It’s rivalry week, and the Hawkeyes head to Ames looking to bring the Cy-Hawk Trophy back to Iowa City. Iowa enters unranked in the AP poll, while Iowa State climbed to No. 16, setting the stage for one of the biggest showdowns of the season.
Offensive Keys: Gronowski’s Bounce Back Quarterback Mark Gronowski had a quiet debut last week — just 44 yards passing with 1 TD and 39 rushing yards. That won’t be enough in Ames. For Iowa to win, Gronowski must take better command of the passing game, stretch the field with smarter reads, and prove he can make plays beyond the short routes.
Still, the Hawkeye identity hasn’t changed: the offense will be powered by the ground game, which churned out 310 rushing yards from seven different players last week. Replicating that physicality is critical to controlling tempo and keeping Iowa State’s offense on the sideline.
Defense & Special Teams: Iowa’s Formula Iowa’s defense is the most consistent unit in the state, and it must rise again this week. After a sluggish start against Albany (down 7–3 early), the defense locked in and carried the day. That same discipline is needed against Becht and ISU’s tight end–heavy attack.
On special teams, Drew Stevens reminded everyone of Iowa’s edge, drilling a 55-yard field goal. In a rivalry that often comes down to one or two possessions, Iowa’s kicking and coverage units could be the separator.
Personnel Update Two Hawkeyes won’t be available: WR Reese Van Der Zee and RB Kamari Moulton are both out. That trims Iowa’s depth chart at key spots and puts more pressure on Gronowski to deliver.
Prediction Vegas has Iowa State favored by 3, with the total at 41.5. Iowa rarely gets outclassed in this rivalry, and with a punishing run game and opportunistic defense, the Hawks are built to grind.
Projection: Iowa 20, Iowa State 17.
Hawkeyes cover the spread
Game stays under 41.5
Call: Ground game and special teams carry Iowa in a defensive slugfest.