In the state of Iowa, there is one game that is circled on everyone's calendar every year: Iowa vs. Iowa State.
The rivalry game has been played every year since 1977, and this game is where the trash talk comes to the surface between Iowans.
After losing to the Cyclones on a last-second field goal last season, the Hawkeyes are coming to Ames with revenge on their mind and wanting to bring that Cy-Hawk trophy back to Iowa City.
With a Cyclone team that is ranked 16th in the AP top 25, this is not going to be a cakewalk for Iowa to get a victory. Here are the three keys to a Hawkeye victory against the Cyclones.
1. Efficient passing attack from the beginning
It is an understatement to say that Hawkeye fans and spectators alike were underwhelmed after the first game of Mark Gronowski's career at Iowa. He went 8 for 15 passing with 44 yards, 1 TD, and 0 INTs in the team's 34-7 win over Albany.
He missed wide-open receivers on numerous occasions, and it certainly left fans shaking their heads.
The bright spot for Gronowski was that he ran the ball well with 39 rushing yards and a rushing TD in that game. However, Iowa State is going to be looking to stop the run and keep Gronowski in the pocket after watching him in Week 1.
For the Hawkeyes to win this game, Gronowski needs to improve passing the football, and his receivers and tight ends need to make plays.
One person who needs to be given the ball more is Sam Phillips, the transfer from Chattanooga. Although he did not have a catch in that Week 1 game, he was explosive on special teams, returning a punt for 47 yards.
With injuries at the wide receiver position, Phillips is listed as a starter in this game. If Gronowski wants to get the passing attack going, throw the ball in Phillips' direction and let him make plays.
2. Defensive line makes presence known
The position group that needs to play the best of all is the defensive line. With the great rushing attack that the Cyclones bring and the dual-threat QB of Rocco Becht under center, this offense can be extremely dangerous if left comfortable.
The defensive line has to do everything they can to bring pressure on Becht and make an immediate take on the RBs in the backfield.
Both Aaron Graves and Max Llewellyn recorded sacks in the previous game, and if they can bring pressure from the start, Becht is prone to taking the sack. In the two games the Cyclones have played this season, Becht has been sacked four times.
The linebacker corps for the Hawkeyes is once again solid this season. However, if Iowa State can get into the second level, they have been tough to stop.
If the defensive line can dominate the line of scrimmage throughout the game, that will allow the linebackers to make game-changing plays and keep the Iowa State offense searching for answers.
3. Special teams create field position advantages
The most underrated aspect of any team is its performance on special teams, and for the Hawkeyes, the special teams' positions were the MVPs in the season opener.
They can change field positions in a single play and get points on the board without the offense having to do much.
Drew Stevens was a reliable kicker last year, and he showed that he may have an even better season this year than last.
He turned heads of football fans everywhere by drilling a 55-yard field goal last game, and if he can bring that same leg and reliability, he very well could be the difference maker.
Both Kaden Wetjen and Sam Phillips have proven to be highlight makers on kickoffs and punt returns, and if they can get a couple of blocks, they can go the distance without a doubt.
Add in the Aussie punter Rhys Dakin, who had another solid showing in the opener, and this special teams unit could be one of the best that football fans will see. If they can make an impact on this game, it could make all the difference.
Final Prediction
This is the game that Hawkeye fans anticipate every season. Although this Iowa State team is talented, many positive developments are rolling in Iowa's direction. If the team can play the way that they showed in the second half against Albany, this game shouldn't be close.
While this game should be close as it always is, Iowa will get over the hump and knock off the Cyclones in Ames.
Final score prediction: Iowa 24, Iowa State 17