illinois, 11:00 a.m. on BTN (HD)
Toledo at #15Ohio State, 11:00 a.m. on BTN (HD)
#16Mississippi State at #25 Auburn, 11:21 a.m. on SEC Network / ESPN-GP / espn3
Rutgers at North Carolina, 11:30 a.m. on SNY (HD) / ESPN-GP *2 / Raycom *3 (HD) / espn3
Norfolk State at #18West Virginia, 12:00 p.m. on RSPI (HD?) / MASN2 (HD?) / ESPN-GP / espn3
Northern Colorado at Colorado State, 1:00 p.m. on MTN (HD)
#1Alabama at Penn State, 2:30 p.m. on ABC (HD)
California at Colorado, 2:30 p.m. on CSCA / (FCSA / FCSP) (cable)
Cincinnati at Tennessee, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
Eastern Illinois at Northwestern, 2:30 p.m. on BTN (HD)
Hawaii at Washington, 2:30 p.m. on (RSMW / RSNW) (HD?) / Oceanic PPV
Nevada at #7Oregon 2:30 p.m. on FX (HD)
New Mexico State at Minnesota 2:30 p.m. on BTN (HD)
North Carolina State at Wake Forest 2:30 p.m. on (FSS / SUN / FSPT) *5 / ESPN-GP *2 / espn3
Purdue at Rice 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN (HD)
#11 Stanford at Duke 2:30 p.m. ESPNU (HD)
TCU at Air Force 2:30 p.m. on Versus (HD)
#6 Virginia Tech at East Carolina 2:30 p.m. on FSN (HD) / Free SS preview
Rhode Island at Syracuse 3:30 p.m. on SNY / ESPN-GP / espn3 / (TWC / Cox RI) (cable)
#14 South Carolina at Georgia 3:30 p.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3
North Dakota at Idaho 4:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP / espn3 / (SWX / Midco) (cable)
Southern Illinois at Ole Miss 5:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (MS & Memphis) / espn3
Texas State at Wyoming 5:00 p.m. on MTN (HD)
Ball State at #25 South Florida 6:00 p.m. on ALT-HD / ESPN-GP / (BHSN/ERTV) (cable) / espn3
#19 BYU at Texas 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2 (HD) (3D) / espn3
Fresno State at #12 Nebraska 6:00 p.m. on BTN (HD)
New Mexico at #10 Arkansas 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU (HD)
Northern Illinois at Kansas 6:00 p.m. on DirecTV - 623 / FCSC (cable)
UAB at #17 Florida 6:00 p.m. on Fox Sports South / ESPN-GP *2 / espn3
UTEP at SMU 6:00 p.m. on FSN (HD)
Virginia at Indiana 6:00 p.m. on BTN (HD)
Connecticut at Vanderbilt 6:30 p.m. on SNY-HD / ESPN-GP / (CST / CSS) (cable) / espn3
Utah at #21 USC 6:30 p.m. on Versus (HD)
Boston College at #20 Central Florida 7:00 p.m. on CBSSN (HD)
Notre Dame at Michigan 7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3
Northwestern State at # 3 LSU 7:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (LA) / espn3
San Jose State at UCLA 9:00 p.m. on FSW (HD) / FCSP (cable)

Games not yet scheduled for nationally available networks.

Alabama State at Eastern Michigan 12:00 p.m.
Central Arkansas at Louisiana Tech 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Charleston Southern at #4 Florida State on 5:00 p.m. espn3
Gardner Webb at Ohio 6:00 p.m.
Georgia Tech at Middle Tennessee 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Grambling at Louisiana Monroe 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Houston at North Texas 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Louisiana Lafayette at Kent State 6:00 p.m.
Maine at Pittsburgh 12:00 p.m. on espn3
Memphis at Arkansas State 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Morgan State at Bowling Green 6:00 p.m. on BCSN / espn3
Navy at Western Kentucky 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Nicholls State at Western Michigan 6:00 p.m.
Southern Miss at Marshall 2:30 p.m. on CSS (cable)
Stony Brook at Buffalo 5:00 p.m. on espn3 / TWCS (cable)
Temple at Akron 5:00 p.m. on espn3
Tulsa at Tulane 2:30 p.m. on CST (cable)
UNLV at Washington State 4:00 p.m.
Weber State at Utah State 7:00 p.m. on espn3
Wofford at Clemson 2:30 p.m. espn3

Quick Notes for Saturday of Week 2:

• Alabama is 9-5 vs. Penn State and have won 4 of last 5 meetings! This would be a huge win for Joe Paterno's program, if the Nittany Lions can knock off Nick Saban's Crimson Tide!


