Hawkeyes Mic: Hawkeyes – Cyclones Predictions 2018
Hawkeyes Mic: Hawkeyes – Cyclones Predictions (09/07/18)
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The Hawkeyes Mic picks are in for the annual Cy-Hawk Iowa – Iowa State Game. It’s not unanimous and I don’t think any of us would bet the mortgage on these prognostications. Check them out – see if you agree or disagree.
Scott Dochterman – Iowa State 34-31:
On paper, this is the most even Cy-Hawk matchup between two quality teams since perhaps 2005. Both teams have offensive playmakers and good defenses. When it comes to offense, however, Iowa State is more consistent with perimeter players who have made big plays. Thus, for the first time since I returned to the state in 2006, I’ve picked the Cyclones against the Hawkeyes.
TheAthletic.com; @ScottDochterman on Twitter
Steve Batterson – Iowa 20-17:
It seems like every classic Iowa-Iowa State football game is determined by the leg of a kicker. Miguel Recinos has provided the Hawkeyes with consistency since stepping into the lineup a year ago and in a match-up between two similar, solid football teams, the senior can be a difference maker this week. If Iowa State had played last weekend, I may have flipped the final score given the traditional success of the road team in this series. But, I’ll go with the Hawkeyes this time based on the strength of the defensive front and what Recinos can give his team.
The Quad City Times; @SBatt79 on Twitter
Tyler Tjelmeland – Iowa 24-20:
I was impressed with Iowa’s ability last week to feel out Northern Illinois in the first half and then get the offense clicking after the break. I stated in my preseason predictions that I would take Iowa State in this contest, but with the Cyclones not playing last week and Iowa getting one under its belt, Iowa should prevail at home in front of a buzzing Kinnick Stadium. With personnel returning for Iowa in key spots on both sides of the ball, I see the black and gold firing out of the gate ready, unlike last week.
Look for Toren Young to separate himself from the pack of running backs leading Iowa’s back field and keep an eye out for Nate Stanley to exploit ISU’s secondary which was one of the worst at defensive pass efficiency in 2017. The biggest test for Iowa will be containing Montgomery behind an experienced Cyclone line, but the linebackers were ahead of schedule in my eyes last week. Let’s see if they can keep it up.
HawkeyesMic.com; @TylerTjemeland on Twitter
Jack Brandsgard – Iowa 24-21:
There are two main reasons I’m picking the Hawkeyes: they have game experience and home-field advantage. The Cyclones haven’t seen any official action yet this season, so they’ll have to overcome early jitters like Iowa did last week. That will be tough to do on the road against their biggest rival.
The key group to watch is Iowa’s defensive line. If the Hawkeyes can hurry Kyle Kempt, it will alleviate some of the pressure David Montgomery will put on Iowa’s inexperienced linebackers.
I think Iowa starts faster than it did last week, jumps out to an early lead, and holds on for a close win.
HawkeyesMic.com; @JackBrandsgard on Twitter
John Patchett – Iowa 31-24:
This game is so intriguing and difficult to predict. Similar teams in some key respects and either can certainly win this contest if it plays well. If you believe conventional wisdom that teams make the most improvement between their first and second games of the season, I think the edge goes to Iowa. Not having game video to view ISU seems less important to me than actually having played the first game of the season.
Iowa’s D-Line is one of the best ISU will see all year – and ultimately I think it makes the difference. The Cyclones D made almost unbelievable strides last year over 2016. So scoring points could be an issue for both teams despite the potential offensive firepower that both the Clones and Hawks have.
I expect to see the Hawkeyes Offense be a bit more consistent than in last week’s game – and especially fewer dropped passes. I expect either David Montgomery or Hakeem Butler to have a very good game – but not both of them. Iowa’s D remembers what ISU’s Offense did in Ames last year – and they want to make amends.
HawkeyesMic.com; @HawkeyesMic on Twitter
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