Has the most impressive performance by an Iowa football team this season been a loss? It sure seems that way through two weeks, with Iowa State’s close loss to Kansas State probably ranking higher than close Iowa victories over Northern Iowa and Ball State.
How to watch Iowa vs. Iowa State: Game time, TV schedule, live online streaming and more
Can Iowa State take back the Cy-Hawk Trophy?
The latter win for the Hawkeyes probably comes closest, with Kirk Ferentz’s team completing a come-from-behind victory to take down a Ball State team that won 10 games in 2013. Iowa was touted as a possible sleeper in the Big Ten West, but even with the conference’s recent struggles the Hawkeyes will need to put up more points to be taken seriously as a challenger.
Iowa State is 0-2, but followed up a blowout home loss to FCS North Dakota State in Week 1 with the aforementioned strong performance against the Wildcats. The Cyclones held a 28-13 lead with less than a minute left in the third quarter, but gave up three Kansas State touchdowns to suffer the heartbreaking loss. The game did see wide receiver Jarvis West emerge as a big-time playmaker for Paul Rhoads' squad. The senior caught eight passes for 75 yards and a touchdown, returned a punt 82 yards for a score and threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Allen Lazard on a gadget play.
How to witness
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN
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The numbers
Rankings and records: Neither team is ranked in either poll. Iowa is 2-0 on the year, while Iowa State is 0-2. The Hawkeyes hold a 40-21 lead in the all-time series.
Vegas: Iowa opened as a 15.5-point favorite. The line was bet down to 10, but is back up to 11 or 12, depending on who you ask.
Weather forecast: 58 degrees and clear.
Two things at stake
The Cy-Hawk Trophy, of course! Iowa holds a commanding lead (and the trophy, currently), and this is always one of the biggest games of the season for both schools.
Both teams have something to prove. Iowa may be 2-0, but the Hawkeyes didn’t exactly impress in either of those victories. Iowa State is 0-2, with its chances at bowl eligibility slipping.
One key matchup
Iowa rushing offense vs. Iowa State rushing defense: The Cyclones are giving up 6.28 yards per carry this season, by far the worst of any Power 5 team (NC State's 5.26 is next). Iowa, meanwhile, has struggled on the ground this year. Senior running back Mark Weisman is averaging just 2.94 yards per carry while quarterback Jake Rudock is leading the team with a whopping 53 rushing yards. A big part of Iowa's offensive identity is its ability to pound the ball on the ground, and Iowa State could be the Hawkeyes' first chance this season to really show it.
Further reading
For full coverage of Iowa, head over to Black Heart Gold Pants. For more on Iowa State, check out Wide Right & Natty Lite.
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