• South Carolina is only 5-11 in road openers and lost 37-41 the last time they played in Athens. Can Georgia's Mark Richt get it turned abound, after opening week loss vs. #5 Boise State?


• Is Auburn a Top 25 team without QB Cam Newton? Mississippi State won in 2007 @ Auburn.


• Does Michigan coach Brady Hoke get first win over Notre Dame as head coach. Many are predicting Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish are not the same Irish of old. Neither is Michgian yet, but coaching change was a good start!


• Colorado and Utah open play in the Pac 12 in Week 2.

What are we going to eat: Hawkeyes plan on Badger meat

The Battle of the Heartland Trophy today at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa Hawkeyes (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten)

vs.

Wisconsin Badgers (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten)

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz vs. former Iowa player/assisitant and now Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema, with Bielema going for third straight over his alma mater.

Last year, Iowa competed well at Wisconsin, but the more consistent offense and strong Badger team won 17-13 in the four quarters of play. Wisconsin's QB Tyler Donovan, who lead the Badgers to 2-0 the past two years vs. Iowa has graduated.

Iowa's offesne in '07 was the weakest in the Big Ten. The return of RB Shonn Greene and the elevation of QB Ricky Stanzi to starter has improved Iowa vastly over the '07 edition. Wisconsin's offense has been inconsistent in '08.

Finding a QB has been important for both programs in '08. It appears Iowa has found one in Ricky Stanzi. Wisconsin has been inconsistent with Allan Evridge under center, so will it be Everidge or will Dustin Sherer make his first start. Tyler Donovan's first start was at Iowa, two years ago, leading the Badgers to a 24-21 win over Iowa to close out Iowa's Big Ten season at Kinnick.

Run defense has been good for Iowa this season. Special teams overall have improved.

The Badgers can't be taken lightly, especially with the Heartland Trophy on the line. But, with questions at QB, a young coach (third season, but a season where more of his talent must shine), and some inexperience at key positions, like at kicker and punter, on the road... conventional wisdom favors the home team.

Field position, run defense, miscues and turnovers will be huge in this game. In many ways, other than the game being in Iowa City, the game may be more of a toss up. Does a disappointing off the field distraction hurt Iowa? Off the field distractions hurt Iowa vs. Western Michigan in '07, so does Iowa keep it's focus?

Prediction:

Iowa Hawkeyes 20

Wisconsin Badgers 13

peace

After Week 3, USC is clearly the top team in '08 right now!

Trojans head coach Pete Carroll has assembled plenty of talent at USC this season. Some believe it could be Carroll's best team. USC's 35-3 home cooking of the Big Ten's top rated program, Ohio State, clearly gives some strong evidence.

Some talking heads are ready to pass the torch to a team other than Ohio State in the Big Ten pecking order. Does a 13-10 win by Wisconsin at Fresno State pass the torch to a team that hasn't won a Big Ten title, since 2000? The Big Ten Conference season is two weeks away. Ohio State is still the team to beat.

USC looks very good. But, clearly the Pac 10 Conference has shown the good, the bad and the ugly this weekend. BYU blasted UCLA, UNLV beat Arizona State in Tempe and New Mexico knocked off Arizona this weekend, along with other losses in Week 3.

It's still very early in the 2008 College Football season, but some teams are clearly moving up and down (and out of) the Top 25, after Week 3. Who are the Top Teams right now in college football? Here's my take, after three weeks:

