Iowa vs. Iowa State: The Cy-Hawk Showdown Heats Up with New Excitement
As the excitement builds for the latest edition of the Cy-Hawk rivalry, Iowa and Iowa State are gearing up for another intense showdown. This annual clash, steeped in tradition and fierce competition, promises to deliver another memorable battle. The game, set to kick off on Saturday, September 7th, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, is a must-watch for college football fans.
The Cy-Hawk Trophy, symbolizing the pride of both universities, is once again up for grabs. Historically, Iowa has had the upper hand in this rivalry, boasting a 47-23 record against Iowa State. However, recent years have seen the gap close. The Cyclones broke a six-game losing streak with a narrow 10-7 victory in 2022, only for Iowa to reclaim the trophy last season. Despite this, the contests have become increasingly competitive, with six of the last ten games being decided by a single possession. Moreover, Iowa State has managed to secure victories in Iowa City in their last three wins in the series, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this year's matchup.
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Iowa's performance in their season opener suggests they might be in strong form. The Hawkeyes delivered an impressive 40-0 win over Illinois State, featuring a potent offensive display with three touchdown passes and their highest yardage total since 2019. Freshman wide receiver Reece Vander Zee made a notable impact with two touchdowns, a feat unmatched by any Iowa wideout since 2022. This promising start under new offensive coordinator Tim Lester could signal a return to offensive prowess for Iowa.
For Iowa State, the spotlight will be on quarterback Rocco Becht. Despite being relatively under the radar, Becht has already made a significant mark as Iowa State's starter. The 2023 Big 12 Freshman of the Year, he threw for a remarkable 3,120 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. His performance in the 2024 opener was equally strong, with 267 yards and two touchdowns. A standout performance in this high-profile game could elevate Becht's reputation even further.
Defense is another key aspect to watch. Both teams pride themselves on their defensive capabilities. Iowa finished last season ranked top-five nationally in both total and scoring defense, while Iowa State was among the top-three in the Big 12. Both defenses have started this season impressively, though against less challenging opposition.
When it comes to predictions, Iowa appears to have the edge. Their robust run game, highlighted by Kaleb Johnson and Kamari Moulton, combined for 185 rushing yards in their opening win. In contrast, Iowa State struggled on the ground in their opener, and Iowa's strong secondary is expected to limit the Cyclones' passing attack. If the Hawkeyes can minimize mistakes, they are likely to secure a close victory, with the spread favoring Iowa by 3 points.
For those eager to catch the action, the game will be broadcast live on CBS. Additionally, fans can stream the game on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App, with an option to try Paramount+ with Showtime for free. With the Cy-Hawk Trophy on the line and both teams bringing strong performances into the game, this matchup promises to be a thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.
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