The biggest early game of the season for the Hawkeyes is right around the corner.
Iowa welcomes Iowa State to Kinnick for a night game under the lights, the first night game against the Cyclones since 2016. Iowa easily handled Iowa State in that matchup, but 10 years later, the teams are both vastly different. Iowa State rebuilt its roster after Matt Campbell left for Penn State, and Iowa still doesn't have a true QB1, but in order for the Hawkeyes to win, they must focus on three things
No. 1: Keep your emotions in check
This game always carries high expectations, regardless of the season. Not only to earn a much-needed early-season win, but also for in-state supremacy. The state is split in two as families become rivals for a week, and the players know how important this game is to the fans. Both rosters have multiple talented in-state players who are suiting up for this game, and it will be increasingly important for the Hawkeyes to keep their emotions in check.
Even though it is a brand-new season, Iowa hasn't beaten Iowa State since 2021, excluding the vacated 2023 win, and everyone is ready to get back on track. Multiple things are working in Iowa's favor, including playing at home under the lights, Iowa State rebuilding with a new coach, and multiple personnel advantages on offense and defense, but that doesn't mean they can take this game lightly.
Iowa is also a big favorite in this game, with no one giving Iowa State a chance. Jimmy Rogers and the Cyclones would love nothing more than to knock the Hawkeyes off at home, and Iowa can't let them have any chance of doing that. Keep your emotions in check and go out there and do what we all know you can do.
No. 2: Contain Jaylen Raynor's running ability
After veteran quarterback Rocco Becht bolted for Penn State to join Matt Campbell (much to the delight of Hawkeye fans), the Cyclones were searching for answers at quarterback. They found answers in Arkansas State transfer Jaylen Raynor. Raynor was a three-year starter for the Red Wolves, and Rivals ranked him as a three-star transfer. Raynor had a solid first game for the Cyclones, even though he was slightly inefficient in passing. He finished with 184 passing yards and two touchdown passes on 8/16 passing, but also did a lot of damage with his legs.
Raynor rushed seven times for 32 yards and two rushing touchdowns, something the Hawkeyes must key in on in week two. Raynor admitted that he has developed his passing skills this offseason, but Iowa needs to contain his legs first and foremost. They can't afford to let him get outside the pocket and do damage with his legs, and they must keep contain on the outside. If they can do that and force him to throw, the defense can take advantage of its strength at linebacker and in the secondary. Keep the pressure on him and force him into early throws, and it will be a landslide victory.
No. 3: Impose your will early, and do what we know you can do
Iowa dominated all three phases of the game in the week one win over Northern Illinois, and they have all the tools to do the same things in week two. The competition ramps up 10-fold against Iowa State, and it will be a much better all-around test than NIU. For Iowa to leave Kinnick Stadium with a win, they must impose their will early on both sides of the ball. Iowa has an advantage on the offensive line at multiple spots on defense, and they must take advantage of it.
Running back Kamari Moulton ran wild against NIU last weekend, and there is a good chance that he receives around 20 to 25 carries this week with backup L.J. Phillips Jr. out with an injury and a revolving door at quarterback. Iowa must lean on Kade Pieper, Trevor Lauck, and the rest of the talented OL to drive the Cyclones' defense backward and open up holes in the running game. If they do that, it will also open up the passing attack for Tony Diaz and company to show what they can do.
Iowa's defense will also have the advantage in this game, and Phil Parker must dial up the heat early and often. The Hawkeyes can't allow Raynor to get comfortable, and if they can get pressure on him and constantly hit him, he'll get happy feet. Parker knows this rivalry better than most, and he dial up the perfect game plan for a Hawkeye W.
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