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

12

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

Cancellations highlight Week 3 on Saturday in College Football

Saturday, September 15th 

• Ball State at Indiana, 11:00 am on BTN
• Florida State at Syracuse, 11:00 am on ESPN 
• Georgia Southern at Clemson, 11:00 am on ESPNU 
• Hawaii at Army, 11:00 am on CBSSN 
• Kent State at Penn State, 11:00 am on FS1
• Middle Tennessee at Georgia, 11:00 am on ESPN News
• Miami-FL at Toledo, 11:00 am on ESPN2 
• Murray State at Kentucky, 11:00 am on SEC Network 
• Oklahoma at Iowa State, 11:00 am on ABC 
• Rhode Island at UConn, 11:00 am on SNY / ESPN Extra
• Rutgers at Kansas, 11:00 am on FSN 
• Temple at Maryland, 11:00 am on BTN - possible trap game ahead of B1G play for Terps?
• Troy at Nebraska, 11:00 am on BTN - lost to NIU in Week 3 last year
• UTEP at Tennessee, 11:00 am on SEC Network 
• Georgia Tech at Pittsburgh, 11:30 am on ESPN Extra / ACC RSN / WatchESPN
• UC Davis at Stanford, 1:00 pm on PAC-12 Network
• Vanderbilt at Notre Dame, 1:30 pm on NBC
• Boise State at Oklahoma State, 2:30 pm on ESPN 
• BYU at Wisconsin, 2:30 pm on ABC 
• Duke at Baylor, 2:30 pm on FS1 
• Lehigh at Navy, 2:30 pm on CBSSN 
• LSU at Auburn, 2:30 pm on CBS 
• Miami-OH at Minnesota, 2:30 pm on BTN 
• SMU at Michigan, 2:30 pm on BTN
• South Florida at Illinois, 2:30 pm on BTN
• Colorado State at Florida, 3:00 pm on SEC Network
• Houston at Texas Tech, 3:00 pm on FOX 
• North Texas at Arkansas, 3:00 pm on SEC Network 
• UTSA at Kansas State, 3:00 pm on FSN 
• Ohio U at Virginia (Nashville), 3:30 pm on ESPN2
• New Hampshire at Colorado, 4:00 pm on PAC-12 Network
• San Jose State at Oregon, 4:00 pm on PAC-12 Network 
• Idaho State at California, 5:00 pm on PAC-12 Network 
• Alabama at Ole Miss, 6:00 pm on ESPN 
• Arkansas State at Tulsa, 6:00 pm on CBSSN 
• Oregon State at Nevada, 6:00 pm on ESPNU
• Akron at Northwestern, 6:30 pm on BTN 
• Louisiana Lafayette at Mississippi State, 6:30 pm on ESPN2
• Louisiana Monroe at Texas A&ampM, 6:30 pm on SEC Network
• Missouri at Purdue, 6:30 pm on BTN 
• Northern Iowa at Iowa, 6:30 pm on BTN - Hawkeyes get to 3-0 in a projected: 23-10 win
• UMass at Florida International, 6:30 pm on beIN / Video (not on DirecTV)
• Western Kentucky at Louisville, 6:30 pm on ACC RSN
• Eastern Washington at Washington State, 7:00 pm on PAC-12 Network 
• New Mexico at New Mexico State, 7:00 pm on ELVN / FSAZ+
• Ohio State vs. TCU (Arlington), 7:00 pm on ABC 
• Washington at Utah, 9:00 pm on ESPN
• Arizona State at San Diego State, 9:30 pm on CBSSN 
• Fresno State at UCLA, 9:30 pm on FS1
• Southern Utah at Arizona, 10:00 pm on PAC-12 Network 
• Alabama A&M at Cincinnati, 6:00 pm on espn3 Video
• Bethune Cookman at Florida Atlantic, 5:00 pm on Stadium Video / Facebook Video / Stadium
• Central Michigan at Northern Illinois, 2:30 pm on $espn+ Video
• Delaware State at Western Michigan, 6:00 pm on $espn+ Video
• Eastern Kentucky at Bowling Green, 3:00 pm on espn3 Video
• Eastern Michigan at Buffalo, 5:00 pm on $espn+ Video
• Prairie View at UNLV, 9:00 pm on MWC Video / Stadium
• Texas State at South Alabama, 6:00 pm on $espn+ Video
• Wofford at Wyoming, 3:00 pm on Stadium Video / Facebook Video / Stadium
• East Carolina at Virginia Tech Cancelled
• Marshall at South Carolina Postponed
• Norfolk State at Liberty Postponed
• Southern Miss at Appalachian State Postponed
• UCF at North Carolina Cancelled
• West Virginia at North Carolina State Cancelled

Week 3: Friday night College Football

Only one FBS game on tap for Friday night for 2018 College Football in Week 3.

Georgia State (1-1)  at Memphis (1-1)
6:00 pm
ESPN

First meeting between these two schools.

Week 3: More disruptions of College Football, due to Hurricane in forecast

Due to the expected impact of Hurricane Florence, Boston College will kick off against Wake Forest at 5:30 ET today.

Coverage will begin at 5:00 ET on ESPN.

The road team has won the last four meetings between the Eagles and the Demon Deacons.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 13, 2018

Wednesday, September 12th
Campbell at Coastal Carolina	1:00 pm	bumped up due to hurricane, with CCU 58-21 win
Thursday, September 13th Old Dominion at Charlotte, 3:00 pm, espn3 Video Boston College at Wake Forest, 4:30 PM, ESPN in the ACC opener for both programs Tennessee Tech at Utah State, 7:00 pm, Facebook Video

Hurricane Florence could impact a dozen Week 3 FBS games #collegefootball https://t.co/Gdc77AsIfU

— CollegeFootballTalk (@CFTalk) September 11, 2018

Game Day Iowa: the Hawkeyes host North Texas

Game 3 of the 2017 non-conference schedule for the Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0), as North Texas (1-1) comes to Iowa City again.

