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 ...

GameDay Iowa: season opener vs. Miami-OH ... can the Hawkeyes win the Big Ten in 2016?

Cedar Rapids, IA -- Just down the road, the 2016 Iowa Football season will kickoff in Iowa City on Saturday, as the #18 Iowa Hawkeyes (12-2 in 2015) open against the Miami-OH Redhawks (3-9 in 2015) in historic Kinnick Stadium. It is the first meeting between each program, since the 2003 season.

In the 2002 season, the Iowa Hawkeyes went 8-0 for the first time in school history in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes followed up that successful season, with a home opener against the Redhawks.

Iowa is 3-0 in the series against Miami-OH, playing three
straight games from 2001-03, including a 21-3 win
against the Redhawks, lead by QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Last season, the Hawkeyes repeated with a 8-0 Big Ten regular season and upped the performance with a 12-0 regular season for the first time in program history. Again, the Hawkeyes follow up a very successful season, with a home opener against the Redhawks.

In the 2003 game, Miami-OH was lead by a strong senior QB named Ben Roethlisberger, who came up short in the college game in Iowa City. But, Roethlisberger has carried on a highly successful NFL career wearing the Black & Gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers, since 2004.

When J. Hayden Fry arrived in Iowa City in 1979 as head coach of Iowa, he mirrored the Hawkeyes' uniform around the successful Black & Gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1981, Fry hired a young offensive line coach out of Pittsburgh, in Kirk Ferentz. Today, Kirk Ferentz will enter his 18th season, as head football coach at Iowa. The Hawkeyes are 127-87, with a 76-61 conference record, including two Big Ten titles and five Top 10 finishes in the polls, during those 17 seasons.

Iowa returns all-American senior CB 14 Desmond King in 2016. King is the
first Jim Thorpe to return for his senior season, in the history of the trophy.
One of the key reasons King returned in 2016, rather than head to the NFL
was the interest in obtaining his family's first college degree. 

The Hawkeyes are seeking their first Big Ten title, since 2004, under Ferentz. They will be lead by a strong arm, senior QB this season, whose mobility, brings back memories of a Roethlisberger. Iowa QB C.J. Beathard, who has lead Iowa to a 13-2 record, as the Hawkeyes starter, returns to lead the Hawkeyes offense in 2016.

In the 2015 Big Ten Championship Game, on 3rd and goal, MSU freshman RB
3 L.J. Scott crossed the goal line to lead the Spartans to a 16-13 win over Iowa.

The Hawkeyes fell short in a 16-13 loss to Michigan State, as the Spartans won on the final snaps of the Big Ten Championship Game. The Hawkeyes are the strong favorite to win the West Division of the Big Ten in 2016. Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State are the favorites in the East Division. Don't be surprised, if a rematch of 2015 happens again in Indianapolis, in one of the best title games in the conference, since the Big Ten Championship Game debuted in 2011.

Iowa senior QB 16 C.J. Beathard lead Iowa to 13 straight wins,
as a starter. The Hawekeys are coming off back to back losses
to Michigan State and Stanford to close  out the 2015 season.
He sheds the red jersey in practice today to lead the 2016
Hawkeyes into Kinnick in the season opener against Miami-OH,

At quarterback, Iowa is lead by Beathard, with 17 TD passes and six rushing TDs. In relief, sophomore Tyler Wiegers returns, though true freshman Nathan Stanley may be in the picture at quarterback, as both are listed in the two deep heading into season opener against Miami-OH. The Redhawks starter is sophomore Billy Bahl, who threw seven TD passes, but 13 interceptions, in his first season in the lineup.

Iowa senior RB 29 LeShun Daniels leads a three letter-winner
group at the position, after Jordan Canzeri graduated. The
question on Daniels has always been durability, but when
healthy, he ran for a 195 yards in the 40-35 win over Minnesota.

At running back, the Hawkeyes are lead by senior LeShun Daniels, who has played off and one over the past three seasons as a Hawkeyes. He has never made it through an entire season though, missing games, due to the injury. Two juniors also return in Akrum Wadley and Derrick Mitchell, who all played in the Big Ten Championship Game. One newcomer to keep an eye at RB is true freshman Toks Akinribade. Iowa looks to plug and play at RB again in 2016. Of course, fullback and the offensive line, always are important in Iowa's running game. Iowa welcomes two new fullbacks, as junior Drake Kulick and redshirt freshman Brady Ross have to fill the big hole. Sophomore Alonzo Smith returns as the Redhawks key RB in 2016.

