Yes, the title is true; we legally cannot lie to you. We are partnered directly with BetMGM to give you this limited-time offer!!
Claim this offer following the steps below:
- Sign up by clicking here
- Select “Register”
- Deposit $10+
- Finally, place a $10+ bet on Iowa vs. Iowa State and get $200 in bonus bets!
Game Analysis:
The battle for the CY-Hawk Trophy, which is awarded yearly to the winner of the Iowa vs. Iowa State game, is something both fanbases can look forward to every year, no matter what the outlook for the rest of their team’s season is. This is a non-conference matchup, so it usually takes place early in the season, and can really set the tone for each team’s season, as a big rivalry win early in the season can give you some serious momentum. Both teams come into this game with a record of 1-0, as each squad was able to handle their inferior week 1 opponent as a tuneup to this battle. This matchup is nearly identical to the 2022 matchup in Iowa City, when Iowa State pulled out a 10-7 road win, in the sense that each team remains elite defensively, while questions remain about both offenses.
Let’s take a look at the visiting team in this matchup, the Iowa Hawkeyes, who dropped out of the AP poll following an unimpressive 24-14 win at home in week 1 against Utah State. We all know the story of Iowa football the last few years: elite defense, but the offense always holds the team back from their true potential. Their matchup against Utah State last week couldn’t have started any better, with 2 touchdown passes from new QB Cade McNamara to jump out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. However, the rest of the game was much more reminiscent of the past Iowa teams, with the defense only allowing 14 points, but the offense putting up only 10 more points to finish with 24. If Iowa’s offensive coordinator, Brian Ferentz, wants to keep his job following this season, he needs to turn this trend around fast, as a clause in his contract states that Iowa must win 7+ games, and must average 25 points per game in order for him to get a contract extension. Iowa should have no issues winning 7 games, but scoring just 24 against a mediocre Utah State defense isn’t an ideal start for him. Unfortunately, he faces a much tougher challenge this week with the very tough Cyclones defense.
A lot of what was said about Iowa in the paragraph above applies to the host team, the Iowa State Cyclones, as well. Like their in-state rivals, they had question marks on offense coming into the season but knew they could compete with anyone because of their incredible defense. Following their 30-9 week 1 win at home against Northern Iowa, the Cyclones definitely have some positives to build upon, including the defense’s usually dominant performance, which included an interception return for a touchdown to start the game. Also, their new starting QB, Rocco Becht, had a solid and efficient season opener scoring 3 total touchdowns. However, it goes without saying that this offense faces a much tougher defense this week, one of the best in the entire nation, so this will really answer most questions that remain about the Cyclones offensively.
Bet on either team and get $200 in bonus bets!
———
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&Cs apply.
