Iowa heads to Ames having won the last two trips there and three of the last four. Last season, Iowa defeated their in-state rival 42-3.
It’s a rivalry game. I think it’s certainly big for everybody involved with Iowa football and just football in general in Iowa. I think anybody that follows the game certainly takes great interest in it. It’s energizing, certainly, for our players, our coaches, alums, everybody that’s involved, fans, and I think not only in our state but probably across the country. So it’s really a great series. – Coach Kirk Ferentz
Both teams are coming off opening day wins. The Hawkeyes beat Wyoming, 24-3 while Iowa State dominated Northern Iowa 42-24. In the Cyclones win, quarterback Jacob Park completed a career high 27 passes. Park was 27-35 for 271 yards and two touchdowns.
“They are a good offensive football team,” said Ferentz. “They do a nice job with their scheme and are very comfortable with it. They have a veteran quarterback, the running back is really good, and they stretch you from sideline to sideline. They are good at what they do.”
Park has plenty weapons to throw to. Allen Lazard caught 8 passes for as he 108 yards became the school’s all time leader in receptions (178).
“That just shows what kind of consistency he’s had over his four years. He’s had just tremendous sustained success. I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s equally about this team having success as himself. How about him being a great senior leader? He’s doing a great job leading this team, and keeping his composure with these young guys.” – Head Coach Matt Campbell
Redshirt Sophomore, Hakeem Butler, chipped in with 7 receptions and a touchdown.
Iowa’s defense is the strength of the team and they’ll have to be ready for Iowa State’s explosive offense. Against Wyoming the front seven’s effective play helped a young secondary get it’s feet wet.
“It’s one game, so we’re not ready to make judgments about the defense, but we’re pleased with the way we played and the most positive this was our responses to the bumps that took place,” said Ferentz. “Our defense never broke stride and they went out and responded in a positive way.
The offense was another story. The Hawkeyes turned the ball over 4 times (1 interception, 3 fumbles). This something they certainly can’t afford against the Cyclones.
We’re going to need everybody. We’re going into a really tough environment against a good football team. We’re going to need everybody and I would say all of our guys that have played, we are going to need them to play their best. – Coach Ferentz
Additional Notes:
- Iowa’s offensive line has a combined 122 starts.
- Nate Stanley threw three touchdown passes in his first career start. The last QB to do that at Iowa was Ricky Stanzi
- Against Northern Iowa, the Cyclone recorded three first-half interceptions, including a pair returned for TDs.
- Iowa leads the all-time football series vs. Iowa State at 42-22, but the Cyclones have won 10 of the last 19 games in the series.
