Iowa State Football: 3 takeaways from tough road loss to rival Iowa in Week 2

Iowa State football took on its in-state rival Iowa in a heated battle that didn’t see much offense, but what did we learn?

In one of those annual matchups that doesn’t get enough love, Iowa and Iowa State football squared off in Iowa City. For years, Iowa has dominated this matchup, but the Cyclones are trending in the right direction thanks to Matt Campbell.

Saturday’s matchup was expected to be a close battle, but some thought it might have more offense like in the past couple of years — not the case.

There were nothing but field goals on the scoreboard through the first three quarters and that set up an exciting fourth quarter for the Cy-Hawk Trophy.

Take a look at the three takeaways from Iowa State tough loss to Iowa on the road.

3. Defense not too shabby

Though Iowa State allowed the first touchdown of the game, it didn’t happen until the final five minutes of the contest. The Cyclones’ defense looked to improve yet again after looking better in 2017 and if it continues this trend, they could be one of the Big 12’s best units — the offense is another story.

Little did people think that the defense would carry the Cyclones against Iowa, but with Kyle Kempt leaving the game with an ankle injury and him not playing well in the first place, the offense lacked firepower.

Iowa State didn’t allow a single passing touchdown to Nathan Stanley or the Iowa offense and held the Hawkeyes’ usually-potent run game in check.

Losing on the road to the Hawkeyes yet again hurts, but the Cyclones are finally becoming relevant in this in-state rivalry.