Surging Cyclones Seize the Cy-Hawk Trophy

© Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen/USA TODAY NETWORK

The 2024 episode of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series delivered.

On Sept. 7, the No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes (1-1) fell to their in-state rivals, the Iowa State Cyclones (2-0), 20-19 in a thrilling game that came down to the last seconds at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

This game involved a consequential clash between leading representatives of the Big Ten Conference and the Big 12 Conference. The Big 12 came out on top.

Game Summary

Kirk Ferentz returned to the sidelines for the Hawkeyes as their head coach after serving a one-game suspension for a recruiting violation. His signal caller, Cade McNamara, struggled, completing only 13 of 29 passes for 99 yards, with 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

At the end of the first quarter, standout Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins picked off a pass from Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht deep in Cyclones territory, and Iowa went into halftime with a 13-0 lead.

Brecht only had 67 yards passing in the first half, completing 10 of 17 passes for 67 yards with 0 touchdowns and 1 interception.

On the other side. Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson rushed for 105 yards and 1 TD on only 9 carries in the first half. His 11.7 yards-per-carry average was quite impressive.

Pivot Point for Cyclones

The Cyclones came out on fire in the second half.

Becht turned it around for the Cyclones after intermission. He ended up completing 23 of 35 passes for 272 yards and 2 TDs. He threw no interceptions in the second half. Standout wide receiver Jaylin Noel hauled in 5 receptions for 133 yards and 1 TD. Fellow Cyclones WR Jayden Higgins added 8 receptions, 1 of which was a scoring catch.

Ramifications

Iowa State's victory over Iowa was impactful not only for the Cyclones, but also for the Big 12 Conference—vanquishing a Big Ten foe.

Iowa's next opponent is the Troy Trojans of the Sun Belt Conference. Troy will travel from Alabama to Iowa City to face the Hawkeyes on Sept. 14.

In Week 3, the Cyclones have a bye. The following week, they are scheduled to host the Arkansas State Red Wolves on Sept. 21 in Ames, Iowa. Like the Troy Trojans, the Red Wolves compete in the SBC.