Iowa vs Iowa State What You Need to Know!

Football fans, strap in because we have an electrifying matchup on our hands! Iowa's offense might just be back and better than ever! Last week, the Hawkeyes tore through Illinois State with a dominating 40-0 win. And, get this, they put up an astonishing 30 points in the second half alone! That's right, 30 points in just two quarters. New offensive coordinator Tim Lester has already made a significant impact on the team. Freshman wide receiver Reece Vander Zee scored two touchdowns—more than any Iowa wideout had all last season! But hold up, folks. Iowa State is up next, and they’re no walk in the park. Enter Rocco Becht. This kid was the 2023 Big 12 Freshman of the Year, a title that speaks volumes about his talent and potential. In his first 14 games as Iowa State's starter, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns—both freshman records at ISU. Impressive, right? He kept it rolling in the season opener against North Dakota with 267 yards and two touchdowns. This guy is on fire! A big performance against Iowa could put him on the national radar, making him a player to watch this season. Now, let's talk defense because, come on, it's Iowa! You know defense is their bread and butter. Both the Hawkeyes and Cyclones are defensive powerhouses, known for their ability to shut down opposing offenses. Iowa was top-five nationally in total defense and scoring defense last season. That's no small feat. Iowa State wasn't far behind, ranking top-three in the Big 12. Their defense is nothing to scoff at either. Both teams allowed a combined three points and 484 total yards of offense in their season openers. That's some serious defensive prowess. Sure, it was against FCS teams, but still—impressive. You can't overlook those stats. So, what's gonna happen when these two titans clash? It's anyone's guess, but it's sure to be a thrilling game. On paper, it’s close, but Iowa has a key advantage—the run game. Kaleb Johnson and Kamari Moulton combined for an impressive 185 rushing yards in Week 1. That's a dynamic duo right there. Meanwhile, Iowa State allowed 174 rushing yards to North Dakota and only managed 86 of their own. That's a glaring weakness. Plus, Iowa's secondary is rock-solid and should limit the Cyclones' passing attack. Their defense is a force to be reckoned with. If the Hawkeyes can avoid major mistakes and play smart, they've got a great shot at winning. My pick—Iowa -3. Alright, football fans, that's your quick rundown of the Iowa vs. Iowa State showdown. It's going to be an epic battle. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates! Catch you next time!