Cyclones vs. Hawkeyes @ 12:30 p.m. PST Saturday, September 13th

Well, Western Washington Hawkeyes, it's that time of year again-rivalry week! Our ugly little brother from Ames, the Iowa State Cyclones, come to Iowa City looking for their first win of the year, which I think I have written for a few years in a row now. ISU is 0-2, and is coming off a frustrating loss to #19 Kansas State, 32-28 after leading the game well into the fourth quarter. Iowa, on the other hand, had better fortunes in the fourth quarter of their game, putting together two last-minute touchdown drives to defeat Ball State, 17-13 after trailing, 13-3 heading into the final quarter. Iowa leads the series against ISU 40-21, but the Cyclones won during their last visit to Kinnick, 9-6. Iowa did get their revenge last year in Ames, topping the Cyclones, 27-21. Running back Mark Weisman led the way last year with 145 rushing yards for Iowa to earn the Cy-Hawk trophy.

Iowa looks to get their usually potent rushing game back on track this week after rushing for only 113 yards last week. They may also have to do it without their senior All-Everything left tackle Brandon Scherff, who looks to be missing the next few weeks after having minor knee surgery. He tweaked his knee during the Ball State game, but re-entered a few series later. Luckily the Iowa defense has been strong so far this year. They are second in the Big 10 in tackles for loss, and tenth in the nation. Defensive end Drew Ott was named the Big 10 defensive player of the week last week, with 13 tackles, which included one sack. Iowa also has not allowed a red zone TD yet. ISU's offense is led by junior quarterback Sam Richardson, who threw for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns during Iowa's last meeting.

Also, this week at Kinnick, the Hawkeyes will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2004 Big Ten Champion squad. That was the team that provided what is probably the greatest play in Hawkeye history - Drew Tate's 56 yard TD pass to Warren Halloway to win the Capitol One Bowl.

On Iowa and Go Hawkeyes!

Thanks to Ted Hennessey for the write-up.