1. USC Trojans (2-0) - Is there any question who should be #1 right now? Clearly, one of the most consistent BCS programs, since 2002, with six straight BCS appearances. Quality wins: at Virginia (ACC) Week 1 and vs. Ohio State (Big Ten) Week 3. The Pac 10 slate includes all nine other members. The Trojans will be idle Week 4 and will open Pac 10 play on September 25th at Oregon State (1-2, 0-1 Pac 10).
2. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 SEC) - UGA picks up a nice 14-7 victory in the SEC opener at South Carolina (1-2, 0-2 SEC). Further, the Bulldogs revenged last year's SEC opening loss at home to the Gamecocks (12-16 in '07). Now, the Bulldogs go on the road to face, an upset Arizona State (2-1) team, that is coming off a disappointing home OT loss 20-23 to UNLV in Week 3. Georgia has wins now over Georgia Southern (FCS) and Central Michigan (MAC) to go with their first SEC win...
3. Florida Gators (2-0) - The Gators have home victories over Hawaii (WAC) and Miami-FL (ACC) to open the '08 season. The first real test will come this Saturday, as the Gators travel to Knoxville for a game at Top 25 Tennessee (1-1), who are coming off a 35-3 win in their home opener over UAB.
4. Oklahoma Sooners (3-0) - The Sooners traveled on the road for the first time in Week 3 and picked up a solid 55-14 win at Washington (0-3, 0-1 Pac 10). The Sooners have wins over UT-Chattanooga (FCS), Cincinnati (Big East) and now Washington (Pac 10). The Sooners will take two weeks to prepare for home date with TCU (3-0, 1-0 MWC), who picked up a 31-14 win over the Pac 10 as well, beating Stanford 31-14 at home.
5. Auburn Tigers (3-0, 1-0 SEC) - A similar track for Auburn, as Georgia, the Tigers revenge a SEC opening loss in '07 (14-19 vs. MSU) with a road opening SEC victory 3-2 at Mississippi State (1-2, 0-1 SEC). Auburn has beat UL Monroe (Sun Belt) and Southern Miss (C-USA) before picking up first SEC win to open '08. Big Top 10 match up at home with SEC rival LSU (2-0) coming in Week 4.
6. Texas Longhorns (2-0) - Hurricane Ike postponed the Texas-Arkansas game this week. The home game will be postponed until September 27th. The Longhorns have wins over Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt) and at UTEP (C-USA) so far this season. The Longhorns host Rice (2-1, 2-0 C-USA) in Week 4.
7. LSU Tigers (2-0) - The defending BCS champs have tune up victories over Appalachian State (FCS) Week 1 and North Texas (Sun Belt) Week 3. The real season begins Week 4 with a SEC opener at #5 Auburn (3-0).
8. Missouri Tigers (3-0) - Coach Gary Pickel has the Tigers high powered offense rolling with 69-17 home victory over the Nevada (1-2). The Tigers have defeated Illinois (Big Ten), Southeast Missouri (FCS) and Nevada (WAC) to open '08. Next up: Buffalo (2-1, 1-0 MAC) at home.
9. Oregon Ducks (3-0, 1-0 Pac 10) - Big OT come from behind road win 32-26 at Purdue for coach Mike Belotti and the Ducks. As I mentioned last week, "Bellotti is always dangerous if he gets strong QB play!" He will have to do his magic, with the Ducks down to their 3rd QB now. Wins to date: Pac 10 opener, Washington; Utah State (WAC), and Purdue (Big Ten). Next up: Boise State (2-0) at home.
10. Ohio State (2-1) - Yes, the Buckeyes remain in my Top 10, despite a blowout loss at USC 35-3 in Week 3. The Buckeyes will not face a team of USC's skill set the rest of the way. Does anyone have more talent than #1 USC? Ohio State is the team to beat in the Big Ten in '08. They can match up better vs. others in the Top 10, especially if they eliminate costly penalities and turnovers they allowed at #1 USC and get their #1 RB back. Wins over Youngstown State (FCS) and Ohio U (MAC) don't make a strong resume. But, eight Big Ten games will and a trip to a BCS bowl game certainly remains on the minds of the Buckeye coaching staff. Next up: Troy (2-0) at home.
11. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) - Coach Nick Saban's crew picks up 41-7 win at home vs. Western Kentucky (1-2), who will join Sun Belt in '09. Next up: SEC opener at Arkansas (2-0).
12. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-0) - Coach Jim Grobe and the Demon Deacons were idle Week 3 and will open ACC play in Week 4 at Florida State (2-0).
13. Brigham Young Cougars (3-0) - Solid non-BCS conference leader, so far in '08, building on the resume with second straight Pac 10 win, this week, over UCLA (1-1), at home, 59-0.
14. Penn State (3-0) - So far, Joe Pa has the perfect script beginning for a sweet final season in Happy Valley, with his Nittany Lions winning on the road for the first time in Week 3, with 55-13 win at Syracuse (0-3). Next Up: Temple (1-2, 0-1 MAC) at home.
15. Wisconsin Badgers (3-0) - The Badgers weathered an early road test at previously rated #20 Fresno State, with a 13-10 victory. The Badgers will return to road in two weeks, as they open Big Ten play Sepetember 27th at Michigan (1-2).
16. Utah Utes (3-0, 1-0 MWC) - The Utes picked up a road win at in-state rival Utah State (0-3) 58-10 to remain unbeated, after wins at Michigan and at home in the MWC, vs. UNLV. Next Up: Air Force (3-0, 1-0 MWC).
17. South Florida Bulls (3-0) - Second half comeback at home vs. then rated #19 Kansas (2-1) keep the Bulls undefeated in '08. Next up: FIU (0-2) at home.
18. Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-0) - The Red Raiders win third straight OOC home game with 43-7 win over SMU (1-2, 0-1 C-USA). Next up: Massachusetts (FCS) at home.
19. East Carolina Pirates (3-0, 1-0 C-USA) - Avoided C-USA upset at Tulane (0-2, 0-1 C-USA) with a come from behind 28-24 victory on the road. Next up: at North Carolina State (1-2, 0-1 ACC).
20. Clemson Tigers (2-1, 1-0 ACC) - Open ACC play with 27-9 win over North Carolina State (1-2, 0-1 ACC) at home. Next up: South Carolina State (FCS) at home.
21. Tennessee Volunteers (1-1) - The Volunteers rebounded from disappointing Labor Day loss at UCLA with a 35-3 home win over UAB (0-3, 0-1 C-USA). Next Up: #3 Florida (2-0) at home to open SEC play.
22. TCU Horned Frogs (3-0, 1-0 MWC) - Coach Gary Patterson's team beat Stanford (1-2, 1-1 Pac 10) at home. Next up: At cross town rival SMU (1-2, 0-1 C-USA).
23. Kansas Jayhawks (2-1) - Lose big opportunity at then rated #23 South Florida (3-0) 34-37 with second half collapse. Next up: Sam Houston State (FBS) at home.
24. Vanderbilt Commodores(3-0, 1-0 SEC) - Coach Bobby Johnson has the Commodores playing solid football with wins at Miami-OH, vs. SEC foe (South Carolina) and a 38-21 win vs. Rice (2-1, 2-0 C-USA) at home in Week 3.
25. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-0, 1-0 C-USA) - Coach Todd Graham and the Golden Hurricane enjoyed a bye week and will host New Mexico (1-2, 0-1 MWC) in Week 4, who are coming off 36-28 home win over Arizona.

