Iowa Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Iowa State in Week 2 rivalry

Iowa State and Iowa football will face off in a big Week 2 rivalry game down in Iowa City. Which side will come out on top in this year’s big game?

In the history of the Cy-Hawk series, Iowa has thoroughly dominated their in-state rival Iowa State, holding a decisive 43-22 advantage. This year has seem to become the most anticipated Cy-Hawk game in the history of the rivalry as both sides appear to be loaded with talent and are expected to finish high in their respective conferences.

For Iowa, Kirk Ferentz has stated that this week is business as usual, it just so happens they face their in-state rivals. Even with numerous suspensions, Iowa took care of MAC-favorite Northern Illinois in Kinnick Stadium, 33-7. What stood out most was the three-headed rushing attack of Ivory Kelly-Martin, Toren Young and Mekhi Sargent, which pounded away at the NIU front. Kelly-Martin is questionable with an ankle injury, but the running game will be a crucial piece to an Iowa win along with Nate Stanley’s ability to move the chains through the air.

Iowa’s defense contains one of the most talented front four in all the Big Ten, if not the country. The defensive end trio of Anthony Nelson, A.J. Epenesa and Parker Hesse lived in the NIU backfield and hope to do the same against Iowa State. The Iowa back seven had a shaky start, but inserting senior Jack Hockaday at middle linebacker appeared to be a change for the good as they put the clamps down in the second half.

Iowa State didn’t get a chance to show much against South Dakota State as their game was cancelled five minutes in due to severe weather, but they still return a host of talent from last year. Quarterback Kyle Kempt was granted a sixth year of eligibility and now has a lot of pressure to deliver a successful season. Running back David Montgomery might be one of the most talented backs in college football and is looking to build off a sensational sophomore season.

The Cyclones defense was the biggest success story from 2017, as they were able to hold many Big 12 offenses to well below their scoring average. Defensive coordinator Jon Heacock has done one of the best jobs in college football with the numbers they allow in a conference like the Big 12. The Iowa State defense is led by a trio of upperclassmen consisting of linebackers Willie Harvey, Marcel Spears Jr., and Brian Peavy.

Here’s where to watch this heated rivalry:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 8
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Venue: Kinnick Stadium
TV: FOX
Live Stream: FoxSportsGo or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

For Iowa, the biggest key is to just play like they are capable of playing. They became the “Bullies of the Big Ten” for a reason. If Iowa can run the ball effectively and their defense punishes Iowa State at the point of attack, no reason why the Hawkeyes shouldn’t win this ball game. Nate Stanley will have to make some big throws in the passing game because if it becomes anything like last years game, he will be the deciding factor.

In the case of Iowa State, the Cyclones have to start fast offensively. Kyle Kempt needs to find an early rhythm and hit receivers underneath and eventually take a shot downfield to make Iowa pay. David Montgomery might very well have to play the best game of his career to keep the Cyclones in business. It’s a tall order, but the Iowa State defensive line needs to dominate the line of scrimmage as well, knocking Iowa off-schedule is key component to beating the Hawkeyes.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of OddsShark

Point Spread: Iowa -4
Over/Under: 47

Prediction

This game is always a war between both sides, even if one team is significantly better than the other. Last time Iowa State came into Kinnick, they were still trying to find their identity and got their teeth kicked in by the Hawkeyes in a 42-3 thrashing. This time will obviously be closer, however, Iowa’s talent an experience up front on both sides of the ball will eventually wear down Iowa State in the 2nd half and the Hawkeyes reclaim the Cy-Hawk Trophy for the fourth consecutive year.

Final Score: Iowa 28, Iowa State 20