STATE OF PLAY
CYCLONES, HAWKEYES FACE OFF IN THEIR ANNUAL SHOWDOWN
KEYS FOR IOWA STATE
Don’t look rusty. It was a double-edged sword as Iowa State avoided 60 minutes of game time in a cancelled contest against South Dakota State. It cost Matt Campbell’s program a sure win and time to knock off the rust of the offseason before the in-state showdown with rival Iowa. However, it also allowed Iowa State to stay healthy and keep game film away from the Hawkeyes. Iowa State needs a strong start Saturday to prove the lack of game action isn’t a concern. Beat Iowa at its own game. The two teams are nearly mirror images of each other, at least when it comes to philosophy. Iowa State wants to out Iowa the Hawkeyes by controlling the ball, using the run to set up the pass and depending on a strong defense to create field position opportunities for the offense.
KEYS FOR IOWA
Stop the run. Iowa State’s success is built off the legs of Montgomery, a preseason all-Big 12 selection. Iowa State wants to establish the run and create manageable third down situations for its offense. The last thing Iowa State wants offensively is to face obvious passing downs. That means it is up to the Iowa defense to stand strong against the run on first and second down.
Get ahead early. Iowa State is not a team built to make big comebacks. The Cyclones are a ball control team built on moving the chains and controlling the football. Its also a program growing as a defense known for causing turnovers. Iowa must avoid that early barrage.
PREDICTION
Iowa State 24-20. These games tend to be close. Rivalry games tend to bring out the best of both teams and Iowa State will be champing on the bit to start the season with a win after its Week 1 game was cancelled due to weather. The Hawkeyes won in a shootout in 2017, beating the Cyclones in overtime. That was before Campbell truly put his imprint on Iowa State.