Leistikow's Cy-Hawk prediction, 5 ways Hawkeyes can avoid a big upset
hawkcentral.com • • sports
Key Points:
- ESPN's FPI gives Iowa an 84.5% chance to beat Iowa State in the Sept. 12 Cy-Hawk game at Kinnick Stadium, with Iowa favored by 14 points.
- Iowa's strengths include a dominant run game, strong defense, and experienced coaching under Kirk Ferentz, while Iowa State's path to victory relies on physical defense, clock management, and big plays.
- Key strategies for Iowa include avoiding turnovers, converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, limiting big plays by Iowa State, effectively managing quarterback rotations, and maintaining composure under pressure.
- Iowa State's advantages include a dynamic punt returner, a physical defense with strong pass rush, an experienced quarterback, and a superior kicker.
- The prediction favors Iowa to win 28-16, with running back Kamari Moulton expected to have a breakout game and the defense forcing a critical turnover to secure the victory.