Iowa senior WR 89 Matt VandeBerg was announced as the 
fourth game captain for the Hawkeyes heading into 2016.
VandeBerg signed as a greyshirt only to arrive early, make
and contribute as a true freshman, when he arrived at campus

At wide receiver, the Hawkeyes return Beathard's favorite target in senior Matt VandeBerg, who caught 65 passes and scored four touchdowns last season. The only other returning wide receivers that combined for 11 pass receptions are sophomore Jerminic Smith, who had two key starts as a true freshman last year, and senior Riley McCarron, who caught a key touchdown pass in the 31-17 win at Iowa State last year. Sophomore Jay Scheel has not been at full strength over his first two seasons on campus, but Scheel projects as a likely starter in Iowa's wide receiver unit. Junior Jonathan Parker, a converted running back in 2015, opens the season on the injured list. True freshman Devonte Young is likely to contribute in 2016. Sophomores Adrian Falconer and Ronald Nash likely will provide depth for Iowa. The Redhawks top WR is senior Rokeem Williams, who lead the unit with 33 catches in 2015.

Iowa senior TE 46 George Kittle lead Iowa receivers with 6 TDs
on 20 receptions in 2015. Kittle also made the cover of Sports
Illustrated in Iowa first perfect season at 12-0, in the regular season.
Iowa and Clemson were the only two undefeated teams in 2015,
during the regular season.

At tight end, the Hawkeyes are traditionally strong at the position, dating back to Ferentz' time with Fry in the 1980s. However, Iowa enters 2016 with depth concerns, as senior George Kittle and junior Peter Pekar return. Kittle and Pekar are both Hawkeye legacies, as two of nine Iowa players, who followed their fathers footsteps in wearing the Black & Gold. Junior Jon Wisnieski begins 2016 on the injured list. Redshirt freshmen Nate Vejvoda and Nate Wieting will be in the mix at TE. Iowa will likely play two true freshman at TE, with Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson. The Hawkeyes used double TEs in roughly 30 percent of the offensive plays in 2015. The Redhawks junior TE lead Miami-OH in TD receptions with five, on 21 receptions in 2015.

How good will Iowa be in 2016?

Iowa enters 2016 with one senior in the starting offensive line.
The Hawkeyes have more experience heading into 2016, with
senior LT 64 Cole Croston, one of the nine legacy players.

It generally starts in the offensive and defensive lines at Iowa. When Fry arrived, the Hawkeyes broke out in 1981, with Kirk Ferentz leading the O-Line and Dan McCarney leading the D-Line.

Former Iowa football player and assistant coach Dan McCarney
is today's honorary captain, as Iowa kicks off 2016 season against
Miami-OH. McCarney and Kirk Ferentz coached the
defensive and offensive lines, under Hayden Fry in the early
to mid-1980s at Iowa.

Today's honorary captain for today's season opener with Miami-OH, Iowa welcomes back former Iowa offensive guard, team captain, former GA and assistant defensive line coach, Dan McCarney to Iowa City. McCarney is a hometown boy, who is back for today's game to serve as Iowa's honorary captain.

Iowa sophomore 78 James Daniels will move to center in 2016,
while his senior brother, LeShun, returns to lead the Iowa RBs.

The Iowa offensive line may be one of the better in the Big Ten and nation, if chemistry falls into place. Iowa offensive coach Brian Ferentz wasn't ready to rank Iowa high, during August camp, but some, such as ESPN have given Iowa props heading into 2016. The most experienced returning starter is junior Sean Welsh, who is entering his third season, as a starter. Welsh will likely anchor the line at right guard. Senior left tackle Cole Croston emerged as a starter during the 2015 season, after another member went down. Croston showed great athleticism in the Big Ten Championship Game falling on a loose football after a Beathard was sacked by MSU's Shilque Calhoun. Junior Boone Myers moves inside to left guard in 2016, while junior right tackle Ike Boettger returns to the position, after an injury limited him to eight games. Iowa's new starting center will be sophomore James Daniels, brother of starting RB LeShun Daniels, who played in all 14 games as a true freshman in 2015. Daniels replaces third team all-American center Austin Blythe as anchor of the line. The Redhawks return ten offensive starters, including all but one starter in the offensive line, as head coach Chuck Martin enters his third season leading Miami-OH.

As Iowa opens the 2016 season, a true freshman will be the
starting new placekicker. Iowa will also have a new punter
and kickoff specialist in 2016 ...

