It is almost time for kickoff in the Cy-Hawk game and that means it is almost time for fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones to hunker down for three hours of a close, stressful contest.
What is being predicted as a close game by many, could be a resume-building win for each of these programs in Week 2 and jumpstart their 2024-25 season with an exciting win.
One thing that is always expected in this game is tough, hard-nosed defense. These teams are both stout on that side of the ball, which has lent itself to the total points set at 35.5 points in this one.
ESPN has marked the total points as their best bet of the week to take in this one. They think that the Iowa offense may have some fireworks ready to go with Tim Lester.
Week 2 best bet: Iowa State at Iowa OVER 35.5
I’m putting my reputation on the line taking the over in an Iowa game. It might be a bold move this early in the season, but here we go. In 2023, Iowa was involved in the four lowest over/under totals in college football history:
- Iowa vs. Nebraska: 24.5 points (lowest ever)
- Iowa vs. Rutgers: 27.5 points
- Iowa vs. Northwestern: 30.5 points
- Iowa vs. Minnesota: 30.5 points
All four games hit the under. However, I’m here to say this is a brand-new Iowa offense. With Tim Lester as offensive coordinator, the Hawkeyes are poised for change. Lester’s extensive coaching experience, including a successful tenure at Western Michigan where his teams consistently ranked in the top 35 nationally in total offense, bodes well for Iowa’s potential. – Pamela Maldonado, ESPN
Iowa’s offense looked like it finally found life in the second half of last week. Cade McNamara was able to complete passes downfield and stretch the defense. He utilized Luke Lachey, Jacob Gill, and Reece Vander Zee to work the entirety of the field.
In the backfield, Kaleb Johnson exploded and will be available for all four quarters this week. Out wide, Kaleb Brown returns to bolster the receiver group even more. The two Kalebs give Iowa playmakers and explosive athletes who can bust a big gainer at any moment.
Unlike other years where this rivalry has been a bare-knuckle fist fight, this chapter could still be a boxing match, but it may just feature a few more points.
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