Rob Gray

A mistake-filled mixed bag for the No. 14 Cyclones, who staved off the Red Wolves’ stirring upset bid, 24-16, on a sweltering September afternoon in the “Natural State.”

Iowa State is supposed to win this game big and needs to do so to maintain its course as conference front-runner through the first third of the season. Here are 3 keys to victory for the Cyclones against Arkansas St.

Neither of ISU’s lead backs seems to care who gets most of the carries from quarter to quarter or game to game. Sama and Hansen have formed a tight bond that makes them a true tandem — a potent 1-2 combination the Cyclones (3-0) can lean on heading into Saturday’s matchup with the host Red Wolves (1-1) and beyond.

The No. 14 Cyclones’ defense’s tendency early this season to surrender a touchdown right after the offense drives into the end zone.

Quarterback Jaylen Raynor was Sunbelt Conference Freshman of the Year in 2023

He predicts Cyclones will find out a lot about themselves when when they travel to Arkansas State this Saturday

The Cyclones gave up two lengthy scoring drives to Iowa on Saturday — with each spanning an energy-sapping 16 plays — but slammed the door shut to preserve a 16-13 Cy-Hawk series triumph at a sold-out Jack Trice Stadium.

Iowa State kicker Kyle Konrardy simply reprised his role as the Cy-Hawk game’s strong-legged marquee star, drilling a 54-yard field goal to beat Iowa for the second year in a row on Saturday before a sellout crowd of 61,500 at Jack Trice Stadium.

The Gazette sports writers Madison Hricik and Mike Hlas joined by The Gazette correspondent Rob Gray to discuss the upcoming 2025 Cy-Hawk football game at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Here’s what The Gazette thinks Iowa State Cyclones keys to victory against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Cy-Hawk series this Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium.

Legendary Cyclone quarterback Brock Purdy never beat Iowa. Becht could improve to 2-1 against the Hawkeyes.

Becht seeks to become ISU’s first quarterback to win two games against the Hawkeyes since the legendary — and stunningly erratic — Steele Jantz accomplished the feat in 2011-12.

“It’s super fun getting out there with three of my best friends out on the field together,” said Burkle, who hopes to help ISU (2-0) beat Cy-Hawk series rival Iowa (1-0) at 11 a.m. Saturday (Fox) at Jack Trice Stadium.

Cyclones could see different look when Hawkeyes come to town Saturday, but will see stellar offensive line and defense

Iowa State looking for second straight win over Hawkeyes when teams meet at Jack Trice Stadium