Prediction: 

• Iowa Hawkeyes 40
• North Texas 17

Ahead of kickoff of Big Ten campaign for 2017 ...

Iowa (2-0) vs. Pittsburgh (2-0) - The Fifth Big Ten vs. ACC Football game on Saturday

Iowa City, IA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0) will host their first night game at Kinnick Stadium, since they hosted Penn State during the 2012 Big Ten season, as the Pittsburgh Panthers (2-0) come to Iowa City for a 7 p.m. kickoff on the Big Ten Network.

Close calls and fourth-quarter drama have ruled recent Pitt-Iowa series history. In the past three meetings, the average margin of victory has been three points. The Hawkeyes rallied from double-digit deficits to win each of the past two games, 31-27 in 2011 and 24-20 in 2014. The Panthers won in 2008, 21-20.

Pitt junior WR 23 Tyler Boyd
is back, after a solid performance,
10 catches for 153 yards,
in last year's Iowa-Pitt game.

The Panthers are seeking a 3-0 start for the second consecutive year and fourth time since 2000. Pitt previously opened a season with three victories in 2000, 2009 and 2014. Those quick starts ultimately resulted in bowl invitations in each of those years.

The Hawkeyes have not opened with a 3-0 start, since the 9-0 start, during the 2009 season, under coach Kirk Ferentz, who is entering his seventeenth season as head coach at Iowa. On the flip side, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi is entering his third game as head coach for the Panthers. As a former defensive coordinator at Michigan State, Narduzzi was 3-4 vs. Iowa from 2007-2013. The Hawkeyes and Spartans didn't play in 2014.

This is the seventh game in the series, that is tied 3-3. The rubber match will take place in prime-time in Iowa City at historic Kinnick Stadium, as Pitt coach Narduzzi spoke about the upcoming match against the Hawkeyes. On Big Ten Network, Joe Beninati on play-by-play and Chuck Long, as analyst.

“We have a big road game, with a crazy atmosphere, out at the University of Iowa. I don’t believe I’ve ever played at night there so I can imagine that it’s going to be a good atmosphere for our kids and theirs. We told our guys yesterday that preseason is over. This is a big time for us to find out what we have. Our guys are going to prepare a little bit more every week as we go on. The games get a little bit bigger and we’ll be 2-0 going out to Iowa City. It’s going to be a big ball game,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi shared on Monday.

On Iowa coach and Pittsburgh native Kirk Ferentz, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi:

“Kirk Ferentz is an offensive-minded coach. He’s an O-line guru and a tremendous football coach. [Iowa] will be known for their toughness and like us, will be known as a blue-collared tough football team. It will be a tough football team up front. They have a lot of [alumni] playing in the NFL, seems like they have a first-rounder every year. They’re going to be a tough football team. We have to be ready.”

Since 1999, Kirk Ferentz's first year as Iowa head coach, the Hawkeyes have had a future NFL player start on the offensive line in every season. In each of the last eight years, an eventual NFL first-round draft pick started on the offensive line. Brandon Scherff, selected by the Washington Redskins fifth overall in 2015, was Iowa's left tackle from 2012-14. 

Riley Reiff, selected 23rd overall by the Detroit Lions in 2012, started at left tackle from 2010-11. Bryan Bulaga, selected 23rd overall by the Green Bay Packers in 2010, started at left guard in 2007 before moving to left tackle in 2008-09. From 2005-06, Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Marshal Yanda shared time at tackle and guard for the Hawkeyes. Mike Elgin, a seventh round selection of New England, was Iowa's starting center in 2004. Pete McMahon, drafted by Oakland in 2005, was Iowa's right guard in 2003. Oakland's first round pick in 2004, Robert Gallery, was Iowa's left tackle from 2001-03. Eric Steinbach (Cincinnati) started at guard for Iowa from 2000-02, and Bruce Nelson (Carolina) was a four-year starter from 1999-02. Both players were second round draft picks in 2003.

Iowa junior 89 Matt VandeBerg
caught a 44 yarder last year at Pitt.
He had career day in the ISU win
last week on the road.

On if he’s curious to see how his team matches up with a Power-5 team in Iowa, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi shared:

A 13 yard TD pass to make it 7-7 
in the first quarter at Pitt in '14.
Iowa senior TE 80 Henry Krieger
Coble scored the Hawkeyes' first
TD in the 24-20 win at Pitt.

“Of course. Every coach is. Like I told the kids last night, they don’t care what you did last week. Even if you beat USC last weekend, they don’t care what you did last time or the week before. We only care about next Saturday. That’s all we care about. That’s all I really care about. I don’t care how many sacks you had. I want to know how many sacks you’re going to have this week or how many touchdown passes. You get more curious every week how we’re going to react on the field in a big-time atmosphere on national TV. It’ll certainly be interesting. Again, you can get beat at any second, so you better come ready. Arkansas saw that this week with Toledo and Maryland saw that this week with Bowling Green. We could’ve seen it, but we came ready to play and our guys played a darn good ball game. We can say it’s easy, but it isn’t easy. Every game is a battle.”

Iowa junior QB 16 C.J. Beahard
leading the Hawkeyes 2nd half
come back victory at Pitt in 2014.