Like the 2010 season, when Mike Meyer arrived, Iowa will open with a true freshman at placekicker. North Carolina former prep Keith Duncan will begin the 2016 season at placekicker, handling Iowa's field goals and extra points. Duncan beat out sophomores Miquel Recinos and Mick Ellis in August camp. Duncan is one the most highlighted placekickers in North Carolina high school history. Central Michigan graduate transfer Ron Coluzzi will handle kickoffs and punting for Iowa heading into 2016. Iowa returns junior long snapper Tyler Kluver. Coluzzi will be Iowa's new holder, after beating out redshirt freshman Colten Rastetter in August camp, after arriving in June in Iowa City. The Redhawks returns sophomore placekicker Nick Dowd, while sophomore Justin Martin is the new punter for 2016.

Iowa senior RS 14 Desmond King looks to be a spark on
returns again in 2016. King handled both kick and punt
returns in Iowa's successful 2015 season.

On defense and in special teams, Iowa returns senior all-American cornerback and return specialist Desmond King for the 2016 season. Iowa returns eight starters on the defensive side. While Iowa was vastly improved on defense in 2015, especially in turnover margin, the Hawkeyes hope to improve the run defense and scoring defense coming off a Big Ten West division title.

Iowa returns both starters at defensive tackle for 2016, with
junior 99 Nathan Bazata and senior 67 Jaleel Johnson.

It begins in taking away the run for Iowa. Only two seniors are in the defensive line rotation for Iowa. The Hawkeyes have experience in the defensive line and the top three returnees inside are all upperclassmen. Junior Nathan Bazata started all 14 games in 2015, with senior running make Jaleel Johnson and #1 reserve senior Faith Ekakitie. The one newcomer inside may be true freshman Cedrick Lattimore, who arrived this summer at 260 pounds, but is reported to be up to 285 pounds now, under Iowa strength and conditional Chris Doyle, one of the highest paid S&C coordinators in the business.

Miami-OH returns two of four starters in the defensive line in 2016. Senior DE J.T. Jones is back, along with junior DT Ikeem Allen.

Iowa returns starting sophomore DE 40 Parker Hesse, who
celebrated a huge pick 6 last year, in Iowa's 28-20 win
@ Nebraska. Hesse will be a key part on Iowa's edge and
in Iowa attempt to get back into the Big Ten Championship Game.

One are that Iowa needs to improve on the defensive line is a pass rush on the edge. Iowa lost two experience defensive ends in 2015, with Nate Meier and Drew Ott's departure. Ott was not given a fifth season, after both the Big Ten and NCAA turned down his appeals. Ott missed much of the 2015 season, due to injuries. Meier lead Iowa with seven sacks and nine quarterback hurries. Ott had five starters, when he went down in the Illinois game, with an ACL, after being injured much of the 2015 season. Iowa has only underclassmen on the edge. Sophomore Parker Hesse emerged in 2015, after Ott's injury. On the other side, redshirt freshman Anthony Nelson and sophomore Matt Nelson, no relation, will be the players replacing the one missing starter in the defensive line. True freshman Brady Reiff and sophomore Sam Brincks provide depth.

Iowa junior MLB Josey Jewell is the anchor of the Hawkeyes
defense. Jewell will serve as a captain, along with senior
C.J. Beathard, Matt VandeBerg and Desmond King.

One of the key elements of Iowa improvement from 7-6 in 2014 to a 12-0 regular season in 2015 was the play at linebacker. Iowa's linebacker coach has departed for Boston College (Jim Reid is now BC's new defensive coordinator). Iowa has elevated Seth Wallace into the LB coach role and he will have three experience linebackers to work with, along with a young crop of players. Junior middle linebacker Josey Jewell returns as Iowa's leading tackler in 2015. Iowa saw fifth year senior Cole Fisher emerge at WILL in 2015. He is replaced by junior Bo Bower, who was the former starter in 2014 at OLB. Junior Ben Neimann returns at his OLB position and will be backed by junior Kevin Ward, who has been a special teams player and reserve safety. Sophomores Jack Hockaday and Aaron Mends provide depth. Two true freshmen Amani Jones and Kristian Welsch, will play special team in 2016. Jones has elevated ahead of Mends at WILL.

Iowa junior OLB 44 Ben Neimann came to Iowa as a former
high school WR/S. He played as a true freshman on special
teams in 2014, the earned the OLB position in 2015.

Miami-OH return two of three starters at linebacker in 2016, though one may come off the bench. Coach Martin did mention the Redhawks do have some players out or dinged heading into the opner with Iowa.

