Iowa vs. Iowa State Prediction, Game Preview

Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City 

Broadcast: Big Ten Network 

Iowa State sure seems to enjoy visiting Kinnick Stadium. The Cyclones have won each of their last two visits there while taking three of the last five meetings with the Hawkeyes overall. Unfortunately for the Cyclones, Iowa is a far better team than those last two trips. 

Coach Kirk Ferentz, fresh off signing a new contract extension that keeps him with the Hawkeyes through 2026, shouldn’t have to worry about beating a Cyclones team that’s still trying to find its footing under new coach Matt Campbell – rivalry game or not. An Iowa victory would mark the first time the Hawkeyes have won back-to-back games since a three-win stretch from 2008-10.

What To Know About Iowa

The numbers don’t look great from opening weekend, but it was still an easy win for Iowa. The Hawkeyes were outgained 424-404 by Miami (OH) and had the ball for nearly 13 fewer minutes than the RedHawks. They came away with a relatively easy 45-21 win in part because they forced three fumbles and got great performances on the ground from Akrum Wadley (121 yards, two touchdowns) and LeShun Daniels Jr. (83, two TDs). Iowa appears to be every bit as good as last year’s team that finished the regular season undefeated.

What to Know About Iowa State

The Cyclones have won eight times over the last three seasons, and the Campbell era didn’t get off to a great start. Iowa State lost 25-20 at home against FCS foe Northern Iowa last weekend while turning the ball over four times. About the only thing going for Iowa State coming into this matchup is the recent history of winning at Kinnick Stadium and having taken three of the past five in the rivalry. They Cyclones also played the Hawkeyes close in the two loses during that stretch. 

Advantages

Offense: Iowa – The Hawkeyes have Wadley, receiver Matt VandeBerg and quarterback C.J. Beathard. Iowa State rushed for 51 yards last week.

Defense:  Iowa – Three sacks in addition to the three recovered fumbles against Miami (OH). 

Special Teams: Iowa – Desmond King is just as great of a returner as he is a defensive back. 

Coaching: Iowa – Campbell’s standard for his own success is going to be across the sidelines. 

Intangibles: Iowa State – The Cyclones won the last two meetings at Kinnick and gave the Hawkeyes all it could handle last season.

Matchup To Watch

Wadley vs. Iowa State’s defense

They Cyclones allowed 232 rushing yards against Northern Iowa’s ground-heavy attack. Wadley averaged 10.1 yards per carry against a much better defense last week.

Iowa vs. Iowa State Betting Odds

Spread: Iowa -15 

Over/Under: 51

Iowa vs. Iowa State Prediction

This rivalry game has been very close nearly every year. Not this time. Beathard throws two first-quarter touchdowns before the Hawkeyes dispose of the Cyclones easily. 

Iowa vs. Iowa State Final Score Prediction: Iowa 31, Iowa State 3

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