Iowa is facing it's second Power 5 out-of-conference opponent, after winning at Iowa State, 31-17, in Ames last weekend. The Hawkeyes return to Kinnick Stadium, with the first of four trophies in hand, that Iowa will compete for in rivalry games in 2015. Pitt is playing their first Power 5 opponent for 2015, after a 24-7 road win at Akron.

Two 2-0 teams, from Power 5 conferences, in the final of five ACC vs. Big Ten match ups in Week 3 of the 2015 College Football season.

Last year, Pitt junior QB 16 Chad
Voytik lead the Panthers, but this
season, new OC Jim Chaney has
two QBs he is considering for today.

A look at the Quaterbacks in Iowa-Pitt game:
Last year, Iowa played two quarterbacks at Pitt, after starter Jake Rudock was injured at the end of the first half.  C.J. Beathard led the University of Iowa football team on three second-half scoring drives to rally the Hawkeyes from a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Pittsburgh, 24-20, at Heinz Field. He hit seven of eight passes for 98 yards.

Now, a junior and #1 QB for Iowa, Beathard improved to 3-0 in his career as a starter. He is 1-0 at home, and 2-0 on the road (Purdue, 2014; Iowa State, 2015). He was 15-of-25 for 215 yards passing and a career high three touchdown at ISU, last week. He rushed 10 times for 77 yards. The 10 rushing attempts was a career high. Senior transfer Jake Rudock is leading the Michigan Wolverines against UNLV in the Big House today.

Pitt junior transfer QB 4 Nate Peterman
running the ball in 24-7 win at Akron.

Pittsburgh has two junior quarterbacks at OC Jim Chaney's disposal. Junior Chad Voytik lead Pitt in 2014, but junior graduate transfer Nate Peterman, left Tennessee, where he started one game and figures into the rotation for the Panthers this week, at Iowa.

On if he hopes a quarterback will separate himself:

“Yes, you always hope for that. I think both of those guys are pretty equal back there. We’ll find out in the heat of the battle,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi shared on Monday during his press conference.

Iowa has been very balanced running and passing the ball, after the first two games in 2015.

Iowa senior RB 33 Jordan Canzeri
started last year's game and enters
the starting lineup tonight vs. Pitt.

The Hawkeyes offense at Iowa State, Iowa senior RB Jordan Canzeri had another career game, with a career-high 24 times for 124 yards and a touchdown. He scored from eight yards on Iowa's final scoring drive. It was his fourth career rushing touchdown and second this season. Canzeri had had over 100 all-purpose yards for the second straight week.

Iowa junior WR Matt VandeBerg has scored a touchdown in three straight games. He caught touchdowns against Tennessee and Illinois State, and returned a fumble three yards today for a touchdown. VandeBerg played 22 career games before catching his first touchdown. He had career highs in receptions (9) and yards (114). His 47-yard reception in the fourth quarter was a career long.

Iowa senior PK 1 Marshall
Koehn hit a career long
52 yard field goal near
the end of the 3rd quarter
at Pitt last season to pull
Iowa to a 20-17 deficit.

Iowa Junior WR Riley McCarron's first catch of the season was a 25-yard, eventual game-winning touchdown at Iowa State. It was his first career touchdown. Iowa's #1 WR, senior Tevaun Smith, also had a touchdown against ISU. It will be interesting to see how the Iowa passing game figures in the Iowa-Pitt game. 


Senior TE Henry Krieger Coble had a career best 34 yards receiving. He scored a TD reception, in last year's game at Pitt. Redshirt freshman TE Jameer Outsey made his first career start last week at ISU. Junior TE George Kittle played last week and is expected to play more coming off a knee injury in the season opener against Illinois State.

Iowa senior PK Marshall Koehn has connected on five consecutive field goal attempts over the last five games. Koehn is 5-of-6 in his career on field goals 40-plus yards. He hit a career long 52 yard field goal at Pitt.

Pittsburgh OC Jim Chaney is a former Big Ten coordinator, like his head coach. He was at Purdue from 1997 to 2005. Also, like his head coach, he had a 3-4 record against Iowa, against Hayden Fry and during the early Kirk Ferentz era.

Unlike Iowa's #1 running back junior LeShun Daniels, Jr., who suffered an ankle injury at Iowa State last week; Pittsburgh lost junior starting RB James Connor for the season, to a knee injury in Week 1.

On Pitt freshman RB Qadree Ollison’s first game as a starter, last week against Akron, coach Pat Narduzzi said:

Pitt true freshman RB 22 Darrin Hall
scored a TD last week at Akron.

“He was good. He could’ve been better, like a lot of us. I probably could’ve been better, too. I think he was a little sore, though. Qadree was good. Was he great? No. He missed some things. Darrin Hall came in and played pretty solid, too. It’s his first start, too. It’s always easy coming in as a reliever, don’t forget that. It takes a little bit of pressure off of you when you’re not the guy starting. Qadree came in being the guy with maybe a little bit more pressure on him than he wanted or we wanted, but he’ll step up. You could say that the Youngstown game was his first game. He came in and didn’t have any time to think about being the guy. He had no idea he was going to be the guy. Now that he has an idea he’s the guy, we’ll see how he responds in week two.”

The Pittsburgh Panthers are lead in the passing game by junior WR Tyler Boyd and senior TE J.P. Holtz. The running backs likely will be an option in the Panthers passing attack, as well, as each of the running backs have caught passes.

COACHING RECORDS
Kirk Ferentz is in his 20th year as a college head coach and his 17th year as Iowa's head coach. His career record is 129-106 and he is 117-85 at Iowa. He is the 12th Big Ten Conference coach to win 100 games.

