Year 21 under Kirk Ferentz: Is Iowa finally coming to age?

• at Iowa State, W 18-17
• at Michigan, Saturday, 11:30 am Kickoff on FOX

Has there ever been a bigger game in the two series?

Michigan is ranked, unlike Iowa State, who the Iowa Hawkeyes beat 18-17, in a game that included to separate lightening delays for roughly three hours But, heading into each road game this season, has there ever been a bigger game in Ann Arbor or Ames, for that matter for both teams?

The 1985 game was the biggest game to date in the Iowa - Michigan series, but oh my, how important is this one, on Saturday for each team?

• Iowa head coach was OL coach under Hayden Fry
• Michigan head coach was QB, under Bo Schembechler

Iowa is going for its third win on a Michigan Homecoming, under Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes won the previous games, 34-9 in 2002, and 38-28 in 2010. Iowa is 7-5, since 2001, during the Kirk Ferentz era against Michigan.

Since 2001, Iowa has won 152 games and finished in the Top 10 nationally, five times. For Michigan, it is 151 wins, and four Top 10 finishes.

Know the foe: Iowa

Although the Hawkeyes barely escaped against Iowa State on the road, they've played well to start the season. They've shared two common opponents with Michigan: Middle Tennessee State, who they beat 48-3 on Saturday, and Rutgers, who they beat 30-0 in Week 2. The offense has impressed under the direction of quarterback Nate Stanley. The senior is completing 64% of his passes, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt and has eight touchdowns and zero interceptions. The run game features a trio of backs in Mekhi Sargent, Toren Young and Tyler Goodson; collectively, they are averaging 6.2 yards per carry and have 752 rushing yards. The defense is allowing just 8.5 points per game and is anchored by star defensive end A.J. Epenesa, a future high NFL draft pick. - Detroit Free Press

Iowa at Michigan, Week 6 - Homecoming for the Wolverines.

Another battle of two quarterbacks. This one, features two seniors at the helm, of each offense for Iowa and Michigan, respectively.

However, defense and special teams are always important to each of these programs.

And, what about fifth year Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh?

Week 5: Game Day in Kinnick Stadium

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Kickoff: 11:05 a.m.
TV: ESPN2 – Kevin Brown and Andre Ware
Last Meeting: This is the first meeting between the two schools.
The Weather: Cloudy skies with temps in the low 60’s at kickoff with winds around 10 mph.
The Line: Iowa is a 24 point favorite.
History: While this is the first meeting between the two schools, Iowa is 6-1 against C-USA programs with the last win coming over North Texas, 62-16, in 2015.

If you are not on the Rivals Network, you should look into Hawkeye Report, the Lounge and the work of Tom Kakert and Blair Sanderson for the Hawkeye site.

This week's prediction for Iowa.

Hawkeyes 38

Middle Tennessee Red Raiders 14

The Hawkeyes should finish non-conference portion of their schedule 3-0. The Hawkeyes have shown good performances in all three phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams.

The Hawkeyes have already opened Big Ten play 1-0, when they beat Rutgers 30-0, in Week 2 in Kinnick Stadium.

The Hawkeyes are looking for their third straight home win in 2019. They won an highly unusual first road game, 18-17, in a double storm delayed cliffhanger, in Ames, against the Iowa State Cyclones, two weeks ago.

One trophy game is in the books. Will Iowa play more trophies in 2019?

We shall see soon enough. Be gold.

Both, Iowa and Middle Tennessee are coming off bye weeks. The Red Raiders opened the 2019 season in Ann Arbor. The Hawkeyes travel to Ann Arbor next week for their 2019 Big Ten road opener.

The Hawkeyes can't afford to look ahead. The senior leadership likely will not do that, lead by senior QB Nate Stanley.

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 Saturday Week 3: #24 Iowa Hawkeyes host the UNI Panthers at Kinnick Stadium

Greatest new tradition in college football...The Iowa Wave. Here’s what it looks like from the field...the game stops and EVERYONE turns around and waves at the kids inside the Children’s Hospital. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/Cipjq8Ccn4

— Holly Sonders (@holly_sonders) September 13, 2018

Iowa City, IA --- The Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0) unveiled the 'Iowa Wave' as College Football's newest tradition last year, in the season opening win over Wyoming. Tonight, it will be celebrated, as the University of Northern Iowa Panthers (0-1) arrive down I-380 from Cedar Falls to be a part of the college football celebration, with the 6:30 pm kickoff on the Big Ten Network.

