The Cy-Hawk Trophy will be contested this Saturday in the 72nd Iowa vs. Iowa State rivalry matchup. With the visiting team holding a perfect 5-0 record since 2019, this game could defy expectations. Traditionally, defensive strength remains central to this rivalry, as evidenced by both teams not surpassing 27 points since 2017.

Last Year

Iowa State triumphed with a narrow 20-19 victory last season, with Rocco Becht showcasing his skills with 272 passing yards and two touchdowns. His strong performance at the season’s start looks promising for more fireworks against Iowa’s typically robust defense.

Iowa’s Scenario

While Iowa has experienced early success, Coach Kirk Ferentz now shares the record for the Big Ten’s all-time coaching wins thanks to his recent victory against Albany. However, their passing performance needs improvement to keep pace in this rivalry.

Key Matchup Insights

The Becht Effect: Rocco Becht has consistently proven to be a top quarterback in the Big 12, highlighted by a nearly perfect game last week against South Dakota.

Defensive Dominance: Both teams have shown they can limit points, with many recent outcomes staying below the 20-point threshold. Expect Iowa State to aim for a low-scoring affair once more.

Watch the Game Live

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 6
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• Location: Jack Trice Stadium – Ames, Iowa
• TV: Fox
• Live stream: Fubo

Prediction and Picks

Predicting a field goal victory could be daunting. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mark Gronowski’s quarterback performance might pose challenges. Nevertheless, with Phil Parker leading the defense, Iowa aims to keep it competitive and potentially replicate their previous close finishes.