Jon "JR" Rhoades 
Iowa and Iowa State square off.
The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones are set to clash in one of college football’s most anticipated rivalry games. Both teams are coming off solid performances, but the key to victory for each lies in how they manage the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Iowa State Cyclones: Keys to Success
For Iowa State, the focus will be on quarterback Rocco Becht, who enters this game with more experience after a challenging previous season. To give the Cyclones a fighting chance, Becht needs to connect with his receivers early, which could help open up the running game later on. The Cyclones will also rely heavily on safety Jeremiah Cooper, a preseason All-Big 12 selection. Cooper had a standout season last year, racking up five interceptions, and his playmaking ability will be crucial in slowing down Iowa’s offense.
Iowa Hawkeyes: Defensive Dominance and Veteran Leadership
On the other side, the Hawkeyes are leaning on the veteran presence of quarterback Cade McNamara, who returned strong after a season-ending injury in 2023. McNamara’s performance in the season opener was impressive, throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns, showing that he is fully capable of leading Iowa’s offense. However, it’s the defense where Iowa truly shines.
Linebacker Jay Higgins, who led the Big Ten in tackles last season, continues to be a key player for the Hawkeyes. Higgins started the 2024 season with another strong performance and has set high expectations for the year. Alongside him, defensive standouts like Yahya Black and Sebastian Castro add depth and versatility to an already formidable defense. Black, with his ability to disrupt the opposing offense, and Castro, who excels in coverage, make Iowa’s defense one of the most feared in the country.
Key Storylines and Strategies
A major storyline for this game will be Iowa State’s strategy to exploit Iowa’s secondary by focusing on the passing game early. If Becht can find success through the air, it could open up opportunities on the ground later in the game. However, the Hawkeyes are likely to counter by establishing their running game early against a potentially vulnerable Cyclones front seven, testing Iowa State’s defensive resilience.
Prediction: Iowa’s Defense to Seal the Victory
This matchup promises to be a defensive battle, with both teams boasting strong units on that side of the ball. However, Iowa’s combination of veteran leadership, particularly from McNamara and Higgins, and the strategic prowess of defensive coordinator Phil Parker, gives them the edge. The prediction here is a close game, with Iowa coming out on top, 20-14. The Hawkeyes’ defense is expected to keep the Cyclones in check, while McNamara and the offense do just enough to secure the win in front of their home crowd.
As the rivalry heats up, all eyes will be on how each team executes their game plan, but it’s Iowa’s defense that will likely be the deciding factor in this classic showdown.
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