Iowa returns senior CBs 14 Desmond King and 13 Greg Mabin
for the 2016 season. The secondary unit is the strongest
unit for the Hawkeyes in many peoples eyes ...

Iowa returns three of four starters in the secondary, and are excited about some of the new reserves that will assist with special teams and Iowa's nickle and dime packages, when Iowa pulls out the Raider package with the defensive line.

Iowa senior CB 13 Greg Mabin arrived as an athlete out of FL,
when he arrived. Over the past two seasons, he has developed
into a strong running mate with Desmond King in the Iowa secondary.

At cornerback for Iowa, the Hawkeyes return senior all-American and Jim Thorpe award winner Desmond King, along with running mate, senior Greg Mabin, who have worked together for two seasons, at the position. Sophomore Joshua Jackson is on the injury list, so redshirt freshman Michael Olejemudia and true freshman Manny Rugamba are likely going to be involved on special teams and in the secondary in 2016.

Miami-OH returns two more starters in the secondary for 2016. Junior CB Bret Birdsall and senior FS Buchi Okafor are back for the Redhawks.

Iowa's leading safety, is junior SS 19 Miles Taylor, who became
a starter in the secondary in 2015.

At safety for Iowa, the Hawkeyes see FS Jordan Lomax depart, but junior SS Miles Taylor returns for 2016, after becoming a full-time starter in 2015, after a year on special teams as a true freshman, along with OLB Niemann in 2014. The new starter at FS is sophomore Brandon Snyder, who played special teams last year. Senior Anthony Gair is listed as second string SS, but he can play either position and has two career starts. Sophomore Jake Grevase is also in the two deep at FS. A special team contributor in 2016 is expected to be true freshman Armani Hooker.

True freshman Armani Hooker is one of 10-12 newcomers that
are likely to play during the 2016 season for Iowa.

Iowa is really excited about the newcomer class of 2016. Kirk Ferentz has said up to 10-12 true freshmen may play in 2016. The 2010 Iowa Hawkeyes saw nine players play, including a true freshman at PK. Last year, only four true freshman played.

Iowa Kirk Ferentz begins his 18th season today, as the Hawkeyes
open with Miami-OH. The MAC opponent has been down
lately in College Football, but Chuck Martin has the honor
of coaching in the cradle of college coaches.

Thoughts on the Season Opening Game against Miami-OH:

The Hawkeyes should win the season opener. We always know, on any given Saturday. The 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes struggled vs. the University of Northern Iowa. In 2007, Iowa faced a very good Northern Illinois team and pulled out a 18-17 win in Soldier Field. The Hawkeyes lost the season opener against NIU, a fellow MAC program to Miami, at Kinnick Stadium in 2013. Iowa has won two straight season openers, each against FCS programs. Miami-OH is 1-12 in road openers and has lost eight straight by an average of 32 points.

• Iowa Hawkeyes 40
• Miami-OH Redhawks 13

In 2015, Iowa defeated Northwestern by the same score. The Hawkeyes are a new team in 2016. Miami-OH is a new team, in coach Chuck Martin's third season. He wants to play the game, like Iowa, with a physical in the line of scrimmage. Iowa has more experience and the better track record and should prevail to kickoff the 2016 season ...

Iowa (1-0) vs. Iowa State (1-0) in the Cy-Hawk Game, as each head coach has history in this series

Iowa City, IA -- Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz will be heading into his 26th game in the series, while Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads will be heading into his 12th game in the series on Saturday in Ames. Each coach was an assistant at their school, before leaving, than later returning to become head coach at the respective schools.

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz heading into the 26th game of the Cy-Hawk Series on
Saturday, while it will be the 12th game for his Cyclone counterpart, Paul Rhoads.

Both head coaches have plenty of history in the Cy-Hawk Game. Ferentz is 7-9 as a head coach, while Rhoads is 3-3. Overall, Ferentz is 14-11, when you add in his time as an offensive line coach under Hayden Fry. Rhoads was 2-3 as a defensive assistant under former ISU head coach Dan McCarney, so he enters 5-6 overall.

Ferentz says the Cyclones are a tale of two cities.

Iowa senior DE 95 Drew Ott tackling ISU QB 12 Sam B.
Richardson, in last year's game in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes
new starting DT 67 Jaleel Johnson, a junior, will play an important
role on the inside of the Iowa defense in this year's game.

