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There were a few firsts on Saturday as the Iowa State No.9 took on the Iowa No.10. It was the first clash in Cy-Hawk Trophy history featuring two ranked teams. Iowa State was ranked in the top 10 for the first time in rivalry history. Despite the uniqueness of the encounter, Saturday’s game followed the same storyline as most of the Kirk Ferentz era playoffs, as Iowa used a formidable defensive performance and some one-on-one special teams play. against rival Iowa State 27-17 in Ames, Iowa. .
Iowa put in a vintage performance in the all-around victory. The Hawkeyes recorded just 173 total yards and an average of 1.7 yards per carry, but they used four forced turnovers and a handful of good special team returns to dominate the rivalry. Defensive back Matt Hankins had two interceptions. Bettor Tory Taylor had a terrific game with eight punts, including five in the 20-yard line and averaging 51.1 yards per punt.
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy completed 13 of 27 passes for 138 yards and three interceptions before being benched in the fourth quarter for rookie Hunter Dekkers. All-Big 12 running back Breece Hall racked up 69 rushing yards, 24 receiving yards and the Cyclones’ first touchdown. Dekkers threw a touchdown in the fourth quarter to reduce the lead to 10, but by then it was too late.
Iowa’s victory gives the Hawkeyes a six-game winning streak against the Cyclones dating back to the year before Matt Campbell arrived at Iowa State. It’s the longest losing streak for Ames since Iowa won 15 straight games between 1983-97. Even more unhappy? The past six years represent the greatest achievement in Iowa state history, but it still hasn’t been enough for the Cyclones to beat their biggest rival.
Here are my three biggest takeaways from the dominant victory for the Hawkeyes.
1. Ferentz still has Campbell’s number
No matter how well Campbell accomplished this Iowa state program, Iowa continues to be his kryptonite. Losing 42-3 in their first game against a struggling team is one thing. Losing several matches at Ames with relevant national teams? It’s confusing. The magic of the Hawkeyes seemed to catch the Cyclones whenever they seemed to find their place. Hall lost a fumble in the 10-yard line that was returned for a scoop and a score. Purdy bounced a ball off the hands of a receiver to block a drive in midfield. Another was hit on the line. Iowa just seems to know every inch of Iowa state identity, perhaps because they’ve been doing it the same way for so many years. Now, an entire class of Iowa players can graduate without ever losing to some of the best Iowa State teams in program history.
2. Iowa is undervalued …
The Hawkeyes entered the 2021 season ranked 18th, a respectable but particularly cautious position. After beating No. 17 in Indiana and No. 9 in Iowa State for consecutive weeks, it’s time to put that apprehension aside. Especially on a day when Ohio State has lost against a dynamic defense, Iowa should be seen as a legitimate contender in the Big Ten and the frontrunner in the Big Ten West. The last time Iowa won its first two games against ranked opponents was in 1960, in an 8-1 campaign where the Hawkeyes finished No.3 nationally. Could Iowa flirt with the top five in the new AP Top 25?
3. … but his attack needs to improve
Over the years, we have seen that Iowa can win football games in a number of ways. Interceptions and special teams can transport Iowa through most, if not all, of the Big Ten. But with such a reliable team, it’s hard not to anticipate a possible Big Ten title game against Ohio State and the dynamic receivers the Hawkeyes would face.
Quarterback Spencer Petras was consistent and efficient, but the defense bailed out the offense on several occasions. Notably, Iowa recorded just 23 total yards in the second half. Seven of them were in the air. Iowa has the tight end and running back talent to incorporate the passing game more meaningfully against better opponents. But before we can look at Iowa as a Dark Horse College Football Playoff team, which is in the cards, we first need to see them find some offensive consistency.
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