Iowa State vs Iowa Prediction Game Preview

Iowa State vs Iowa prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 2, Saturday, September 9

Author:
Pete Fiutak
Publish date:
Sep 9, 2023

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Iowa vs Iowa State Prediction and Preview

Sep 2, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara (12) throws a pass against the Utah State Aggies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports — © Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa vs Iowa State Prediction How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 9
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
How To Watch: FOX
2023 Record: Iowa State (1-0), Iowa (1-0)
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Why Iowa Will Win

So THAT'S what a downfield pass for a touchdown pass looks like.

Michigan transfer QB Cade McNamara hung up a perfectly thrown 36-yard scoring pass to Seth Anderson in the first minute of the 24-14 win over Utah State, and followed it up with a three-yard touchdown pass to fellow Michigan transfer TE Erick All, and the defense took care of everything else.

No, the final score wasn't beautiful, but the D didn't allow a touchdown until the final moments.

Iowa State's offense didn't do anything great in the 30-9 win over Northern Iowa. 250 yards, a pick-six from the defense, help from the special teams - the team pieced together points.

Northern Iowa controlled the time of possession battle, but ...

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Why Iowa State Will Win

The Iowa running game didn't go anywhere.

Utah State's defense is solid, but after not getting the ground game going last year, and with offensive line issues over the last few seasons, it wasn't a good start for the Hawkeye front five.

Iowa State is still working through the issues around the sports gambling controversy, but QB Rocco Becht was solid in place of former projected starter Hunter Dekkers - Becht completed 10-of-13 passes for 113 yards and two scores. Despite the lack of overall offensive pop, the ground game averaged five yards per carry.

And you know how this works ...

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Iowa vs Iowa State Who Will Win

Both offenses will struggle to score, every point will be earned, and it might be the first to two wins.

Iowa won six in a row before losing a brutally ugly 10-7 fight last year. Expect more of the same as both running games will struggle, both defenses will come up with big stops, and field goals will matter.

Cade McNamara will be the difference. Spencer Peters completed just 12-of-26 for Iowa in last year's game. Having a veteran passer who can keep things moving will make all the difference.

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