After a slow start, Iowa rolls over Northern Illinois in the 2nd half, winning 33-7. Kirk Ferentz passes Hayden Fry as Iowa's all-time winningest coach. 2nd half highlites courtesy of @Admire_OnAir. pic.twitter.com/T7Rka5KpaF

— SoundOFF (@SoundOFF13) September 1, 2018

The Hawkeyes opened the 2018 season, with a 33-7 win over the Northern Illinois Huskies in Week 1. The Hawks followed it up last Saturday, with a 13-3 win over Iowa State to claim the Cy-Hawk Trophy for the fourth consecutive season, the first under Kirk Ferentz, who is in his 20th season at the helm as head coach and who passed Hayden Fry in career wins in the season opener.

#Hawkeyes Brandon Smith pulls in a long throw which setup a 2-yard touchdown run by Mekhi Sargent in the fourth quarter of #CyHawk game. Iowa wins 13-3. @marcmorehouse @jeje66 GALLERY: https://t.co/G8uZjC38Uz pic.twitter.com/XefFDiQCYv

— Stephen Mally (@stephenmally) September 9, 2018

The Panthers lost the season opener in Week 1 at Montana 26-23, as they got in a deep hole and ran out of time, in their effort to comeback, under their second team quarterback. The question heading into the Iowa game is who will be under center for Mark Farley's team?

Iowa Kirk Ferentz and UNI Mark Farley will watch their teams head into Kinnick
Stadium for the 18th meeting, since the 1898 debut, between the Hawkeyes-Panthers.

The Hawkeyes have won 16 straight over the Panthers, though the 2009 game, came down to the wire, in a 17-16 win, that ended on back to back blocked field goals by Iowa to preserve the win, as time expired. The Panthers finished 2017, with an 8-5 record and another birth in the FCS playoffs.

The Hawkeyes are 2-0 heading into the Week 3 game against Northern Iowa.
It is the first FCS opponent heading into Kinnick Stadium, since the Week 3
loss 23-21 in 2016 to North Dakota State. Will the Panthers step up tonight?

The Iowa Hawkeyes defense is off to an outstanding start in back to back games, only allowing a total of 10 points all season. The strength of the Iowa defense is the defensive line, which can go 8-9 deep across the line. They have 9 sacks, including two forced fumble recoveries, in the first two games.

The Iowa Defense has been "dominant" in back to back weeks at Kinnick Stadium,
in wins over Northern Illinois and Iowa State to start 2018.

The starting linebackers are all new for 2018, since Iowa lost their Top 4, after last season. Look for redshirt freshman WLB Dijmon Colbert, senior MLB Jack Hockaday and OLB sophomore Nick Niemann to make the start tonight against Northern Iowa.

Iowa redshirt freshman #32 Dijmon Colbert made his first start of his career in the
13-3 win over Iowa State. After a 66 yard scoring drive against the Cyclones to kickoff
the Cy-Hawk Game, the Iowa defense took over the line of scrimmage and shutdown
the ISU offense, including junior RB #32 David Montgomery.

The Iowa offense and junior QB Nate Stanley are off to a slow start in 2018. Sophomore RB Ivory Kelly Martin missed the last game, due to an ankle injury. Now, sophomore WR Ihmir Smith Marsette is out with a shoulder injury, after picking up a 45 yard reception against the Cylcones, which is the play he was injured. on.

As others are reporting, Iowa junior QB Nate Stanley is pressing to kickoff the
2018 season. Link is from @IowaSwarm https://t.co/Z4JWh0r5Zx, who talkd
about Stanley's early performance in 2018.

How will the Iowa Hawkeyes' offense come out against Northern Iowa on Saturday night?

Last weekend, Iowa State caught an L.