Offensively, Iowa State is a veteran group with a senior quarterback in Sam B. Richardson, a three-year starter, with 27 career starts, while the receiving corps returns three players that have posted 40-catch seasons. Defensively, the Cyclones revamped unit courtesy of the junior college ranks, with ten JUCO players in the two-deep.

"Offensively, they are settling into what they're doing and have an identity," said Ferentz. "Defensively, there is an injection of good energy, and they played well (against UNI)."

Ferentz says Iowa will have its hands full with the Cyclones' receivers -- a group that lines up 6-foot-6 (D'Vario Montgomery), 6-foot-2 (Quenton Bundrage), and 6-foot-5 (Allen Lazard).

Iowa junior cornerbacks 14 Desmond King and
13 Greg Mabin will be tested on Saturday against
the ISU wide receiver corp in this year's
Cy-Hawk Game in Ames.

"It has to be a team thing," said Ferentz. "Our secondary has to do a good job, and there are going to be some balls that we're going to have to try to fight for and come out ahead on.

"They have good size at the receiver position, which is concerning. We're going to have to do a good job trying to get pressure and trying to reroute and things like that. If we let those guys run the routes they want to uncontested, it's going to be a long night."

Ferentz says senior tight end Jake Duzey is making progress coming of knee surgery this off season, while he is hopeful sophomore running back Derrick Mitchell, Jr., is available Saturday. Mitchell moved to running back from wide receiver in the Spring and appears to be third in the running back rotation for the Hawkeyes heading into the 2015 season.

The Cyclones are young at running back. Sophomore Tyler Brown is the new starter, with Mike Warren, a redshirt freshman, and true freshman Joshua Thomas running right behind in ISU's three man rotation.

The series was dark from 1935 to 1976, but in 1977, the series resumed, with Iowa winning 12-10 in Iowa City. The series returned to Ames in 1981, with the Cyclones winning the game, 23-12, which was Ferentz' first season, under Fry at Iowa. The Hawkeyes began a 15 game win streak, the following year. Rhoads was in his fourth season, as a defensive assistant, when the Cyclones ended the Iowa streak, in Fry's final season at Iowa. 

The all-time series favors Iowa 38-19 overall; and the Hawkeyes have won 24 of 38, since the series resumed in 1977. The average score in Ames, since 1977, has Iowa 31, Iowa State 17.

"It has been a great series through the years, and it is an exciting football game for all of our players that grew up in the state of Iowa," Ferentz said Wednesday inside the All-American Room in the Stew and LeNore Hansen Football Performance Center. "For them to have an opportunity to play in this game is a special thing. It's going to be an exciting environment."

Iowa and Iowa State have six starters apiece that hail from the Hawkeye State. Iowa has 17 homegrown players and two specialists on their two-deep; the Cyclones have 11 and two specialists.

"The heart and soul of our team come from this state," said Ferentz. "Our great leaders tend to be the guys that played high school football in this state, and that's important in this game. They have an appreciation and they're the guys that do a good job of sharing it with other players that come from other places."

"It has been a tough atmosphere. I go back to 1981, it was no walk in the park back then," said Ferentz. "We know it's going to be tough walking in there. It was tough two years ago, and they'd say the same thing about coming here.

"It's going to be a lively, vivacious crowd, they're going to be loud, and it's one more thing as the road team that you have to try to overcome to be successful."

Ferentz has a nice trump card heading into Iowa's first road game of the 2015 season -- a rushing attack that spurned out 210 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt in the season opener against Illinois State.

Iowa senior RB 33 Jordan Canzeri makes another trip to Ames
and figures to play a role in both the run and pass game for the
Hawkeyes this season.

Running backs, junior LeShun Daniels, Jr., and senior Jordan Canzeri, combined for 242 yards of total offense against the Redbirds. Daniels had a game-high 123 yards rushing, while Canzeri had 118 yards of total offense, including four catches for 90 yards.

"They completed each other well (against Illinois State)," said Ferentz."If we could keep that kind of rhythm going that would be wonderful."

Both defensive coordinators are seeking to take away the run in 2015. In addition, each one will want to put pressure on the quarterback. ISU had four sacks in last year's 20-17 win in Iowa City. The Cyclones kicked a 42 yard field goal with 0:02 left in the game, to clinch victory.

Iowa State RDE 45 Dale Pierson lead the Cyclones defense in
the season opener, with 3 sacks and one interception vs. UNI.

