Iowa State Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2020

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AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 14: Running back Tyler Goodson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is tackled by defensive back Greg Eisworth #12 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he rushed for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 18-17 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

No, this isn’t FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, so don’t expect an upset here. The Coyotes finished 5-7 in 2019 and in the middle of the pack in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Iowa State will have too much offensive firepower for the Coyotes. They faced just one FBS team last season in Oklahoma and surrendered 70 points. The Cyclones won’t have that potent of an offense, but they will put up some numbers on a mediocre defense while keeping the Coyotes’ offense in check.

Final Score: South Dakota 10, Iowa State 45 (1-0)

This is one that has to be circled on Matt Campbell’s calendar. The Hawkeyes have beaten the Iowa State head coach four straight times since he took over in Ames and he’s coming off an 18-17 heartbreaker at home a year ago. Nate Stanley is gone and Iowa’s immediate future is murky, so Iowa State will get the nod here.

Iowa State hasn’t beaten Iowa at Kinnick Stadium since 2014 when Paul Rhoads was still head coach. That will change this season as Brock Purdy has his best game in the rivalry and the Hawkeyes’ defense won’t be able to make enough stops in crunch time.

Final Score: Iowa State 27, Iowa 20 (2-0)

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