Everything You Need to Know About the Cy-Hawk Showdown!

Bragging rights. The Cy-Hawk Trophy. The Iowa Hawkeyes. The Iowa State Cyclones. Welcome to rivalry week.

In the state of Iowa, it doesn't get any bigger than Iowa versus Iowa State. Throw out team records, conference rankings, and any normal measuring stick of success. It doesn't matter during Cy-Hawk week. Here is everything you need to know heading into Saturday's big game in Iowa City.

Last Week's Games

The Iowa Hawkeyes moved up in the college football rankings to #21 following their 40-0 shutout win over Illinois State. The Hawkeyes put up 34 second-half points for new offensive coordinator Tim Lester. Iowa State got a hard-fought win against North Dakota, 21-3.

The Key Matchup

There are plenty to choose from during a rivalry game, but we'll go with Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht against an experienced Iowa secondary. KWWL reports that Becht was the top freshman passer in the Big 12 last season, and was 20 for 26 for 267 yards and 2 touchdowns in the opener. He'll need to be on his game against an Iowa secondary with a combined 70 starts and one of the best corners in the nation in Sebastian Castro.

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Players to Watch

Let's focus on some wide receivers. KWWL reports that Iowa State's Jaylin Noel will need to have another big game. He had 8 catches for 135 yards last week against North Dakota. For Iowa, can freshman Reece Vander Zee pop again? He had 5 catches for 66 yards and 2 touchdowns last week.

The Streak

KWWL points out that the Hawkeyes have won seven of the past eight games against Iowa State. The last loss? In Iowa City in 2021.

When and Where

This year's game will be held at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. The game will be televised locally on CBS.

The Hawkeyes are favored by 3.