FACTS & STATS: Site: Kinnick Stadium (70, 585) -- Iowa City, Iowa. Television: BigTen Network. Home Record: Iowa State 2-0, Iowa 2-0. Away Record: Iowa State 0-0, Iowa 0-0. Neutral Record: Iowa State 0-0, Iowa 0-0. Conference Record: Iowa State 0-0, Iowa 0-0. Series Record: Iowa leads, 36-19.
GAME NOTES: There is nothing better than an old fashioned rivalry and this Saturday a good one takes place in Iowa City, as the Iowa Hawkeyes play host to the Iowa State Cyclones. The Cyclones have stormed out of the gate, defeating South Dakota State (44-17) and Kent State (48-28) in succession. It is the third time in the last four seasons that the Cyclones have opened with a 2-0 mark. Next up for Iowa State will be one more non-league contest against UNLV before the team opens its Big 12 schedule against Kansas. As for the Hawkeyes, they have also jumped out to a 2-0 start, defeating Maine (46-3) and Florida International (42-0). Iowa has been extremely tough to beat at home, winning 34 of its last 41 games at Kinnick Stadium. Throughout its football history, Iowa has been mediocre against Big 12 competition, posting a 66-63-3 ledger against teams currently residing in that conference. Iowa leads the all-time series with its in-state rival by a 36-19 margin. However, the Cyclones have won seven of the last 10 games, including a 15-13 victory last season.
For the second straight week the Cyclones were an unstoppable force offensively, as they dominated Kent State en route to a 20-point victory. Iowa State used a heavy dose of its ground game, rumbling for 160 yards on the day. Phillip Bates led the way with 83 yards on just eight carries, while Jason Scales added 31 yards and scored twice. ISU has been outstanding on the ground thus far, averaging 194.5 ypg and a healthy 4.5 ypc. What makes the Cyclones so dangerous is their depth in the backfield, as three different players are averaging better than 4.0 ypc. Bates also threw for 48 yards and one touchdown in the win over KSU, but the passing attack was led by Austen Arnaud, who completed 12-of-15 passes for 166 yards and one TD. Bates is more of an athletic quarterback, while Arnaud works better in the pocket. Arnaud has completed an impressive 76.9 percent of his passes this season, and has thrown for 264 yards and two scores.
Iowa State might have won in week two, but very little credit can be given to the defense which was abused for 410 total yards. For the second straight week the Cyclones' front line was pounded by the opposition's ground game, as Kent State rolled up 243 yards on 43 attempts. With two games in the books, Iowa State is currently allowing an average of 211.5 ypg on the ground. Fortunately, the Cyclones were able to force four turnovers in the win, and also limited Kent State to just 4-of-12 on third down attempts. Jesse Smith led the way for Iowa State with eight tackles, and Kurtis Taylor had an outstanding showing as well, making six stops, three TFLs, one sack and a forced fumble.
The Hawkeyes have been outstanding to start the year on offense, as the team comes into this game averaging an impressive 44.0 ppg behind 484.5 total ypg. Iowa has dominated the opposition on the ground and through the air, rushing for 243.0 ypg while throwing for 241.5 ypg. The duo of Shonn Greene and Jewel Hampton have solid to say the least, as Greene has complied 239 rushing yards and two scores, while Hampton adds 122 yards to go with his two TDs. Jake Christensen and Ricky Stanzi have both taken snaps, and each has performed at a high level. Christensen has completed 63 percent of his throws for 221 yards and two touchdowns, while Stanzi has been successful on 70.8 percent of his passes for 252 yards and three scores. In the recent win over FIU, Greene rumbled for 130 yards and one touchdown on just 13 carries, and Stanzi led the passing attack with 162 yards and three scores.
Not to be overlooked is the tremendous play from the defensive unit for Iowa, as the squad has surrendered just three points in its first two games. Iowa has stuffed the opposition's ground game, limiting teams to just 96.5 rushing ypg on a mere 3.1 ypc. Just as impressive has been the unit's play against the pass, as foes are only averaging 122.5 ypg through the air. Iowa has done a tremendous job pressuring the quarterback, and after two games the team has racked up seven sacks and four interceptions. In the 42-0 win over Florida International, the Hawkeyes limited the Golden Panthers to just 218 total yards, including just 56 yards rushing. Iowa forced three turnovers in the contest, and held FIU to just 4-of-15 on third down attempts.
While both teams are currently 2-0, the Hawkeyes have played much better football to this point. Iowa State has struggled to contain the run, and that could be troublesome this weekend since Iowa will likely give the ball to Greene early and often.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Iowa 37, Iowa State 14
Game Date and Time
Saturday, September 13th, 12:05 p.m. (et).
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