Sep 10, 2026 · 14 min
Four ways Iowa’s identity could decide the Cy-Hawk game
DAILY CLONE: What are the four potential outcomes in Saturday's Cy-Hawk game?
Jake Brend frames Saturday’s rivalry matchup around whether Iowa State can disrupt Iowa’s established formula and keep the game close into the fourth quarter.
- 1Iowa’s program identity and offensive line create the foundation for outcomes ranging from a blowout to a narrow victory.
- 2Iowa State’s clearest offensive path is sustaining drives, creating manageable third downs, and using Jalen Rayner’s mobility.
- 3A disciplined Iowa State defense could make 13 points meaningful if it preserves a one-score game into the fourth quarter.
Don't miss
Brend argues that Iowa State may need only 13 points if its defense keeps the game close into the fourth quarter.
The brief
Jake Brend organizes Saturday’s Cy-Hawk matchup around four outcomes: an Iowa blowout, a comfortable win, a close victory, or an Iowa State upset.
The first three scenarios favor Iowa, whose established program identity and offensive line give the Hawkeyes a path to control the game.
Iowa State’s offense must sustain drives and create manageable third downs, especially when passing options disappear and Jalen Rayner can use his legs.
The upset case depends on Iowa State’s defense keeping the score tight into the fourth quarter, when even 13 points could become enough.
Brend’s framework turns a rivalry prediction into a question of game state: can Iowa State prevent Iowa’s structure from taking over?
Featuring
Iowa
Kirk Ferentz
Kinnick StadiumListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.