Northern Iowa is next as @HawkeyeFootball looks to continue conquering the state: pic.twitter.com/AIPaK6HgTf

— Iowa On BTN (@IowaOnBTN) September 13, 2018

The Hawkeyes should take care of business at Kinnick Stadium tonight. Our prediction is:

• The Hawkeyes 23 (Iowa is averaging 23 points per game in 2018)
• The Panthers 10 (Iowa has given up 10 points in two games in 2018) 

AJ Epenesa is this week’s @bigten Co-Defensive Player of the Week after registering 2 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Pass Breakup and 5 Tackles | #Hawkeyes https://t.co/1vSRw76rgO pic.twitter.com/i0gvs3bR66

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) September 10, 2018

Iowa sophomore DE AJ Epenesa celebrates his birthday tonight at Kinnick Stadium, with his teammates. It should be a special night, as Pat Green performs his song Wave on Wave at halftime, with the marching bands. Green's song is played at the end of the first quarter, as the 'Iowa Wave' is performed each home game.

AJ Epenesa is this week’s @bigten Co-Defensive Player of the Week after registering 2 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Pass Breakup and 5 Tackles | #Hawkeyes https://t.co/1vSRw76rgO pic.twitter.com/i0gvs3bR66

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) September 10, 2018

It's Game Day in Madison: Battle of the Heartland Trophy, as Wisconsin hosts Iowa

Madison, WI -- The defending Big Ten West champion and now undefeated Wisconsin Badgers (9-0, 6-0 B1G West) welcome the #20 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3, B1G West) to Camp Randall Stadium for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on ABC Sports. The Heartland Trophy is on the line, when the Badgers and the Hawkeyes square off, but more importantly, the Badgers are the sole remaining Big Ten program in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff in 2017.

Six Big Ten teams are now among the Top 25 and both Power 5 programs
from the great State of Iowa are ranked #20 and #21 for the first time, in
College Football Playoff history. Wisconsin is the lone Top 10 team in the B1G.

The Badgers have never gone 12-0 in the regular season, while the Hawkeyes finished 12-0 in 2015, for the first time in program history, as they won the Big Ten West division. The last time Iowa traveled to Madison was in the 2015 season, defeating the Badgers 10-6 in a defensive slug fest. The Hawkeyes are coming off an impressive 55-24 win over Ohio State, eliminating the Buckeyes from the College Football Playoff field.

Iowa won the last time in Madison 10-6. The Hawkeyes are hoping for three
straight, in a series where the road team has won six straight in the series.
Today's winner, will carry off the Heartland Trophy, introduced in 2004.

Iowa has faced five programs in the Top 25, with a 2-3 record, while Wisconsin is 1-0 with a 33-24 win at home against Northwestern. The Hawkeyes fell at Northwestern 17-10 in overtime. The Hawkeyes have fallen three times, but have played a stronger non conference, as well, as conference schedule in 2017.

Can the Hawkeyes make it two in a row, defeating Top 10 programs?

The Dean of College Football, Kirk Ferentz coaches the Iowa Hawkeyes, while Wisconsin is coached by Madison native and Badger alum, Paul Chryst, now in his third season at the helm, after three seasons at Pittsburgh (19-19). Chryst is now 30-6 at the helm at Wisconsin. The coaches are 1-1 in Big Ten meetings as head coaches, while Ferentz holds a 2-1 record overall head to head, with a 24-20 win in Pittsburgh in 2014 over Chryst's Pitt Panthers team.

Kirk Ferentz is in his 19th season at the helm at Iowa, as head coach and his 28th season overall. Paul Chryst grew
up in Madison, played football for the Badgers, was on the staff, as an assistant and now is in his third season,
as head coach, after three seasons leading Pittsburgh. The first head to head meeting against head coaches was in 2014,
when Iowa used a second half comeback to win 24-20 over the Chryst coached team. Ferentz is 2-1, 1-1 in Big Ten games.

Last year, in Iowa City, Wisconsin won 17-9, as the Hawkeyes were unable to find the end zone, due to the solid Badgers defense. The visiting program has won sixth straight in the series. The Badgers lead the series 45-43-2.