Pat Narduzzi is in his first year as a college head coach, with a record of 2-0. He most recently was the defensive coordinator at Michigan State for eight seasons (2007-14), and has also been an assistant coach at Rhode Island, Northern Illinois, Miami, Ohio, and Cincinnati.

Pitt junior NT Tyrique Jarrett
anchors the Panthers defensive
line with 1 sack, 3 TFL.

The Panthers return seven starters from the 2014 6-7 team, lead by now Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst. The strength of the unit may be the secondary for the Panthers.

Senior SLB Nicholas Grigsby leads the Panthers in tackles and two sacks on the young season. Junior MLB Matt Galambos is second in tackles for the Panthers thus far in 2015.

This should be a physical game, as Narduzzi is known for solid run defense and winning at the line of scrimmage.

Special teams could be very important in this game. Pittsburgh's junior PK Chris Biewitt has missed two field goals, in four attempts this season. He is in his third season as the placekicker. Sophomore punter Ryan Winslow returns for 2015 and is averaging just under 40 yards a punt.

Iowa's defense is lead by senior DE Drew Ott, who has two sacks on the season, but suffered a dislocated elbow at Iowa State in the first quarter. It will be interesting to see how the Pittsburgh offense attacks Ott's replacement. Iowa will likely see redshirt freshman Parker Hesse forced into action again. Hesse has one sack on the season.

Iowa's defensive line will be lead by DEs senior 34 Nate Meier, redshirt freshman
40 Parker Hesse and junior DT 67 Jaleel Johnson. Iowa's other DT is sophomore
99 Nathan Bazata. The Hawkeyes will be tested by a Pittsburgh O-Line.

The Iowa defense are off to a strong start in 2015, but the unit isn't basking in its success. The Hawkeyes have surrendered 98 rushing yards and no touchdowns through the first two games. Iowa is allowing 1.78 yards per carry to rank 10th nationally, and the Hawkeyes have the No. 8 rushing defense in the country, giving up 49 yards per game.

"(Defensive coordinator) Phil Parker and defensive line coach Reese Morgan say never to become complacent," said Johnson. "We have another opponent coming up."

"Pitt has a big, aggressive offensive line and both guards are back. If we play like we did at Iowa State, we should be good up front."

On Pitt’s pass protection:

“We have a lot of guys rotating in there. We have to protect the quarterback, obviously, better than we did [on Saturday]. Like I said, they [Akron] had two very good defensive ends that are athletic and physical. We just have to continue to understand what someone is doing to us. We have to change some of our sets. We can’t just rely on the same set every time. That’s something the young guys are going to have to learn how to do, and they will,” as Pitt coach Narduzzi talked ahead of the Iowa game.

The Iowa offensive line is anchored by senior C 63 Austin Blythe. The Iowa offense
is lead by junior QB 16 C.J. Beathard, as the Pitt middle defense is lead by
junior MLB 47 Matt Galambos. It is a 7 p.m. kickoff on the Big Ten Network.

Look for another close game in the Iowa-Pitt series on Saturday night. 

Our pick: Iowa 27, Pittsburgh 24.

