Cy-Hawk Showdown Headlines Week 2 as Iowa Football Seeks Answers at Quarterback
The Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones both cruised through their season openers, but Saturday night in Iowa City will reveal far more about both programs when they meet in the annual Cy-Hawk rivalry. The game is the centerpiece of a loaded Week 2 college football slate that also features a controversial replay decision that has the Big Ten scrambling to fix its systems.
Iowa enters the matchup ranked 21st in the AP poll after a dominant win over an FCS opponent, while Iowa State (11th) handled its own opener with ease. Yet neither team has faced a Power Four opponent yet, leaving real questions about how they will perform under pressure. Chief among them: who will be Iowa's starting quarterback?
The Hawkeyes have yet to name a permanent starter, and head coach Kirk Ferentz has kept the competition close to the vest. Saturday's game offers the perfect stage for one signal-caller to seize the job for good, and fans will be watching closely to see if the offense can sustain drives against a Cyclones defense that looked sharp in Week 1.
What happened in the Michigan-Western Michigan clock controversy?
Week 1's most talked-about moment came in Ann Arbor, where Michigan escaped with a win over Western Michigan after being granted a second Hail Mary attempt following a replay review that appeared to contradict what millions saw on television.
NBC's broadcast clearly showed the first pass still in the air with no time remaining, yet the replay booth ruled there was still time on the clock. The Big Ten took hours to release a statement, and the delay only fueled accusations of conference favoritism toward one of its marquee brands.
According to FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira, the issue stems from replay officials and broadcasters using different video feeds. Tiny timing variances, sometimes as small as hundredths of a second, can accumulate over the course of a game, causing the feeds to fall out of sync.
Pereira suggested a more unified approach to timekeeping, while others have proposed using visual indicators in stadiums, similar to the red lights around basketball shot clocks. The Big Ten has already announced it will open replay reviews to public viewing starting this weekend, a step the ACC and Big XII have already taken.
What are the biggest games in Week 2?
Beyond the Cy-Hawk showdown, Saturday features several matchups with national championship implications.
The biggest is No. 1 Ohio State traveling to Austin to face No. 4 Texas. The Buckeyes have won the last two meetings, including a 14-7 slugfest last year. Texas has national title aspirations but must get past Ohio State to prove it belongs in the conversation.
No. 11 Oklahoma visits Michigan in a game that will draw plenty of attention. Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood struggled in Week 1, completing just 12 of 22 passes with a touchdown and an interception. Some analysts, including Kyle Whittingham, have suggested his starting job could be in jeopardy if he does not improve quickly.
No. 12 Alabama travels to Kentucky, where the Wildcats are looking for their first home win over the Crimson Tide since 1997. Alabama is favored by 10.5 points, but Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey threw four touchdowns in Week 1 and could keep things interesting.
Mississippi State visits Minnesota in a game that looks closer than many expect. The Bulldogs are just half-point road favorites, and Gophers running back Darius Taylor scored three touchdowns in the opener.
Which weeknight games should Iowa fans watch?
Thursday night features the Border War between No. 23 Missouri and Kansas, a rivalry game that has been played infrequently in recent years. Both teams scored 50-plus points against FCS opponents in Week 1, but this will be a far stiffer test for both programs.
Friday night offers Rutgers at Boston College, where the Scarlet Knights are trying to bounce back from an embarrassing loss to UMass. Quarterback Dylan Lonergan threw three interceptions in that game, and Rutgers needs a strong response to avoid an 0-2 start.
Why does the Cy-Hawk game matter beyond the rivalry?
For Iowa, Saturday is about more than bragging rights. The Hawkeyes need to establish offensive consistency and settle the quarterback question before Big Ten play begins. For Iowa State, it is a chance to prove the program has taken another step forward under head coach Matt Campbell.
The game also has recruiting implications, as both programs battle for in-state talent. A win in the Cy-Hawk series can provide momentum that lasts well beyond the regular season.
Kickoff is set for Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium. Fans can expect a physical, hard-fought game between two teams that know each other well and want nothing more than to claim victory in one of the Midwest's most passionate rivalries.
Frequently asked questions about Week 2 college football
When is the Iowa-Iowa State game?
The Cy-Hawk game kicks off Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Exact broadcast details are available through the Big Ten Network and local listings.
Will the Big Ten change its replay system after the Michigan controversy?
The Big Ten announced it will open replay reviews to public viewing starting this weekend, similar to what the ACC and Big XII already do. Further changes to timekeeping systems may be considered after the season.
Who is favored in the Ohio State-Texas game?
Ohio State enters as the No. 1 team in the country and has won the last two meetings against Texas. The Buckeyes are expected to be favored on the road in Austin.