Statistics for the Iowa-Wisconsin series
Meetings total	90
All-time series	Wisconsin leads, 45–43–2 (.511)
Largest victory	Wisconsin, 44–0 (1894)
Longest win streak	Iowa, 10 (1985–1996)
Longest unbeaten streak	Iowa, 18 (1977–1996)
Current win streak	Wisconsin, 1 (2016–present)

Defense wins championships in the Big Ten West Division

Since 2014, the Big Ten has played East and West divisions, when Maryland and Rutgers joined the conference, making it seven programs in each division. The realignment reunited the annual series between Iowa and Wisconsin. Past three winners in the West Division ...

• 2014, Wisconsin at 7-1 in the West
• 2015, Iowa at 8-0 in the West
• 2016, Wisconsin at 7-2 in the West
• 2017, Wisconsin is in the driver seat right now, they control own destiny ...

Wisconsin and Iowa are #1 and #2 in conference games in scoring defense allowing only 15 and 17.5 points per game, respectively. On offense in Big Ten games, Iowa has played both #1 Ohio State (47.7) and #2 Penn State (33.50), splitting those games 1-1. Wisconsin (32.5) and Iowa (26.0) are #3 and #4, respectively, in the conference. The highest scoring opponent Wisconsin has faced is Northwestern (25.8).

The defense at Wisconsin is now lead by DC Jim Leonard, who is the third
defensive coordinator for head coach Paul Chryst, who is 30-6 in three seasons.

Both programs are playing very good football heading into the second Saturday of November. The Badgers lost two starting players last Saturday, #1 WR sophomore Quintez Cephus and sophomore LB Chris Orr, in the 45-17 win at Indiana. Iowa has lost three starters this season to injuries, but none of the players have played significantly this season. 

Quarterback will play a key role in today's game

Two sophomores get the start for each team. Prior to this season, redshirt sophomore Alex Hornibrook was a part-time starter for Wisconsin, but he is the full-time starter now in 2017, since Bart Houston graduated. Hornibrook ranks #2 behind Ohio State's J.T. Barrett in passing efficiency, despite throwing eight interceptions to seven touchdowns in conference play.

Wisconsin sophomore QB 12 Alex Hornibrook in last season's home game against Ohio State. The Badgers lone Big
Ten loss last season came in Madison 23-20 in OT. How will Iowa's defense get Hornibrook in Madison?
The Badgers QB threw 7 interceptions all last season and has eight already in 2017 in conference games.

Iowa's true sophomore Nate Stanley is in his first season, as the starting QB, replacing C.J. Beathard, who is now in the NFL playing for the San Francisco 49ers. Stanley has throw 12 touchdown passes and only 3 interceptions in conference play, as he returns to his home state of Wisconsin for the game today. Stanley has had two-five TD days, on the road in the non conference at #21 Iowa State and last Saturday in the win over #13 Ohio State.

Over in Columbus, the Big Ten East race will see Michigan State sophomore QB 14 Brain Lewerke lead the Spartans
into Ohio State to determine, who enters the driver seat, as the likely East draw in Indianapolis. Iowa sophomore QB
4 Nate Stanley returns to his home state, as the Hawkeyes face the Badgers in Camp Randall this afternoon.
The Big Ten has three prominent sophomore quarterback, with two of the three on display today in Madison. 

No one is expecting those type of fireworks in today's Iowa vs. Wisconsin game

This game begins in the offensive and defensive lines. Iowa has a new offensive line coach, with former North Dakota State offensive coordinator Tim Polasek, another Wisconsin native. Wisconsin has their third defensive coordinator, in the past three seasons, under Chryst. Chryst elevated defensive back coach Jim Leonard, a former Badgers defensive back, who joined the coaching staff last season, after a successful career as an NFL player. The Hawkeyes have a first year offensive coordinator, as Iowa elevated offensive line and run game coordinator, Brian Ferentz, a former Iowa offensive lineman to the position this off season.

How will first year Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz dial up on the
road, in his third B1G road test of 2017? There is a trophy on the line in this one.
The Hawkeyes did win a trophy in a 44-41 OT game at Iowa State, but the Hawkeyes
are 0-2 on the road, in Big Ten road games this season, at MSU and at Northwestern.