The Cyclones have undertaken a urban renewal project with the ISU defense. The Cyclones recorded six sacks (their most since the Houston Bowl a decade ago) and 13 tackles behind the line in the season opener against UNI. A “3-4” defense (three linemen, four linebackers) was added to the team’s playbook in the off-season. Senior RDE Dale Pierson stood out with three sacks, but the team’s overall defensive pressure was the dominating factor in the game.

The 2015 game in the rivalry will take place in the newly renovated Jack Trice Stadium at 3:45 p.m. central time on Sept. 12th televised on FOX. The road team has won the last three meetings, including a 27-21 Iowa victory in 2013 in Ames.

Iowa senior WR 4 Tevaun Smith has been pretty quiet in past Cy-Hawk games.
Could this be a breakout game for the Hawkeye #1 wide receiver?

Iowa 24, Michigan 16 to stay alive for the B1G Legends Divisions Title

Iowa beats Michigan for the first time, three years in a row. A first in the series, after previous two year steaks in 1984 and 1985 under J. Hayden Fry, 2002 and 2003 under Kirk Ferentz, along with the past two years in 2009 and 2010.



Iowa (6-3, 3-2 B1G Legends) gets ready for the Division leader, Michigan State (7-2, 4-1 B1G Legends) at Kinnick Stadium, with a 11 am kickoff on ESPN2.

It will be Senior Day at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. Senior members of the Iowa football program will be introduced Saturday during pregame ceremonies. The Iowa seniors include RB Jason White, DB Jordan Bernstine, P Eric Guthrie, WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., DB Kyle Steinbrecher, DB Shaun Prater, TE Brad Herman, LB Tyler Nielsen, LB Terrance Pryor, OL Markus Zusevics, DL Lebron Daniel, OL Woody Orne, OL Adam Gettis, DL Tom Nardo, WR Joe Audlehelm, DL Broderick Binns, DL Mike Daniels and DL Joe Forgy.

Additional senior members of the program include senior student managers Ben Dolan, Andrew Flynn, Blaine Mateer and Todd Dunford; senior athletic training students Sara Smith, Jon Piche and Joe McDermott; and senior student videographers Michael Witt, Derek Ambrose, Grant Ridpath and Dan Bettenhausen.

Iowa picks up 38-28 win @ Michigan on the Wolverines Homecoming to remain undefeated in the Big Ten

The Iowa Hawkeyes win for the fourth time over Michigan in the coach Kirk Ferentz era. Iowa has back to back wins under coach Ferentz in 2002-2003 and now in 2009-2010.

The Hawkeyes (5-1, 2-0 Big Ten) won 38-28 over Rich Rodriquez and his Michigan Wolverines (5-2, 1-2 Big Ten) to spoil Homecoming festivities in Ann Arbor. Iowa is now 4-5 as a Homecoming guest at Michigan.

Iowa, which did not commit a turnover, is 2-0 in the Big Ten Conference with
wins over Penn State and Michigan. It is the second consecutive Hawkeye win in
the series and their first in the Big House since 2002. The Wolverines are 5-2,
1-2.

Points fly, teeth chatter during 38-28 Iowa win - University of Iowa
Hawkeyes build 21-point lead, improve to 2-0 in the Big Ten Conference ...

The game in Ann Arbor resembled a past Iowa game in 2002. The road opener @ Penn State, where Iowa build up a big lead, only to see the home team strike back. Unlike the 2002 game, Michigan couldn't get it tied up, as Iowa was able to get a key late field goal from true freshman Mike Meyers. Like 2002, Iowa won in Ann Arbor and on the Wolverines' Homecoming, again.

"This is a happy lockerroom. Winning on the road is difficult anywhere.
Winning on the road in this league is really difficult." - Iowa coach Kirk
Ferentz

Big Plays Key to Big Win - The University of Iowa
Big plays by a number of Hawkeyes key to big win over Michigan ...

"It was a great team effort," who noted Iowa's 4-0 advantage in
turnovers. "They are always critical to the outcome, particularly in league
games, and proved to be again today." - Kirk Ferentz

• Senior WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos receiving - 3 TD receptions
• Sophomore RB Adam Robinson's running and receiving - 2 TD runs
• Senior QB Ricky Stanzi's composure, after a couple slow starts to open each half
• Junior S Tyler Sash's interception and block FG return in the first half
• Senior DT Karl Klug's forced fumble in the Iowa red zone to end a Wolverine drive in the 3Rd quarter
• Iowa's red zone success, while Iowa's defense stepped up and spoiled the Wolverines twice in the red zone
• True freshmen PK Mike Meyers converted on all five XPs and his 30 yard FG attempt

Postgame Notes - The Unversity of Iowa
Iowa vs. Michigan ...