Week 3 Saturday: It is a mini ACC-B1G day in College Football with 5 match ups

Saturday, September 19th

• Air Force at Michigan State 11:00 am on ABC - no let down for the Spartans, coming off big time, prime-time win over Oregon in Week2
• Buffalo at Florida Atlantic 11:00 am on CSNC / ASN (affiliates) - The Owls over the Bulls works here, though you never know on any given Saturday ...
• Illinois at North Carolina 11:00 am on ESPN2 - can Bill Cubit raise the bar with the Fighting Illini in the first B1G - ACC match up of the day?
• Kent State at Minnesota 11:00 am on BTN - the Golden Gophers should unload the roster today back home in the friendly confines of TCF Bank Stadium.
• Nevada at Texas A&M 11:00 am on SEC Network - The Aggies at home should take care of business as Wolf Pack hit the road coming off a road loss against another Power 5 opponent.
• South Florida at Maryland 11:00 am on ESPNU - Turnovers derailed the Terps in Week 2, so all hands on deck, as they work to rebound ahead of conference play in a couple weeks ...
• Tulsa at Oklahoma 11:00 am on FS1 - The Sooners are coming off a big road OT win at Tennessee, so could it be a slow start before the better team takes care of business?
• UNLV at Michigan 11:00 am on BTN - The Wolverines should take care of business in the Big House, as QB Jake Rudock looks to get to 2-1 as a Michigan man!
• UConn at Missouri 11:00 am on ESPN - The Tigers return home, after a brief scare on the road against a non-Power 5 program ...
• Wake Forest at Army 11:00 am on CBSSN / ESPN GoalLine - Power 5 vs. non-Power 5 ...
• Central Michigan at Syracuse 11:30 am on ESPN Extra / FSN Affiliates / ACC-RSN / espn3 - another non-Power 5 on the road at a Power 5 - upset alert?
• Northwestern at Duke 11:30 am on ESPN Extra / ACC Network / espn3 - Game II Big Ten vs. ACC, with the Wildcats hitting the road, lead by a redshirt freshman QB ... Blue Devils may earn one here!
• Georgia State at Oregon 1:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - The Ducks rebound in an early game, after a late night game in the Central Time zone in East Lansing ... this may be a grinder on Saturday ...
• Rice at North Texas 1:30 pm on DTV: 608 / FCSC (cable) - Go the Fighting McCarney's ahead of his homecoming in Iowa City in Week 4 ...
• Louisiana Tech at Kansas State 2:00 pm on FSN Affiliates - Non-Power 5 vs. Power 5 ... the Wildcats need to take care of business, as they break in some new players in bigger roles in '15.
• Memphis at Bowling Green 2:00 pm on (CSNC / espn3) / ASN (affiliates) - Bowling Green is coming off a B1G road win ... can they stay focused and take care of business at home?
• Auburn at LSU 2:30 pm on CBS - SEC West showdown in Baton Rouge ...
• East Carolina at Navy 2:30 pm on CBSSN - Two non-Power 5 programs that have made noise at times over the past years ... Pirates vs. Midshipmen 
• Georgia Tech at Notre Dame 2:30 pm on NBC / NBC Video - The Yellow Jackets head into South Bend with a huge opportunity to make a statement, as the Fighting Irish rebound, after the loss a their #1 quarterback in '15. 
• Nebraska at Miami-FL 2:30 pm on ABC / ESPN2 - Game III - Big Ten vs. ACC in a rematch from last season, as the Hurricanes and Cornhuskers square off in South Beach!
• North Dakota at North Dakota State on 2:30 pm ESPN Extra / espn3 / NBC ND (cable) - the FCS battle of North Dakota, one opened with a FBS win, while the four-time FCS champion opened with a loss ...
• Northern Illinois at Ohio State 2:30 pm ABC / espn3 / ESPN2 - The Buckeyes are too much against the MAC's best program over the past five years ...
• Troy at Wisconsin 2:30 pm on BTN  - Can Troy make a stand in Madison?
• UTSA at Oklahoma State 2:30 pm on FS1 - The Cowboys should take care of business, as other Power 5 programs have against UTSA ...
• Virginia Tech at Purdue 2:30 pm on ESPNU - ACC vs. B1G IV - The Hokies are 0-1 against the Big Ten, but the Boilermakers aren't the Buckeyes, but they are looking for a B1G win here in Darrell Hazell's third season ...
• Austin Peay at Vanderbilt 3:00 pm on SEC Network Alternate -
• Northwestern State at Mississippi State 3:00 pm on SEC Network -
• Western Kentucky at Indiana 3:00 pm ESPN News -
• Utah State at Washington 4:00 pm PAC-12 Network - 
• Furman at UCF 5:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3 -
• South Carolina at Georgia 5:00 pm on ESPN / espn3 -
• Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver) 6:00 pm on CBSSN -
• Texas Tech at Arkansas 6:00 pm ESPN2 -
• Western Carolina at Tennessee 6:00 pm ESPNU -
• California at Texas 6:30 pm FOX -
• Florida at Kentucky 6:30 pm SEC Network -
• Iowa State at Toledo 7:00 pm ESPN News -
• Maine at Tulane 7:00 pm ESPN Extra / espn3 -
• Pittsburgh at Iowa 7:00 pm on BTN -
• Rutgers at Penn State 7:00 pm on BTN -
• San Jose State at Oregon State 7:00 pm on PAC-12 Network -
• SMU at TCU 7:00 pm on FSN Affiliates -
• Stanford at USC 7:00 pm on ABC / espn3 -
• UTEP at New Mexico State 7:00 pm on ALT / FSAZ / ESPN Extra / espn3 - 
• Wyoming at Washington State 7:30 pm on PAC-12 Network -
• Ole Miss at Alabama 8:15 pm ESPN -
• BYU at UCLA 9:30 pm FS1 - 
• Northern Iowa at Cal Poly 9:30 pm on CSCA / ASN (affiliates TBA) / KSBY (cable) / Big Sky Video - The Panthers have a huge task at hand in Week 3 ...
• Utah at Fresno State 9:30 pm on CBSSN 
• Northern Arizona at Arizona 10:00 pm on PAC-12 Network -
• Ball State at Eastern Michigan 2:00 pm espn3
• Charlotte at Middle Tennessee 6:00 pm - 
• Cincinnati at Miami-OH 2:30 pm espn3 
• The Citadel at Georgia Southern 5:00 pm espn3 
• Missouri State at Arkansas State 6:00 pm espn3 
• Murray Statee at Western Michigan 6:00 pm espn3 
• Norfolk State at Marshall 2:30 pm ASN (affiliates)
• North Carolina Central at Florida International 5:00 pm 
• North Carolina State at Old Dominion 6:00 pm ASN (affiliates) 
• Savannah State at Akron 11:00 am espn3 
• South Alabama at San Diego State 7:00 pm MWC Video 
• Southeastern LA at Ohio U 1:00 pm espn3 
• Southern Miss at Texas State 6:00 pm espn3 
• Temple at UMass 2:00 pm on espn3 
• UC Davis at Hawaii 11:00 pm on MWC Video / Oceanic (cable) 
• William & Mary at Virginia 2:30 pm espn3 
• Wofford at Idaho 4:00 pm espn3 -

Thursday, September 17th

• Clemson at Louisville 6:30 pm ESPN - an ACC game in Louisville to open Week 3 of College Football

Friday, September 18th

• Florida State at Boston College 7:00 pm ESPN - another ACC in Week 3 ...
• Idaho State at Boise State 8:00 pm CBSSN - The Broncos look to get back to winning vs. an FCS program, after a tough road loss in Week 2 at BYU ...
• New Mexico at Arizona State 9:00 pm PAC-12 Network - final Sun Devils tune up before Pac 12 play opens up ...