There will be a lot of motivation within the coaching staffs of both team in this game. Winning the line of scrimmage is always a key in this series. It's another trophy game. The Hawkeyes have won the two of four trophy games in 2017, with wins over Iowa State and Minnesota, 17-10 at Kinnick. Wisconsin plays for three trophy games to close out the regular season, with Iowa, Michigan and at Minnesota on the road to their first 12-0 season.

But, can Iowa knock Wisconsin off track today?

True freshman RB Jonathan Taylor is the feature back for the Badgers. He leads the Big Ten, in conference games, with 930 yards. He has had two-200 yard games, to kickoff his career at Wisconsin. He will be used behind the fullback and in the slot. His first running mate is sophomore Bradrick Shaw. Taylor has zero yards in the passing game in conference play.

The Iowa defense will face the #1 RB in the Big Ten at Wisconsin, as the Badgers
ground attack is lead by true freshman RB 23 Jonathan Taylor. He averages 6.8
yards per game, with seven touchdowns in Big Ten play in 2017.

The Hawkeyes have a strong dual threat senior RB Akrum Wadley, in both the run and passing game. You will see both offenses feature a fullback at times and rely on the tight ends in the run and passing games. Iowa also has senior Nevada transfer James Butler, back from an elbow injury, and redshirt freshman Toren Young at RB. Young is a Wisconsin prep making his first visit to his home state.

Iowa senior RB 25 Akrum Wadley can be outstanding in open space and this
safety valve pass last Saturday in the 55-24 win over Ohio State got Urban Meyer's
attention. Wadley has not found the run game consistent at times this season.
Will the Iowa offensive line provide opportunities for a change against the Badgers?

In the passing game, Wisconsin is now lead by senior TE Troy Fumagalli, with a sophomore WR A.J. Taylor and true freshman Danny Davis III the prime receivers outside now, due to multiple injuries in the receiving corp this season. The most recent injury was Cephus, but the Badgers are already without the leading returning receiver, senior WR Jazz Peavy, who went down, in early Big Ten play.

Iowa sophomore TE 87 Noah Fant leads Iowa receivers with TD receptions
with seven on the season. Wisconsin has a really strong tradition with tight ends,
as well. Senior Troy Fumagalli is an outstanding leader for the Badgers.
Iowa is healthy at TE for a change, after some ups and downs in recent seasons.

On the flip side, the Iowa receiving corp rode heavily last Saturday on true sophomore TE Noah Fant and redshirt freshman TE T.J. Hockenson, who each had two touchdowns in the win over Ohio State. Iowa's threesome at WR is senior Matt VandeBerg, junior JUCO transfer Nick Easley and true freshman Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Iowa is beginning to target true freshman Brandon Smith, but he only has three catches on the season.

Iowa's offensive line is anchored by Ohio preps, senior RG 79 Sean Welsh and
junior C 78 James Daniels, who clearly had best game of season, in last Saturday's
win over Ohio State. The pass blocking has improved, but mistakes, penalities
impacted the unit, until Saturday's impressive win over Ohio State.

Both programs are built in the offensive line on offense. Both teams returned four starters to begin the season, but the Hawkeyes lost both senior tackles early and are relying now on redshirt freshman LT Alaric Jackson and true freshman RT Tristan Wilfs, who each had a breakout game last Saturday, along with the interior line mates. The Hawkeyes will have to have another breakout game to likely have back to back upsets in Big Ten play. How will the Hawkeyes perform playing the vaulted 3-4 defense the Badgers run in Madison?

Iowa senior MLB 43 Josey Jewell leads the Big Ten in tackles in conference play,
as he takes down OSU QB C.J. Barrett in space last Saturday, in the win.

Iowa is rotating eight, even nine players in the defensive line in 2017. They faced a good unit last Saturday, but the size of the Wisconsin offensive line, with a be a real test, as well. Iowa starts three seniors in the linebacker corp, lead by the Big Ten's leading tackler, Josey Jewell.

Wisconsin junior LB T.J. Edwards lead the 2016 Badger defense in tackles,
he is back in 2017 to lead the #1 scoring defense, as he returns an interception
in the Homecoming game against Maryland, in a 38-13 win in Big Ten play.

