Cy-Hawk Showdown: Iowa State Looks to Extend Rivalry Dominance Over Hawkeyes
The Cy-Hawk rivalry renews Saturday at Kinnick Stadium, with Iowa State aiming to continue its recent mastery over Iowa. The Cyclones have won three of the last four meetings, and the Hawkeyes' 2023 victory was officially vacated by the NCAA. This year's matchup carries extra weight as Iowa State opens the Jimmy Rogers era, while Iowa seeks to snap its in-state losing streak under veteran coach Kirk Ferentz.
New Era Begins for Cyclones Under Jimmy Rogers
Jimmy Rogers takes the reins in Ames after a 6-6 season at Washington State in 2025. The Cyclones kicked off his tenure with a convincing 38-10 win over Southeast Missouri State. Rogers inherits a nearly entirely new roster, as former coach Matt Campbell took most of the 2025 squad with him to Penn State.
Arkansas State transfer quarterback Jaylen Raynor impressed in his debut, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for two more. Running back Aiden Flora and receiver Dominic Overby also stepped up in Week 1, while pass rusher Isaac Terrell, who followed Rogers from Washington State, logged three sacks after recording seven last season.
Hawkeyes Rely on Ground Game and Defensive Identity
Iowa enters the matchup ranked No. 21 after a dominant 40-0 shutout of Northern Illinois. Kirk Ferentz, who has won at least eight games in four of the last five seasons, still faces a quarterback competition between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. Brown looked more polished in Week 1, but Hecklinski could see snaps if the competition remains close.
The key for Iowa is running back Kamari Moulton, who exploded for 183 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries in the opener. Moulton did not play in last year's Cy-Hawk matchup, giving the Hawkeyes hope he can be the difference-maker to end their recent skid.
Betting Odds and Trends Favor the Under
DraftKings Sportsbook has set the point total at 41.5 for Saturday's showdown. While the SportsLine Projection Model shows the Over hitting in 58.5% of simulations, historical trends strongly favor the Under. The last four games in this rivalry have all gone Under 41.5 points, and eight straight contests have seen totals below 45.
According to CBS Research, the Under is 18-3 in the last 21 meetings between Iowa State and Iowa. With Iowa State breaking in a new system and Iowa potentially splitting quarterback duties, the Under looks like the smart play once again.
What's at Stake for Both Programs
For Iowa State, a win would cement Rogers' early credibility and extend the Cyclones' recent dominance in the series. For Iowa, a victory would restore order in the rivalry and validate Ferentz's steady hand amid the quarterback uncertainty.
Kickoff is set for Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The game carries significant implications for both programs as they look to build momentum in the early season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored in the Iowa State vs. Iowa game?
Iowa enters as the ranked team at No. 21, but Iowa State has won three of the last four meetings. The betting line and total are available at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the point total set at 41.5.
What time does the Cy-Hawk game kick off?
The game is scheduled for Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Check local listings for the exact kickoff time and broadcast information.
Why has the Under hit so often in this rivalry?
The Cy-Hawk series has historically been a defensive battle. The last four games have all gone Under 41.5 points, and the Under is 18-3 in the last 21 meetings between the two schools.