GameDay Saturday Week 3: Cy-Hawk Game from Kinnick Stadium

Iowa City, Iowa - The real season begins in Week 3, with the first trophy game of the 2014 season for the Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0), with the in-state rival Iowa State Cyclones (0-2), with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN from historic Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes have been solid in two fourth quarter games to remain undefeated. Iowa State has lost 14 and 15 point leads in back to back weeks to remain without of win in '14.

Throw out the stats, records and hype, it is a rivalry in the Hawkeye State as the Cy-Hawk Trophy is up for grabs between Iowa and Iowa State.

In 2012, the Cy-Hawk Game was a battle for field goals, with Iowa State knocking off Iowa 9-6, after the Hawkeyes-Cylcones battled to a 44-41 game in a three overtime clash the year before in Ames. The Hawkeyes struggled all season, finished 4-8 in '12, while the Cyclones went on to finish 6-7, with a 31-17 loss to Tulsa in the Liberty Bowl. The '12 win by Iowa State ended a three game home win streak by Iowa in the series at Kinnick.

Iowa rebounded in 2013, with a 27-21 win in Ames, flipping the 4-8 regular season in '12 into a 8-4 regular season in '13. The Hawkeyes celebrate the 125th anniversary of Iowa Football in 2014. It is also the 75th anniversary of the Iowa Ironmen season, the season Nile Kinnick won his Heisman Trophy.

Iowa State was 3-9 in '13 and this off season has brought in a new offensive coordinator, along with a good number of new assistants. Mark Mangino, the former Kansas head coach, is now head coach Paul Rhoads' new offensive coordinator, as the Rhoads era enters Week 3 of  Year 6, with a 27-38 record. Iowa State's new staff is looking for a rebound in Ames, like Iowa in '13.

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (110-79) in his 16th season in Iowa City, as head coach, hired a new offensive coordinator in 2012, when he asked long-time Texas OC Greg Davis to join his staff. Ferentz has revamped his staff over the past three seasons and elevated Phil Parker from secondary coach to defensive coordinator, as well.

It has taken Iowa time to transition from the first 13 years of the Kirk Ferentz era to today's version in '14, offensively, defensively and on special teams. This should be an interesting Cy-Hawk Game, with the newer coordinators going head to head.

What is this Rivalry about, since renewing in 1977?

Iowa senior linebacker middle linebacker Quinton Alston says there aren't any funny stories surrounding the Iowa-Iowa State matchup because plain and simple, it's "Beat State" week inside the Hayden Fry Football Complex.

"It doesn't take long to get used to the rivalry and not like them," said Alston, who will be playing in his fourth installment of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series today inside Kinnick Stadium. "There are no secrets here."
Alston says there isn't a game on the Iowa schedule that compares to this rivalry. From the pregame hype to the fan interaction to the music being blasted throughout the football complex.

"In the complex, they start playing the (Iowa State) fight song to make you more angry," he said. "They play it in the locker room, weight room... everywhere. You get tired of seeing Iowa State really quickly around here, and when you get to the game Saturday everything is let loose."

Iowa leads the all-time series over the Cyclones, 40-21, which includes a 23-13 advantage in games played in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have won 4-of-6, 5-of-8, and 7-of-11 meetings in the series. Iowa has held Iowa State to single digits in several of the recent games in the series.

Iowa usually beats Iowa State teams that don't bowl.

Senior wide receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley didn't understand the rivalry when he arrived at Iowa from Michigan in 2010. Now he knows the game is personal.

"Those guys want their bragging rights; we want our bragging rights," Martin-Manley said. "We have to go out and make plays, play hard, and come out with a win."

Martin-Manley is Iowa's leading receiver and could finish his senior season as an all-time leader.

"(When I got here) I was told it is going to be a hard fought game. When I was younger, I didn't understand it, but now I do. You can tell it is amplified when you get on the field. It's a hard fought battle, just like it's going to be this weekend."

The last three games in the series have been decided by six points or less.

"This rivalry has been good every year I have been here," said junior quarterback Jake Rudock.

Last year, Rudock was in his first season of leading the Iowa offense. He is playing very effective in fourth quarters, thus far in '14.

"They're going to be ready to go, we'll be ready to go, and it's going to be loud. The fans get into it."
Rudock believes the passion shown for the rivalry is a testament to both team's fan bases.
"It means we have great fans in Iowa across the state, whether it's for Iowa or Iowa State," he said. "The fans here are passionate about football and love these two teams."

Even though it's a "different" game week, Alston says when the teams ultimately take the field it will be business as usual.

"It's a big game in the state, but we're going to go out there and prepare," he said. "We're not going to be blinded by who we're playing this week. We're going to go out there and play them like any other team."

Defense was the difference in the 2012 game for Iowa State and Iowa Hawkeyes hope it is for the Hawkeyes in 2014.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker knew going into the 2014 season that the Hawkeye defense would need to improve from game to game, with three new starting linebackers and half the secondary new. As the Hawkeyes prepare for Iowa State and the third game of the season, Parker feels his defense is moving in the right direction.

"From game one to game two, I feel we showed a lot of improvement," said Parker. "Our communication has improved on the back end, on the second level; the guys are getting more comfortable. We have a lot of first time guys out there playing. Our biggest goal from game one was to cut down on the big plays, and we went from eight to two. But, we need to cut that down even more. The biggest thing is being consistent and improving in all areas, from the defensive line, to the linebackers to the secondary."

The Hawkeyes wins came over Northern Iowa (31-23) and Ball State. After allowing a number of big plays and 23 points in the opening win, the defense was a bright spot in the win over Ball State. The Cardinal offense scored just two field goals in Iowa's 17-13 win and totaled just 219 yards total offense. And, the Cardinals had just two offensive plays of over 20 yards.

