The ultimate Cy-Hawk game preview has arrived for one of college football's most intense in-state rivalries. This year's clash pits two programs built on toughness and identity, led by established coaches Kirk Ferentz and Matt Campbell. The spotlight shines on the quarterback matchup: Iowa State's Rocco Becht, known for his efficient passing, against Iowa's Mark Gronowski, a dual-threat who adds a new dimension to the Hawkeyes' offense after transferring from South Dakota State.
This matchup is also a battle of coaching philosophies. Kirk Ferentz, now in his 27th season, is a steady, meticulous presence tied with Woody Hayes for the most wins as a Big Ten head coach. Matt Campbell, in his 10th year in Ames, has transformed the Cyclones into a consistent Big 12 contender, with a focus on discipline and development in the trenches.
The keys to the game lie in the trenches, where both teams boast standout defensive lines and linebackers. Iowa's defense, a perennial powerhouse, will look to force turnovers and shut down the run game, a formula that has kept them in the top 20 nationally in scoring defense for a decade. Iowa State, with a positive turnover margin and a high-scoring offense, will aim to capitalize on any Hawkeye mistakes. Meanwhile, the Cyclones' offense has shown a potent ability to put up points, while the Hawkeyes rely on a punishing run game that put up over 300 yards in their opener.
This game will add another chapter to the rivalry's storied history, which includes classic moments like the 2002 comeback led by Seneca Wallace and the 2011 triple-overtime thriller. With the road team winning the last five matchups in the series, a dramatic finish is expected in a rivalry that has produced close, low-scoring battles in seven of the last 13 meetings.
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