Iowa State Cyclones vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 7th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The Iowa Hawkeyes, ranked No. 21, will strive for their eighth victory in nine meetings against the Iowa State Cyclones when the two teams face off in the Cy-Hawk rivalry at Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday.

The Cyclones' sole triumph during this stretch occurred in their most recent trip to Iowa City, where they emerged victorious with a score of 10-7 early in the 2022 season.

Both Iowa (1-0) and Iowa State (1-0) secured wins in their season openers against FCS programs. However, this week's game holds much higher stakes in a sport where conference realignment has diminished the number of true rivalry games.

"In-state and neighboring rivalries add a special element to college football," said Cyclones coach Matt Campbell. "I still believe that these factors play a major role in high-level college athletics.

"I think people want to witness intense rivalries and great games. That's what this game has always stood for and what makes it truly special."

Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara, who was a standout in high school in Reno, Nevada, began his college career at Michigan before transferring to Iowa after the 2022 season. He is now starting to understand the significance of the Cy-Hawk game.

"The more time I spend in Iowa, the more I realize how important this game is for the state," McNamara said. "Iowa State is a strong program with a talented group of players. Every time these two teams meet, it's bound to be a tough battle."

Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz will return to the sidelines after missing the team's 40-0 victory over Illinois State due to an NCAA suspension for a recruiting violation. The penalty was a result of Iowa contacting McNamara before he entered the transfer portal.

Ferentz watched the game from home and noted that the view from the couch was better than what he usually sees from the sideline.

"It's a completely different experience," Ferentz said. "You have a better view, for one. And I had a nice surface to write on, which was a plus. But other than that, there wasn't much good about it. It's a sterile environment and you feel pretty helpless."

Assistant head coach Seth Wallace led the team in Ferentz's absence, and the Hawkeyes struggled in the first half before scoring 34 points in the second half.

McNamara was exceptional in the second half, completing 13 of 14 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns. Overall, he went 21-of-31 for 251 yards in his first game since tearing his ACL in his left knee against Michigan State on September 30, 2023.

"With each day, practice, or game, I hope he gains more confidence in himself," Ferentz said of McNamara. "He's moving well, throwing the ball, and just looks more relaxed out there."

On the other side, Iowa State's star quarterback Rocco Becht threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for a score in their 21-3 win over North Dakota. Wide receiver Jaylin Noel, another key player for the Cyclones, caught eight passes for 135 yards and one touchdown.

Becht threw an interception in last year's 20-13 loss to Iowa, which was returned for a touchdown by Sebastian Castro and gave the Hawkeyes a 17-0 lead in the second quarter.

"If you take away that pick-six from last year, we were right in the game," Becht recalled. "This year, my main focus is taking care of the ball. That's my top priority."

Iowa State linebacker Caleb Bacon is out indefinitely after sustaining a lower-leg injury against North Dakota and undergoing surgery.

PREDICTION

Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa Hawkeyes