This week the Cy-Hawk rivalry takes the national stage as Ames plays host to College GameDay. Here’s how the Iowa football team will fare in this matchup.
The Cy-Hawk game is the one time during the year that splits the state of Iowa in half like America in the 1860s. Iowa is divided into two rabid fan bases that absolutely HATE one another. Each fanbase is fueled by the possibility of being able to have the upper hand against one another for the next 365 days. And I think the upper hand is going to be going to the Iowa football team.
Over the last six Cy-Hawk games, the Hawkeyes own a 5-1 record and haven’t lost since 2014. This game, however; is unlike any other before it. This time, College Gameday is making its first ever trip to Ames, Iowa. This, in combination with the strong rivalry, has oddsmakers confused out of their minds.
Now, typically, if the game is evenly matched, then the home team is usually giving 3 points (-3). However, this game Iowa State is being given 1.5 points meaning the oddsmakers are giving the visiting Iowa football team the (small) advantage in this one. In addition, the over/under is set at the low score of 43.
Both the Iowa football team and Iowa State football team have very solid defenses; however, I think that Iowa has a way bigger advantage on the offensive side of the ball. Iowa State’s offense does not scare me, and frankly, I think the Brock Purdy is overrated. I just don’t think Iowa State is going to be able to contain Nate Stanley, Mekhi Sargent, Oliver Martin, Brandon Smith, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and company.
I think that Iowa covers the 1.5 points and the under of 43 hits in this low scoring game.
Final Score: Iowa 24– Iowa State 17
Below are the rest of the Dear Old Gold’s staff picks for this Cy-Hawk matchup:
Kevin Hanson: Iowa -1.5
30-22 Iowa. Nate Stanley stays hot and finds Brandon Smith and Oliver Martin in the end zone. Iowa allows a bundle of passing yards, but ultimately, their bend but don’t break philosophy holds; and Hawkeyes keep the Cy-Hawk trophy where it belongs.
Matt Opad: Iowa State +1.5
36-31 Iowa State. The one season that – for whatever reason – this year’s team isn’t compared to is 2002 and I think this game reflects that. Also, I’ve picked against Iowa every game so far and been wrong, so why ruin a good thing.
Ryan Sikes: Iowa State +1.5
28-24 Iowa State. I have a bad feeling about this one. I think Iowa jumps out to an early lead, but ISU grabs the lead, late. Stanley leads the team downfield but throws a pick to end it. (And then we (21-year-olds and older) all chug a bottle of whiskey and avoid the internet for two weeks).
Cole Gross: Iowa -1.5
24-13 Iowa. Iowa starts off strong, marching down the field going 75 yards and getting a rushing touchdown from Sargent. State responds getting 13 unanswered points and lead at the half 13-7. The third quarter is dominated by Iowa who scores 2 TDS and a field goal to take a 24-13 lead into the 4th. From there, it’s a punting fest in the 4th quarter, with Iowa getting a couple of first downs to run the clock out, and secure another Cy-Hawk win.
Andrew Wade: Iowa -1.5
I’ll be shocked if the Iowa football team doesn’t win this by 10 or more points. I’ve been known to be a homer before, and I hate actually betting on my team (like that time I lost hundreds of dollars in Vegas on the Big Ten Championship game–I still don’t like you LJ Scott), but I think the Iowa football team is the superior team in this matchup. This might be the most talented roster the Hawks have had in the Kirk Ferentz era from top to bottom. I think it’s going to be a defensive grind in the first half with the Hawks opening up in the second half for the win.