Out of the Top 25 after Week 3 - Arizona State (2-1, 1-0 Pac 10) and Fresno State (1-1)

Team to Watch - Iowa (3-0) - Win Cy-Hawk Trophy 17-5 over Iowa State (2-1)... the Hawkeyes face first road test at Pittsburgh (1-1)... for another Big Ten vs. Big East inter-conference battle.

peace

After all, it's a Hawkeye State, again for '08

Iowa and Iowa State met at Kinnick Stadium Saturday for the annual Cy-Hawk Trophy game. The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 17-5 on a wet field that clearly slowed down the Iowa running game, while reducing both teams offensive options.

I was glad that the weather didn't impact my return from Las Vegas, after a week of work in Sin City. It is interesting to see how strong the Vegas numbers turned out to be. The spread was 13 1/2 entering the Cy-Hawk game. The over/under was 27 1/2. My pre-game prediction wasn't hit, Iowa 24, ISU 9, but Vegas certainly knows it's stuff. Plenty of growth going on in Sin City, regardless of the election year economy.

Iowa had the spread covered at 17-3, under Kirk Ferentz took a safety to secure field position and put the game strongly in Iowa's favor. Vegas surprised me with a 27 1/2 over/under and they were right on the money.

Both Iowa (3-0) and ISU (2-1) played a conservative chess match on Saturday. Both teams appear to be well coached. Ironically, it would be nice to follow ISU next weekend. They head to Vegas for a football game vs. UNLV (2-1, 0-1 MWC) next weekend. There are some things I would still enjoy to do in Las Vegas, after my business trip last week. By the way, UNLV is coming off a 23-20 road win over Top 25 Arizona State late Saturday.

Iowa will head East next week to play a down Pittsburgh Panthers (1-1) team. This will be a real test for the Hawkeyes, despite the problems at Pittsburgh.

Iowa controlled the first half of the Cy-Hawk game, but the scoreboard only reflected a 3-0 lead. As often is the case with underdogs, if they can keep it close, an upset victory can be obtained.

Iowa's defense raised to the occasion in the third quarter, which was played on Iowa's side of the field for nearly the entire 15 minutes. But, ISU didn't take advantage or real find it's niche in the moment. They finished the half tied, 3-3, after former Linn Mar's Grant Mahoney's 43-yard field goal late in the quarter.

