Iowa vs. Iowa State final score, with 3 things to know from the Hawkeyes’ 31-17 win

For a rivalry game as marred by bringing out the worst in both teams as this, the 2015 edition of ¡El Assico! showcased a shocking amount of competence from both sidelines. Of course, it didn't last for the entire game, as there was a particularly extended stretch from the beginning of the third quarter to the tail end of the fourth in which both teams failed to alter the scoreboard. However, when these teams scored, they made it exciting, like this Jauan Wesley touchdown grab.

The teams traded blows for the first three quarters, with some incredible catches along the way. The Cyclones were controlling their side of things through the air, while Iowa was leaning on the legs of C.J. Beathard and Jordan Canzeri. Both teams played turnover-free football until later in the fourth quarter, when an Iowa fumble seemed like it was going to be the break the Cyclones needed to grab the lead. They ended up punting it away (the 12th and final punt of the game), and the ensuing drive led to a beautiful go-ahead touchdown pass and catch from Beathard to Riley McCarron.

Iowa State attempted to mount their comeback on the next drive, but a Desmond King interception ended any chance the Cyclones had at starting a two-game winning streak in ¡El Assico!. On the day when every Hawkeye wore a No. 9 on their helmet in memory of Tyler Sash, the team walked hand-in-hand out to retrieve the Cy-Hawk trophy.

1. C.J. Beathard is going to be a problem for Big Ten defenses. You won't mistake Iowa's signal caller for Connor Cook, Cardale Jones or any of the Big Ten's other elite passers, but his ability to make plays is going to keep Iowa in position to win plenty of games this season. He showed on Saturday that he's capable of making the necessary throws, and the occasional beautiful ones, as well. His ace in the hole, however, is his legs. While he doesn't seem to be the fastest player in the open field, he's a smart runner who is deceptively elusive.

2. Iowa State's receivers have some flash. In Jauan Wesley and Allen Lazard, Sam B. Richardson has a pair of targets whom he can rely upon to be playmakers in the offense. Wesley was a reliable target over the field and reeled in the aforementioned one-handed touchdown catch. Lazard was even more active in terms of catches, and showed off an impressive ability to create extra yardage after the catch. With these two, Richardson should feel comfortable with his receiving corps for the rest of the season.