Cy-Hawk Preview
By Michael O’ Deay (@MODeay70)
Kickoff 3:30pm It’s the biggest game in ISU football history (As long as the wins keep coming, I will say that every single week because this is the biggest season in ISU history) It’s time for the 2021 CY-Hawk Game! The annual rivalry game, not played in 2020 because the Big Ten decided not to play non-conference games, is the biggest sporting event in the great state of Iowa. Both teams are 1-0. Iowa State had a defensive struggle against UNI, winning 16-10. The Hawks had a convincing win week 1 over 17th ranked Indiana 34-6. Let’s crunch the Cyclones numbers from week 1. The 2021 Cyclone football season started with a 16-10 win over UNI. The game was a low scoring, defense dominated game. Brock Purdy was 21-26 for 199 yards with no TDs or interceptions. Breece Hall was held to 69 yards on 23 carries, his lowest output since the 2019 Camping World Bowl against Notre dame where he totaled 55 rushing yards. Hall, who is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, averaged 131 yards per game in 2020. Hall has had 13 straight games with at least one rushing touchdown. Xavier Hutchinson led the receiving corps with 7 receptions for 88 yards. Scouting the opponent Iowa is ranked 10th. Their QB Junior QB Spencer Petras was 13-27 for 145 yards with no passing TDs or interceptions vs. Indiana. The Hawks were led by a solid running attack from Tyler Goodson, who had 99 yards on 19 carries with a TD. Petras also scored a rushing TD. The Hawks benefited from a Hooiser team that turned the ball over 3 times, all interceptions, two were returned for TDs by Riley Moss. What to watch for Iowa State will look to get more offensive production, hopefully finding the end zone several times against the Hawks. Pre-season All American Charlie Kolar who missed week 1 is expected to play, which will help ISU open the passing game. The defense led by studs Mike Rose, Isheem Young, Will McDonald, Eyioma Uwazurike, and you get the idea, (the defense is phenomenal) want to have Spencer Petras running for his life. When Petras is in trouble he tends to throw interceptions. Both teams have strong rushing attacks. This will lead to a grind it out game. ISU’s keys to the game
Win the turnover battle. ISU is plus 2 in the turnover differential for the season. 2. Establish the run. Feed the Breece. Hall has had significant impact in games early and late. I want to see Hall salt away the Hawks in the fourth quarter. 3. Convert Red Zone opportunities in to TDs. Iowa State made it into the Red Zone 3 times against UNI with 2 FGs and 1 TD.
History Remember history or we’re damned to repeat it. Iowa has won 5 straight and leads the all-time series 45-22. I’m sure Hawk fans would love to elaborate on that. Just ask them. Let’s write a new history starting with 2021. Fun notes Game Day will make its second appearance in Ames. The show is from 8-11 on ESPN. This is the first time ISU and Iowa have been ranked for the game. It’s also the first time a Top Ten game will be played at Jack Trice. Best game in the history of the rivalry was in 2005 when Iowa came to The Jack ranked #8, but got their butt whipped 23-3. The most exciting game was the triple OT game that ended with a 44-41 Cyclone Win. About me I am a diehard Cyclone football fan. I’ve had season tickets since 2019. I have been following ISU since the early 90s. I am going to write pre-games and post games this season. I hope to have a balanced report with a little jazz from time to time. Let’s have fun and GO CYCLONES!