September 4, 2025
This is a big-time rivalry game that will be played at Jack Trice Stadium. The kickoff is scheduled for 12 o’clock noon on Saturday, September 6th.
Iowa began their 2025 campaign with an impressive 34-7 win over Albany, and I think Albany turned out to be way more physical than a lot of people expected. To Iowa’s credit, they played tough, and they were actually losing that game 7-3 in the second quarter, but in the end, they won by 27.
Iowa State shocked everyone (but not me) with a Week 0 upset over the Kansas State Wildcats, and they came back and blew out South Dakota, 55-7, in Week 1. Currently, the Cyclones are 2-0, and they’ve quietly repositioned themselves at number 16 nationally.
Conclusion & Predictions
I don’t know how much it’s going to help, but Iowa State is home for this game. Traditionally, Iowa is known for their Big Ten brand of football, which is tough defense and the ability to run the football. So far, they haven’t disappointed. They held Albany to seven points and 43 yards rushing, and offensively, Iowa has a double threat coming out of the backfield.
Xavier Williams had 122 yards on 11 carries and 1 touchdown, and teammate Terrell Washington Jr. carried the rock 15 times for 69 yards. That’s 4.6 yards per carry for Washington, and both backs are the reason why the Hawkeyes were able to hold on the ball for almost thirty-seven minutes.
Against South Dakota, it was another brilliant performance by Rocco Becht and the boys. Becht completed 19 of 20 passes for 278 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Wide receiver, Brett Eskildsen, caught a beautiful pass for 61 yards right down the middle of the field to open the game. Eskildsen finished with 2 catches for 77 yards. Tight ends, Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle accounted for three touchdowns, and out of the backfield, it was a new face this week.
Freshman running back, Dylan Lee, carried the ball 13 times for 81 yards and 1 touchdown. Lee is a big back, 6’1″ and 215 pounds, and what Iowa State proved last week is that they have quality when it comes to depth at the running back position. Abu Sama and Carson “Um Bop” Hansen got some rest. Nice.
You know, Albany held Iowa to 44 yards passing. Mark Gronowski completed 8 of 15 passes for 44 yards and 1 touchdown.
Even with Washington and Williams running the ball, the Hawkeyes will need more production from their passing game. If not, Iowa is gonna see eight guys in the box all day.
I do believe Iowa State is one of the hottest teams in college football right now. They’re healthy, they’re home this week, and they were able to rest some of their starters against South Dakota.
Having said that, Iowa is going to test Iowa State in ways they haven’t been tested all season, but specifically, this is the toughness test for the Cyclones. After Week 2, we’ll know for certain how real this Iowa State team is. I think the Cyclones win this by 7.
My Prediction Straight Up: Iowa State
My Prediction Versus the Spread: Iowa State -3.5
Nooz Buffet 