March 28, 2024

Cy-Hawk Classic

That was a fantastic game. Probably the best Cy-Hawk game ever.

I hate hyperbole. But no other game, in my lifetime for sure, had what that game had on Saturday.

The 2002 game featured what appears to be better teams. The triple overtime game won by Iowa State in Ames a few years back had more overtimes.

But Saturday’s game had it all.

Iowa goes from up 11 to down 10 very quickly. As soon as one team seemed to be in control, the other one came up with a huge play.

Iowa State came up with two huge stops defensively and then Jacob Park went to work through the air for the Cyclones.

David Montgomery and Akrum Wadley exchanged spectacular plays from the backfield.

Park and Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley matched each other yard for yard and score for score almost.

No one expected Iowa to be able to throw the ball like that.

Not many on the other side thought the Cyclones’ defense was capable of making so many plays in succession to slow down Iowa’s running game.

In the end, Iowa made a few more plays than Iowa State did and came out on top for the third straight season.

I had a front-row seat for the entire game. It was hot. I was tired and not feeling the best. But it was worth it.

I don’t know if they’ll play this game forever.

I don’t know if both teams benefit in the long run by playing the game. But that game Saturday was spectacular for both fan bases.

Newton’s own Nick Easley scored another touchdown and caught seven passes on the day.

I knew he would be a guy Iowa could count on this season. I didn’t predict he’d be the team’s leading receiver through two games.

He’s also the first receiver to play for Kirk Ferentz that caught touchdown passes in his first two career games. Right now, he’s making it look Easley.

Both teams should be able to have some fun this week.

North Texas is better than the team Iowa blew out a few years back that was coached by Dan McCarney. But the Mean Green, who played in a bowl game last year, are still a ways away from shocking the Hawkeyes.

Iowa State will play on the road for the first time this season, but Akron likely is a middle of the pack MAC school. The Zips (1-1) lost 52-0 to Penn State and blew out Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 52-3, in their first two games.

It would be nice if both teams got to rest starters in the second half. Depth can be an issue for both programs and any rest they can get throughout the season is a good thing.

Iowa jumps out to an early lead against North Texas. This is the first game we see a dominant rushing attack.

Akrum Wadley won’t have to touch the ball 25 times for the Hawks to win. James Butler will have his first 100-yard game, and Iowa fans get to see Toren Young carry the ball, too.

Prediction: Iowa 38, North Texas 10.

I don’t see Akron being able to slow down the Cyclones at all. Iowa State has scored more than 40 points in each of the first two games and I don’t see that streak ending this weekend.

Like Iowa, the Cyclones should be able to win this one on the ground. Iowa State’s offensive line does pass block better than they run block so Park may need to throw it 30 times for them to get to that 40-point mark.

Either way, Iowa State rolls. Prediction: Iowa State 45, Akron 17.

Contact Troy Hyde
at thyde@newtondailynews.com