Iowa State is looking for its first win in this series since 2014 and the Cyclones may never have a better chance. The Hawkeyes are coming off an anemic offensive performance, even by their standard. They managed just 109 yards of total offense and just three points against South Dakota State. Fortunately, Iowa's defense contributed four points on two safeties and the Hawks won anyway. Iowa State handled its FCS foe in a more appropriate manner. I like ISU to win, but I don't trust them enough to take the money line, so I'll take the points.

Iowa’s touchdown-less opener last Saturday was, in some respects, a carryover from 2021. QB Spencer Petras has delivered one measly TD pass against eight picks in his last seven starts. The Hawkeyes did knock off their in-state rival early last year but with just 173 offensive yards. With a game total threatening to enter the 30s, a low score seems certain, and an underdog getting more than a field goal provides value.

Iowa's offense can't be as bad as it showed last week when it managed a field goal and two safeties, right? RIGHT?!?! There will be enough tweaks made to the offense this week to at least get into the end zone two or three times because I still have faith that Spencer Petras can still be, at the very least, an average quarterback by Iowa standards. The Cyclones showed a very balanced attack last week when they topped Southeast Missouri State 42-10. We have seen some weird stuff in the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy, and you'll see them want to make an offensive statement vs. the Hawkeyes.