A side note, the ISU band and Linn Mar enjoyed a solid weekend together this weekend. The ISU band is very good and they were on hand to witness the Linn Mar Lions first victory in a long time Friday night. Mahoney's Cyclones didn't prevail, but his alma mater finally did. :)

Iowa's offense, defense and special teams all raised above Iowa State on Saturday. They were supposed to, being a 13 1/2 point favorite. Both teams have a lot more to play for in '08. Both teams clearly appear better than their '07 counterparts.

Iowa 17

ISU 5

It's after all called the Hawkeye State, both in the text books and today on the football field, again!

Iowa's coach Kirk Ferentz has won 4 of last 6. Historically, Iowa wins 2 out of every 3 games vs. ISU in the Cy-Hawk series. Yesterday, was a good game in the series. Hopefully, both Iowa and ISU will move on from the Cy-Hawk games to make some noise in their respective conferences, the Big Ten and Big 12.

peace

Cyclones Football '08: Another Just Circle One Game Year for ISU?

It's not likely coming from 2nd year coach Gene Chizik. As a defensive coordinator, Chizik helped lead Auburn (2004) and Texas (2005) to championship level football. But, that was prior to accepting the ISU head coaching position, after the '06 season.

The average ISU graduate you talk to or by listening to marketing guru AD Jamie Pollard, just circle The One Game (September 13th) is alive and well in Ames. For ISU fans in '08, it's clearly back to a one game season, again.

What else does Iowa State University have to play for in football? There last conference title in football was in 1912, when ISU and Nebraska won co-championships in back to back years (1911 and 1912) in the old Missouri Valley Conference. They play in the Big 12 rich ($$$) conference lead by Texas and Oklahoma.

In the Big 12, you have plenty of outstanding rivalry games. But, for Iowa State, as one ISU graduate commented last night at a friend's 50th birthday party,

"we beat Nebraska once every 15 years."

But, it's all about The One Game. As AD Pollard pointed out in Cedar Rapids at a recent Rotary Club meeting, ISU has won 7 out of the last 10 games vs. ISU's one and only rival. Do they make it eight out of 11 in '08?

Last year, Iowa State was 3-9 (2-6 in the Big 12) in Chizik's first year. For 2008 and for the one big game, ISU returns 15 starters. But, there are keys losses, such as QB Bret Meyer, WR Todd Blythe, DT Ahtybe Rubin, LB Alvin Bowen, LB Jon Banks, and PK Bret Culbertson. As one media outlet mentioned coming out of ISU's Media Day,

"competition keen in Cyclone camp... does Iowa State have any stone-cold,
lead-pipe locks this year? At any position?"

The Cyclones will have two tune up games in Ames ahead of The One Game, this season. Another Thursday opener for ISU to open the season. ISU will open August 28th at home vs. South Dakota State, a FCS program. On September 6th, the Cyclones will host Kent State at Jack Trice Stadium for a little payback? ISU lost 14-23 to Kent State to open the '07 season.

Iowa State has lost two straight on the road in it's lone rivalry game: The One Game. The last win on the road came in 2002, in a fantastic 36-31 win in the series, after ISU overcame a 17 point halftime deficit. No big surprise, since the Cyclones had won 4 straight in the series. The 2002 season win was the third straight on the road in The One Game; and first and only five game win streak in the series.

The final OOC game will be on the road on September 20th, at UNLV, the Cyclones will close the month of September with a bye week on September 27th. The Cyclones will play another eight game schedule in the Big 12 to close the 2008 regular season. The Cyclones drop the three preseason Top 25 Big 12 South opponents (OU, Texas and Texas Tech) for the three unranked Big 12 South opponents (at Baylor, Texas A&M, at Oklahoma State). Big 12 North Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri will all visit Jack Trice Stadium, while ISU travels to Colorado and Kansas State, after ISU beat both opponents in back to back Big 12 home games in '07.

A winning season will be determined on September 13th in the State of Iowa for most in the Cyclone fanbase. For Coach Chizik and those interested in seeing ISU get back to competing for a Big 12 North division title: four wins or more would be a big next step for the program. ISU nearly changed the mindset under former coach Dan McCarney in '04 and '05, but failed. McCarney's best overall season was in 2000, but the best two finishes for ISU in the Big 12 were in '04 and '05.

Of course, to the average Cyclone grad or fan, one game is circled, again, and it is hard to see that changing this season in Ames. What this program needs most is moving The One Game to the end of the season for it's fan base and the State of Iowa, in general.

peace