Iowa vs Iowa State Prediction - College Football Picks 9/9/23

Iowa State Cyclones (1-0) vs Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0)

Game Info: Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 3:30 pm (Jack Trice Stadium)

Betting Odds: Iowa State Cyclones +3 -- Over/Under: 38.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Iowa Hawkeyes will make the two-hour trip to Ames to take on the Iowa State Cyclones this weekend from Jack Trice Stadium on FOX. Iowa and Iowa State have faced off for the Cy-Hawk trophy for over 120 years, with the Hawkeyes leading the all-time series 46-23. ISU snapped a six-game skid in last year’s matchup, 10-7.

Iowa Hawkeyes Preview

Iowa comes in at 1-0 after opening the season with a 24-14 home win over Utah State. The Hawkeyes failed to cover the large margin, but they did hold the Aggies to six points until a final possession touchdown. The Iowa offense gained 284 total yards, passing for 196 yards, while gaining 88 yards on the ground.

Iowa Player Notes

• Cade McNamara looked solid in his Hawkeye debut, passing for 191 yards and two touchdowns in the win over USU. The former Michigan QB already looks like a better solution to the notorious offensive problems Iowa had, and he’ll look to leave his mark in this rivalry spot.

• Kaleb Johnson struggled to find room in the opener outside of a 21-yard gain, finishing with 63 yards on 19 carries, but he did manage to find the endzone.

• Luke Lachey has a very good chance to follow the likes of George Kittle and TJ Hockenson and become the next great Iowa tight end after the departure of Sam LaPorta. The junior pass catcher led the Hawkeyes in receptions (7) and receiving yards (73), and he’ll look to build on that performance here in Ames.

• The Iowa defense held Utah State to 5/17 on third downs, while allowing 329 total yards.

Iowa State Cyclones Preview

Iowa State opened the season with a 30-9 win over in-state foe Northern Iowa. The Cyclones covered the light seven-point in the matchup with the Panthers, and they’ll look to double down with another in-state victory here against the Hawkeyes. The Iowa State offense gained 250 total yards, gaining 116 yards through the air, while rushing for 134 yards.

Iowa State Player Notes

• Second-year quarterback Rocco Becht made his first start last week against Northern Iowa, and he managed the contest pretty well from a statistical view, going 10/13 for 113 yards, while scoring three touchdowns (2 pass, 1 rush). ISU only went 3/15 on third downs, so Becht will have to come into this contest a bit sharper versus a fierce Iowa defense.

• Sophomore back Cartevious Norton led the backfield with 49 rushing yards on eleven carries.

• Tight ends Tyler Moore and Benjamin Brahmer each caught touchdown passes, while tight end Easton Dean led the way with three receptions.

• The ISU defense held UNI to 3/15 on third downs, while allowing 279 total yards.

Corey’s Free Pick

This contest may resemble last year’s low scoring battle, as the offensive approaches look pedestrian again for both schools in Week 1. Iowa State comes in with first-time starter, and after featuring heavy tight end sets last week, they will more than likely take run-first approach again here. Iowa lives and dies by their physicality, and with a big advantage in that department, along with revenge on their mind, there’s a good chance they win this game. Back the Hawkeyes here, as their defensive prowess should travel well in-state, and they should be able to win the quarterback battle.