Iowa Football: 5 reasons the Hawkeyes will beat Iowa State

AMES, IA - SEPTEMBER 9: Wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette #6 of the Iowa Hawkeyes pulls in the game winning touchdown pass as defensive back Brian Peavy #10 of the Iowa State Cyclones blocks in overtime play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 44-41 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

1. Iowa defensive ends

Since the conclusion of spring practices, many spent all summer hearing about the talent of Iowa’s front four. On Saturday, many would agree their play matched their hype as four of the five sacks the Hawkeyes recorded came from their defensive ends, two from Parker Hesse and one each from Anthony Nelson and A.J. Epenesa. Many expect these three to wreak havoc on almost every quarterback they come across and Saturday will be no different.

While Iowa State is a talented team, their offensive line is arguably a weak spot for them, especially trying to replace a senior leader in left tackle Jake Campos. Julian Good-Jones, who started at center in 2017, is slated at left tackle and anchoring a somewhat young offensive line, with three juniors, a redshirt sophomore and a redshirt freshman.

Good-Jones and right tackle Bryce Meeker will be put to the test against a talented defensive end group for Iowa. I think they will keep Kyle Kempt protected for most of the first half, however, as the game wears on, Iowa’s fresh legs will eventually overrun the Cyclones tackles and the pocket will collapse on Kempt.

Home/Iowa Hawkeyes