"I think its both preparation and experience," said Parker. "They are on the field working together as a group in a game for the first time. The film study and prep during the week has picked up, but that's all about football. If you are well prepared and know what to expect, you see things faster and the game slows down a little for you the more you prepare."

While senior strong safety John Lowdermilk started every game a year ago, Desmond King played as a true freshman a year ago, starting 12 games at cornerback. Sophomore cornerback Greg Mabin is new to the line-up this season and junior Jordan Lomax made the more from cornerback to safety.

"Like Desmond last year, the first couple of games he started, it was new to him," said Parker. "He picked up on it quickly and moved on. I think that is what everyone else is doing. Greg had done a good job in two games. Jordan is playing well in a new position. I think its all carry over, it's like building files in your computer, having the memory and recall when you see the different things. We need everybody to improve their level of play, their intensity and effort as we move forward. We have to continue to do that, and hopefully finish our preparation in the next 48 hours."

Saturday's game will kick off at 2:35 p.m. on ESPN with Sean McDonough calling the play by play, former Ohio State linebacker Chris Speilman adding color, and Todd McShay on the sidelines. The game is a sold out, which will be the third game this season for the Cyclones to be a capacity crowd.

Iowa State lost the season opener to North Dakota State in Ames 34-14, then lost 32-28 in the Big Twelve opener at home to Kansas State.

Keys to the Cy-Hawk Game today at Kinnick Stadium:

1. Control the line scrimmage
2. Play of the linebackers
3. Coaching adjustments
4. Turnovers and miscues
5. Explosive plays, 12+ runs, 16+ receptions
6. Special teams

This game could be highly competitive or a blow out. We shall see. 

Our Prediction: Iowa 25, Iowa State 15, as Iowa's defense steps up in the red zone in Week 3 in the Cy-Hawk Game.

Cy-Hawk Game in Week 3 Saturday, as ESPN Game Day airs in North Dakota

Last night, Friday night in College Football:

The University of Toledo was at the University of Cincinnati on ESPNU as the Bearcats opened the 2014 season after back to back bye weeks! QB Gunner Kiel had the Bearcats moving!

Baylor was at Buffalo on ESPN, which highlights Baylor's non-conference schedule, unlike the Big 12 brothers facing marquee Big 5 conference foes in Week 3.

Saturday, September 13th kicks off Week 3 of the 2014 College Football season. Who leads in the hunt for the College Football Playoff?

1. Florida State, defending BCS champion remains undefeated heading into Week 3 and a bye week!

2. Oregon, coming off a Week 2 win over Michigan State in Eugene!

3. Oklahoma and 4. Alabama haven't played anyone impressive, but they appear strong candidates for the CFP in '14.

Saturday's games ...

Boise State at UConn,11:00 a.m. on ABC / ESPN2 - the Broncos were supposed to play the Huskies as part of the Big East, as conference members, but thankfully the Big East dropped Football to return to its roots as a Basketball conference!

East Carolina at Virginia Tech,11:00 a.m. on ESPN - Could this be a trap game for the Hokies coming off big road win in Columbus last Saturday? Pirates seek to steal one ...

Georgia Southern at Georgia Tech, 11:00 a.m. on FSN Affiliates / (ESPN-GP / espn3) / FOX Sports GO / RSN - Battle for Georgia, not quite!

Indiana at Bowling Green, 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU - IU hits road coming off bye week, as BGU plays back to back B1G opponents, as MAC looks for Win #3.

Kent State at Ohio State, 11:00 a.m. on ABC / ESPN2 - Urban Meyer has lost one in Columbus in three years, so don't look for back to back loses, which isn't good for Golden Flashes ...

Ohio U at Marshall, 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN - The Rockets carry the MAC banner into C-USA territory in Week 3!

Pittsburgh at Florida International, 11:00 a.m. on FS1 - The Panthers hit the road to Florida, after road win in ACC opener @ BC.

Syracuse at Central Michigan, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN News - Can the MAC knock out another Big 5 Conference opponent?

UCF at Missouri, 11:00 a.m. on SECN - The Knights opened '14 in Dublin with a loss on the final play to PSU, so can they rebound coming off bye week in another road trip to Columbia?

UMass at Vanderbilt, 11:00 a.m. on FSN Affiliates - Vandy should roll!

West Virginia at Maryland, 11:00 a.m. on BTN - Last year was one sided 37-0 affair, so with everyone kicking the B1G right now; Terps beware!

Louisville at Virginia,11:30 a.m. on ACC Network - Bobby Petrino looks to get Cardinals to a 2-0 start in new ACC.

Wyoming at Oregon, 1:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) - The Cowboys have back to back road trips at Oregon and Michigan State.

Alabama A&M at UAB, 2:30 p.m. on CSBA / ASN - FCS vs. FBS game in Birmingham!

Arkansas at Texas Tech, 2:30 p.m. on ABC - Bret Bielema heads to old SEC foe in Lubbock for an out of conference showdown ...

Arkansas State at Miami - FL, 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU - The Hurricanes warm up on Sun Belt before road trip to Lincoln next Saturday.

Georgia at South Carolina, 2:30 p.m.CBS - The Gamecokes lost the season/SEC opener to A&M, so an 0-2 start wouldn't be good for the ole Ball Coach's early season. UGA is highly respected with a strong running game!

ESPN Game Day is in Fargo for this game:
Incarnate Word at North Dakota State, 2:30 p.m. ESPN-GP / espn3 / NBC ND (cable) - the Bison opened '14 season with a 34-14 roll on the Cyclones. The three-year FCS champs surely take care of business today!

