One of the biggest rivalries not many people know about goes off this weekend when the No. 9 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes host their in-state counterpart Iowa State.  Both teams are coming off impressive victories in week one and have been waiting for this match-up all summer long. 

The trash talk has been amped up as the Cyclones try to avenge a 35-3 blowout to the Hawks a year ago. The latest college football lines show that Iowa State is getting 13.5 points on the road.

Paul Rhoads shocked everyone but himself when he led ISU to their first bowl game in four years during his inaugural season.  The Clones dominated Northern Illinois 27-10 last Thursday in a game that was expected to be much closer than that. 

QB Austen Arnaud completed 27 of 36 passes for 265 yards.  Interceptions have been an issue in the past and Arnaud did throw two in the opener, but he seems to be making better decisions with the ball. 

RB Alexander Robinson is one of the best backs in the Big 12.  He rushed for 97 yards and two scores against a very stout defense including a 63 yard scamper.  TE Collin Franklin was used in a variety of ways against NIU, catching five passes for 75 yards.  WR Darius Darks had a team high six receptions. 

The offensive line dominated the Huskies at the line of scrimmage and will have their hands full with arguably the top defensive front in the nation when they face Iowa.  Star safety David Sims will return from a one game suspension adding depth to a defense that has many new faces. 

They operate under the bend but don’t break mentality and will need their “A” game versus a balanced offense.

Iowa scored on their first four possessions against Eastern Illinois and romped to a 37-7 victory in their opener.  Ricky Stanzi put a scare into the Hawkeye faithful when he limped off the field in the second quarter.  The Ohio born quarterback looked sharp, throwing for 229 yards and a score.  RB Adam Robinson was the main story on offense, however, rushing for a team high 109 yards and three touchdowns. 

He will go back to splitting duty with Jewel Hampton (returns from suspension) as the two back system was very successful for the Hawks last year.  Stanzi spread the ball around with four players catching three passes or more. 

WR Colin Sandeman had a team high four receptions for 59 yards.  FB Brett Morse caught the lone touchdown pass.  The defense manhandled the FCS opponent, holding the Panthers to 157 total yards and below three yards/carry. 

Adjusting to the unique spread scheme that Iowa State loves to run will offer the first test of the season for Iowa.  Nearly the same defense is back from a year ago and that unit turned the Cyclones over six times in 2009.

The line opened at -14 and has dropped a half point so far.  Iowa State’s offense has not scored in 14 straight quarters against the Hawkeye defense.  What makes this match-up so interesting is that it has been played nearly even recently. 

ISU treats this game with much importance, while Iowa looks at it as just another game.  This is a similar spread to 2008 when Iowa State covered by a point.  Iowa is the much better team, but it doesn’t matter in a game like this.  Take the points.

Play: Iowa State +13.5

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