In the linebacker corp, Wisconsin junior T.J. Edwards leads the front 7 of the defense, with senior Jack Cichy out all season. Junior JUCO transfer OLB Andrew Van Girkel has become a key performer, out of Iowa Western C.C. and Rock Valley, Iowa.

Two of the best cornerbacks in the Big Ten will be on the field today

Iowa first-year starting, junior CB Joshua Jackson and Wisconsin junior, Hawaii transfer CB Nick Nelson lead the conference in pass breakouts and are among the top two CBs in the nation this season. Jackson pulled off a hat trick with three of the four interceptions during last week's Iowa-Ohio State game. Iowa opened last week's game with a Pick 6 by sophomore SS Amani Hooker.

The Big Ten has the nation's top two cornerbacks per PFF College Football,
as Iowa's Joshua Jackson and Wisconsin's Nick Nelson rate 1-2.

The Wisconsin Badgers have been very consistent over the past ten seasons with the #10 record in all of College Football. The Badgers are off to a 9-0 start and are seeking first ten win start in program history. The last opportunity was in 2004, when the Badgers opened 9-0, then lost back to back Big Ten games against Michigan State and Iowa to close regular season.

45-43-2 Wisconsin leads the series, coming off last year's 17-9 game.
The Heartland Trophy is on the line in Camp Randall today ...

The Hawkeyes are hoping to start a three game losing streak, since Iowa needs help in dethroning the Badgers on pace for their third Big Ten West division title in four seasons. Northwestern is needing help, as well. So, an interesting final three weeks ahead ...

Keys to the game ...

• QB play on both sides ... which QB plays with more composure and with fewer turnovers
• Running game and explosive plays, the Badgers have broke open this series lately with B1G plays
• Coaching staff adjustments and performances, who puts team in better position
• Weather in Madison today ...

Iowa's QB Nate Stanley won honors in his first road start. However, the Hawkeyes
offense was not on track in his first two Big Ten road games. What happens today?

Prediction in the Iowa @ Wisconsin game today ...

• Iowa Hawkeyes 18
• Wisconsin Badgers 13

... thoughts in this one are QB Nate Stanley puts it together in his third B1G road game, as Iowa's defense puts enough pressure on QB Alex Hornibrook, leading to another B1G turnover ...

Big Ten pecking order in the College Football Playoff ratings ...

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 Iowa: Wyoming Cowboys and Iowa Hawkeyes open 2017 at Kinnick Stadium

Iowa City, IA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (8-5 in 2016) kickoff their 128th season at historic Kinnick Stadium, as the Wyoming Cowboys (8-6 in 2016) come to town, for the first time, since 1953. Both teams are coming off an 8-4 regular season, as the Big Ten vs. MWC showdown kicks off at 11 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium, and on the Big Ten Network.

Both teams defeated two Top 25 opponents in 2016.
Wyoming @ Iowa from Kinnick Stadium, 11 a.m. on BTN.

This is the first meeting between Iowa and Wyoming in 20 years, since the 1987 Holiday Bowl, where the Hawkeyes pulled out a 20-19 win late. Iowa leads the series 2-0, winning the only other game, 21-7, in Iowa City, in 1953.

Junior 6 FS Marcus Epps, sophomore 30 MLB Logan Wilson,
junior 17 QB Josh Allen and senior 36 FB Drew Van Maanan
will serve as game captains for the Cowboys in the season opener
at Iowa.

At quarterback, Wyoming has a gunslinger in junior Josh Allen, who has NFL aspirations, after a breakout season in 2016. The Iowa Hawkeyes must replace C.J. Beathard, who lead Iowa to a 21-7 record, since becoming the full-time starter in 2015. Iowa will go with true sophomore Nate Stanley, who beat our junior Tyler Wiegers for the job.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is the dean of College Football.
He will open 2017, with a first- year starter and the Hawkeyes
choose true sophomore QB 4 Nate Stanley for the task.

Both teams are inexperienced at the receivers position, with Iowa returning only one wide receiver, senior Matt VandeBerg, with a catch as a Hawkeye. The Cowboys must replace 25 of 28 TD receptions, as sophomore WR C.J. Johnson is the only returner on the other end of an Allen TD pass from 2016.

