Sep 8, 2026 · 1h 4m
Iowa State tests its new identity against Iowa’s established system
InCYde Zone: Can Iowa State REALLY Beat Iowa?
The Cy-Hawk rivalry will reveal whether Iowa State’s promising new-look team can translate an encouraging opener into disciplined, physical football.
- 1Iowa State’s 38–10 win over SEMO revealed unusual formations, emerging playmakers, and promising defensive pressure.
- 2The Cyclones still need cleaner punt security, quarterback accuracy, offensive consistency, and offensive-line development before facing Iowa.
- 3Former players say rivalry preparation demands physicality and discipline, while Iowa’s offensive line and established system pose the central challenge.
Don't miss
Jake Remsburg and Jairo Brock recall studying Iowa possession by possession during spring practice and carrying that preparation into the rivalry.
The brief
Jacqueline Cordova, Jairo Brock, and Jake Remsburg assess Iowa State’s 38–10 win over SEMO, treating the opener as both a statement and an incomplete first draft.
The former players highlight unusual formations, fullback usage, quarterback mobility, emerging backs, and Isaac Terrell’s pass-rush instincts as signs of a new identity taking shape.
Their optimism comes with a checklist: punt security, quarterback accuracy, offensive consistency, defensive execution, and offensive-line development all need work before Iowa arrives.
The Cy-Hawk preview turns on a contrast between Iowa State’s new staff and Iowa’s established system, especially the Hawkeyes’ offensive line and rivalry preparation.
The standout exchange recalls Iowa State studying Iowa possession by possession during spring practice, using rivalry-specific preparation to sharpen the team more broadly.
The hosts close with deliberately irrational predictions, capturing how fan pressure, coaching intensity, trash talk, and last-second memories distort rivalry-week judgment.
Featuring
Iowa
Kirk FerentzListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.