AMES – Iowa State is a 4-point underdog at home today versus their Cy-Hawk rival Iowa Hawkeyes.
Iowa State manhandled Northern Iowa, 30-9 last week at home, while across the state, Iowa got by Utah State 24-14 in unconvincing fashion.
After Iowa’s sloppy win, they lost their #25 ranking, and much-maligned offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz suffered widespread jeers for failing to score 25 points against what many call the worst defense they will see all season. Ferentz’s offense needs to average at least 25 points per game this season or his job is in jeopardy, per a new contract he signed earlier this year. Despite a sluggish offense last year, Iowa was expected to rise this season, according to ESPN, after a win over Kentucky in the Music City bowl and with the addition of a transfer quarterback, linebacker and others.
Meanwhile, Iowa State was hit harder than Iowa after Cyclone players decided to participate in gambling. Starting quarterback Hunter Dekkers is currently off the team, as are others, and guilty pleas to various petty crimes have sidelined others.
Still, the Cyclones are formidable at home, and the Iowa offense is unproven, despite an allegedly improved quarterback in Cade McNamarra and receiving corps. The game is sold-out, and Cyclone fans are starving for their first win against Iowa at Jack Trice Stadium since 2011 as well as their first back-to-back wins against the Hawks since 2011-12.
Iowa leads the series, 46-23.