Both Iowa and Wyoming were interested in the services of true
sophomore Iowa 87 TE Noah Fant, who came out of Omaha.
Fant caught 9 passes for 70 yards, 1 TD in 2016 for the Hawks.

Iowa has a young, TE corp, lead by sophomore Noah Fant and redshirt freshman T.J. Hockenson. The Hawkeyes will use many of the 8 tight ends on the roster in 2017. Last year's starting TE George Kittle joins QB Beathard on the San Franciso 49ers roster for 2017. This unit is one to watch, in the passing game for young Stanley at Iowa in 2017.

Iowa senior RB 25 Akrum Wadley leads the Iowa ground game.

Wyoming lost both their number 1 and number 2 running backs from 2016. The Hawkeyes are the only team in FBS to return two 1,000 yard rushers, as senior Akrum Wadley and senior grad transfer James Butler, from Nevada, lead the likely four deep RB unit for the Hawkeyes. The Cowboys lost talented RB Brian Hill, so a three player committee is likely, with junior Nico Evans, sophomores Milo Hall and Kellen Overstreet. This is an area where the Hawkeyes have a clear advantage.

Iowa offensive line: senior RT 75 Ike Boettger, senior RG 79
Sean Welsh, junior C 78 James Daniels, junior LG 68 Keegan Render,
and senior LT 52 Boone Myers, who all bring starting experience.

The ground game all begins up front with the offensive line. The Hawkeyes are an experienced, veteran bunch, with three seniors and two juniors in the line up. Wyoming returns four of five offensive line starters, but the center position will be manned by a true freshman in 2017, as Logan Harris replaces all-MWC center Chase Roullier.

Iowa senior MLB 43 Josey Jewell leads the Hawkeyes defense again.
A pre-season all-American at linebacker, with a group that returns
6 of 7 in the front 7 for the Hawkeyes.

Both Iowa and Wyoming return eight starters on defense, though the Hawkeyes will begin 2017, without junior free safety Brandon Snyder, out with a knee injury. The Hawkeyes were a Top 25 defense in 2016, while the Cowboys were in the bottom 25 of defenses in 2016.

Iowa Kirk Ferentz is now the dean of College Football, entering
his 19th season as head coach, 28th overall for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz is now the dean of College Football, entering his 19th season, as head coach. Back in 1999, Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl was the defensive coordinator at Nebraska, when Ferentz debuted as Iowa's head coach. Iowa lacked Big Ten bodies in the trenches, when Ferentz arrived in Iowa City, back in 1999. It isn't the case entering 2017, where Iowa's strengths are in the offensive and defensive lines heading into the season.

Like the 2013 Hawkeyes, Iowa returns three senior starters at LB
to kickoff the season, as 41 WLB Bo Bower, 43 MLB Josey Jewell,
and 44 LEO Ben Niemann all return. This should be a strong unit.

Iowa's strength on defense is the linebacker unit, with all three starters returning, while the heart of the Wyoming defense is the secondary, lead by two very good safeties, who lead the Cowboys in tackles in 2016.

Iowa senior Matt VandeBerg is coming back off a foot injury in 2017.
VandeBerg will step out as Iowa's punt returner again. He played
PR during his sophomore season and the Hawkeyes look to make
impact plays in special teams in 2017.

In a season opener, special teams can play a huge role in the outcome. In 2007, the nation all remembers Appalachian State blocking a FG to secure the 34-32 upset over the Michigan Wolverines.

Both Iowa and Wyoming have new punters and young placekickers. The return game should be solid for both teams. Miscues, penalties and special teams are often keys to watch in season openers. Both teams enter the 2017 season with some promise and some unknowns.

Prediction: Iowa 33, Wyoming 19
The Hawkeyes are able to get the ground game going, with
RBs Akrum Wadley, James Butler, Toren Young and Ivory Kelly-Martin.

How well have the Hawkeyes and Cowboys improved or stayed the same entering 2017?

Wisconsin took care of business over Utah State; while Iowa and Northwestern look to keep up with the Badgers, as Big Ten West teams square off against MWC programs, as Wyoming and Nevada come to Iowa City and Evanston, respectively.

Look for the Hawkeyes and Wildcats to join the Badgers at 1-0, after Week 1 of the 2017 College Football season.