The 38 points scored by the Hawkeyes are the most for Iowa in the series against Michigan. Iowa scored 37 points in 1958. This series with Michigan has been a very exciting one, since the 1981 game in Ann Arbor, in coach J. Hayden Fry's third season. Like 2002 and 2010, Iowa won the 1981 game.Coach Kirk Ferentz was in his first season as an offensive line coach at Iowa in 1981.

Iowa's path to the Rose Bowl and a Big Ten Championship doesn't get any easier in the final six games. Iowa will host back to back home games at Kinnick Stadium to close out October. Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten) and Michigan State (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) are up next for the Hawkeyes in back to back Saturdays.

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Is Iowa true freshman AJ Derby making a move to LB?

There is speculation beginning that Iowa City High recruit A.J. Derby is moving from QB to LB for fall camp. Derby, the son of former Iowa LB John Derby, is a true freshman, who enrolled in January and participated in spring drills at Iowa.

A twitter message from HawkeyeInsider mentioned it this afternoon. Since it is coach Kirk Ferentz's birthday on August 1St, maybe A.J. Derby was offering his head coach a nice birthday present ...

"Sounds like A.J. Derby has moved to LB after a spring at QB. I think A.J.
could grow into a Kampman-Roth DE. Hearing it was A.J.'s decision as he
will get in the field sooner." ~ Rob Howe of HawkeyeInsider.

A.J. Derby's father was a very good LB recruit back during J. Hayden Fry in the mid-1980s. However, he was not as highly acclaimed as Houston native Melvin Foster, another LB in his father's class. Foster redshirted at Iowa his first season, but John Derby made an impact as a true freshman.

Will it be father like son at the University of Iowa at linebacker for the Derby's?

The Big Ten Conference will hold a kickoff luncheon and Media Day functions in Chicago on Monday and Tuesday. For more information on the Iowa Hawkeyes, check out HawkeyeReport on the Rivals Network.

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After 20 seasons on PAT natural grass, Kinnick Stadium unveils FieldTurf for '09

In 1989, Coach J. Hayden Fry's Iowa Hawkeyes opened the season on new P.A.T. natural grass vs. Oregon. In 2009, Coach Kirk Ferentz's Hawkeyes will open the season vs. the University of Northern Iowa on new FieldTurf. Kinnick Stadium will unveil a new surface for the first time in twenty years.

Link from Hawkeye Sports site

The Gazette wrote an article on May 29 titled "PHOTOS, VIDEO: New-look FieldTurf unveiled at Kinnick Stadium" by Scott Dochterman.

A look at the old PAT field:

The construction at Kinnick Stadium this past May. Some fans wanted to see more logos on the field. The marketing department unveiled a jig saw picture earlier in the month piece by piece on the official web site for the football program.

The Hawkeyes will look to have a stronger performance than past upgrade seasons, like 2005, 1989 and 1972, when Kinnick Stadium made major upgrades to the stadium, including new press box and sky box seating (2005), returning to natural grass (1989) and putting in an artificial surface (1972).

Of course, improvements in the 1950s at Kinnick Stadium provided some outstanding dividends, as Iowa won two Rose Bowls, during that era. After finishing 5-3 in the Big Ten, 9-4 overall in '08, the Hawkeyes will work to move up the conference ladder this fall for Coach Ferentz and his staff. Iowa's last BCS appearance was after the 2002 season under Coach Ferentz and their last Rose Bowl appearance was after the 1990 season under Coach Fry.

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Can Iowa knock off #2 Penn State at Kinnick today?

The University of Iowa have given Penn State Joe Pa some difficult games over the years. A lot of Iowa's success has been in Happy Valley, with head coaches Bob Commings, J Hayden Fry and present coach Kirk Ferentz all picking up big wins over in PA.

Iowa has won five of the last six games over Joe Pa and Penn State. Last year though, Penn State pulled out a 27-7 win over Iowa.

Iowa in on pace to beat opponents in the Big Ten they lost to last year, but lose to opponents they beat in '07

Penn State stands in the Hawkeyes way today.

A Penn State team that enters Iowa City and Kinnick Stadium off a bye week. A Nittany Lion team that could be playing in the BCS National Title Game, if they can get by Iowa and their next two oppoents.

Can Iowa (5-4, 2-3 Big Ten upset Penn State (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) in Iowa City today?