Iowa State at Iowa, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN - The Cy-Hawk series was renewed in 1977, when Iowa beat State 12-10. This is 125th anniversary of Iowa Football, 75th anniversary of the Ironmen, so Hawkeyes look to remain undefeated in '14.
Prediction: Iowa 25, Iowa State 15

Kansas at Duke, 2:30 p.m. on FSN Affiliates / FOX Sports GO / RSN - The Jayhawks vs. Blue Devils are both known for hardwood, not gridiron, though Duke has won lately.

Miami of Ohio at Michigan, 2:30 p.m., BTN - The cradle of coaches has lost 18 straight FBS schools, while Ann Arbor has become soft in the trenches.

North Carolina State at South Florida, 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN - The Bulls are showing a pulse, after 2-10 last year.

Illinois at Washington, 3:00 p.m. on FOX - The Huskies are better than Fighting Irish.

Louisiana Lafayette at Ole Miss, 3:00 p.m. on SECN - Could this be a game that the SEC has to worry, as top Sun Belt program comes to Ole Miss?

Minnesota at TCU, 3:00 p.m. on FS1 - The Golden Gophers face a hurdle against the Horned Frogs on the road!

Mississippi State at South Alabama, 3:00 p.m. on ESPN News - The Sun Belt seeks some PR hosting SEC opponent in Week 3.

Army at Stanford, 4:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) - The Cardinal have a desire to flush Pac 12 opener and get back on track ...

Southern Miss at Alabama, 5:00 p.m. on ESPN2 - This should be a easy one for young Bama team for Nick Saban's '14.

Louisiana Monroe at LSU, 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU - Tigers have won two previous outings 49-7 and 51-0.

Tulsa at Florida Atlantic, 6:00 p.m. on DTV: 608 / Dish: 450 / FCSA (cable) - Why not?

UTSA at Oklahoma State, 6:00 p.m. on FSN Affiliates / FCSC (cable) / FOX Sports GO - Cowboys should win, but underdog is a good young program in FBS now ...

Wake Forest at Utah State, 6:00 p.m. on CBSSN - Some interesting Big 5 vs. FBS road match ups this year.

Kentucky at Florida, 6:30 p.m. on SECN - Mark Stoops brings Wildcats to Gainesville in SEC East play.

Purdue at Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. on NBC - Fighting Irish won 31-0 over Michigan and Purdue has only 1 FBS win in young Darrel Hazell era in West Lafayette. 

Navy at Texas State, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN News - Go Midshipmen!

New Mexico State at UTEP, 7:00 p.m. on NESN+ / ASN - The Miners haven't been good lately, but looking for sixth straight in this series!

Penn State at Rutgers, 7:00 p.m. on BTN - B1G opener, as Scarlett Knights join the Big Ten in '14, but Nittany Lions are the clear favorite.

Portland State at Washington State, 7:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) - The Cougars should take care of business vs. FCS foe.

Tennessee at Oklahoma, 7:00 p.m. on ABC - The Volunteers hope to sneak into Norman and steal a big win, but Bob Stoops and OU rarely lose at home in non-conference.

Texas vs. UCLA (Arlington), 7:00 p.m. on FOX / FOX Deportes - The Longhorns have lot of work to overcome, while Bruins are ready to breakout.

USC at Boston College, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN - This could be a letdown road trip for the Trojans, but BC wouldn't appear strong enough for the upset?

Rice at Texas A&M, 8:00 p.m.ESPN2 - Aggies eat up Owls ...

Arizona State at Colorado, 9:00 p.m.ESPNU - Pac 12 opener, as Sun Devils should take care of business early on Pac 12 road in '14.

Nebraska at Fresno State, 9:30 p.m. on CBSSN - The seven year itch, Bo Pelini's Cornhuskers hit the road for the first time in '14. QB Tommy Armstrong needs to lead and play better in passing game.

Nevada at Arizona, 10:00 p.m., PAC-12 Network (HD) - The Wildcats wrap up OOC play in Week 3 ahead of heading to Pac 12 play for '14.

Abilene Christian at Troy, 6:00 p.m. on espn3 - Time for Trojans to rebound after loss hosting Duke last week.

Air Force at Georgia State, 1:00 p.m. on espn3 -

Eastern Michigan at Old Dominion, 5:00 p.m. on Cox 110 (cable) - ODU should prevail.

Indiana State at Ball State, 2:00 p.m. on espn3 - The Cardinals lost a heartbreaker at Iowa, leading 13-3 in 4th quarter.

Northern Illinois at UNLV, 6:00 p.m. on MWC Video1 / MWC Video2 - Huskies look to reach 3-0 in Vegas, after nice B1G win at Northwestern.

Northern Iowa at Hawaii, 11:00 p.m. on MWC Video / Oceanic (cable) - Hawai'i should win, but Panthers can dream.

Southeastern Louisiana at Tulane, 7:00 p.m. on espn3 - Green Wave seek to make it seven - oh against SE LA!

UC Davis at Colorado State, 2:00 p.m. on MWC Video1 / MWC Video2 - The MWC looks to avoid a FCS upset in Fort Collins.

Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee, 6:00 p.m. on MyNashville 30 / WKU PBS (cable) - both teams lost at B1G schools last week, so time to lick wounds in C-USA opener for both schools.

Western Michigan at Idaho, 4:00 p.m. on espn3 - The MAC vs. Sun Belt, as the 0-1 Broncos head to Idaho seeking first win of '14 and second win in two seasons.