Prior to the last two Iowa wins in Kinnick Stadium over Penn State, the Hawkeyes hadn't won over Penn State at home, since 1930. This is an Iowa team that has been pretty good in match ups with Penn State. We saw a huge high scoring affair in 2002, with Iowa winning 42-35 in OT, while seeing an offensive depleted game, where Iowa beat PSU 6-4. Two Iowa wins have been in OT over Joe Pa.

Last week, Iowa ended a five game win streak over Illinois (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) with a 24-27 loss at Champaign on a last minute FG by the Illini. The Hawkeyes have lost four games in '08 by a total of 15 points, with a 5 point loss being the worse.

What Iowa team will we see today?

Iowa beat Wisconsin 38-16, but loss to Northwestern 22-17 (5 Iowa turnovers) at Kinnick Stadium earlier this season in the Big Ten. Can Iowa win all three phases of the game?

So, who knows what we will get with Iowa this week.

Does Penn State become Iowa's Illinois victory from last year?

The pundits at ESPN say Penn State will beat Iowa. Lee Corso says by a field goal... the Nittany Lions will still absent a statement game nationally. On the flip side, Kirk Herbstreet says Iowa will keep it close early, but from the sounds of it... Iowa will fall, like Michigan, in the second half.

So, can Iowa say, not so fast?

cidsports' Prediction:

Iowa 15

Penn State 13

Why not Iowa pulling off the close game in '08 for once? Why not Shonn Greene running for 109 yards, which is about 80% the yardage given up by Penn State (136.6) in Big Ten games this season.

Make Penn State quarterback Darryl Clark beat Iowa at quarterback... is he up the Juice? Illinois QB Juice Williams was up to the task last week, unlike Iowa's QB Ricky Stanzi.

On Iowa!

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Iowa rebounds in Bloomington with 45-9 win; ends 3 game slide

The Iowa Hawkeyes (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten) win all three phases of the game (offense, defense, special teams) in putting together 45-9 win over Indiana (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten) in Bloomington, Indiana. After three straight losses, totaling nine points, Iowa eliminates all turnovers and took control in the second half, after a 17-9 first half performance.

First year starting quarterback, sophomore Ricky Stanzi, turned in his finest performance, especially in the second half. Iowa's running game, lead by a strong Hawkeye offensive line, saw a less than 100% Shonn Greene continue his 100 yard performances (7 for 7 this season), while true freshman Jewell Hampton compiled his first 100 yard performance as a Hawkeye in his home-state game.

Indiana was dominated in all three phases of the game. Iowa took advantage of inferior line play by the Hoosiers. What was a difference in IU's upset of Iowa in '07 at Kinnick Stadium, was missing this year. IU couldn't keep Iowa out of the backfield on offense and couldn't find a push on defense.

Iowa still has work to do, as they will see their schedule get tougher next week and in the final 4 games of the Big Ten season, after a bye week. Wide receiver Andy Brodell and tight end Brandon Myers have been Stanzi's go-to players. But, Iowa needs to see the passing game continue to mature and grow, others in the passing game need to step up.

Momentum favored Iowa in the second half, with IU quarterback Kellen Lewis's ankle injury. The real difference in the game was the line play on both sides of the field. The Hoosiers decline in '08 is clearly due to poor line play, which is one of the major differences between success by Iowa during the Fry and Ferentz eras.

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Andre Tippett Joins Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Iowa Hawkeye defensive end and New England Patriot linebacker Andre Tippet is one of six new members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tippett thanked the University of Iowa and acknowledged a couple of former coaches and players who were on hand in Canton for the induction ceremonies. Hawkeye coach J Hayden Fry benefited from Andre Tippett on the edge during Iowa' 1981 Big Ten title and Rose Bowl team.

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NFL Hall of Fame awaits former University of Iowa star

Andre Tippett helped erase 19 years of non-winning football (1961-1980) at the University of Iowa in 1981. Tippett lead the Iowa defense to a 1981 Big Ten title in coach J Hayden Fry's third season at Iowa.

Tippett brought a black belt with him to the football field. A martial arts expert, he became a terror to quarterbacks in the backfield. After his successful career in Iowa City, Tippett moved on to a highly successful NFL career with the New England Patriots.

Tippett is set to become a new member of the NFL Hall of Fame in the Class of 2008. After 12 NFL seasons with the Patriots as a player, Tippett has remained as a member of the New England Patriot front office serving in community affairs.

Andre Tippett was a joy to watch at Kinnick Stadium and a great ambassador of what is good in college and pro athletics. Cheers to Tippett becoming a new member of the NFL Hall of Fame.

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