Iowa football takeaways from Iowa State’s 2-0 start

IOWA CITY — Heart-pounding action, sold-out stadiums and a rivarly worth more than just bragging rights.

Sounds like Cy-Hawk Week.

Iowa football (1-0) has a chance to take back the crown after No. 22 Iowa State (2-0) ripped it away in the final seconds at Kinnick Stadium last season. The Hawkeyes have historically done well at Jack Trice Stadium, winning the last six road games and boast a 22-8 all-time record in Ames.

That doesn’t mean it’ll be a walk in the park for either program. Iowa State is the early betting favorite by just -2.5, and there’s no such thing has normal in collegiate rivalries.

So get to know this year’s Cyclones, with five things we’ve learned through Iowa State’s first two games of the regular season.

1. Rocco Becht’s confidence is sky-high

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has led the Cyclones for the last three seasons. Each year, he’s elevated the program’s potential, including a first-ever the double-digit win season in program history.

Through the opening two games, it’s clear Becht has full control inside the pocket. He’s already recorded five passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, including a record-breaking 95-percent completion rate against South Dakota.

Becht has proven himself to be a threat in the early parts of the season, and his momentum could set up an entertaining quarterback battle between him and Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski.

2. Tight ends in play

Don’t let Brett Esklidsen’s first two games fool you, Becht has been pretty reliant on the tight end room. Although Esklidsen already has nearly 150 receiving yards on five catches, the Cyclones’ offense has opted for players like Gabe Burkle and Benjamin Brahmer.

All three of Becht’s touchdown passes went to tight ends against South Dakota — and all three passes were in the red zone. Yes, Esklidsen is going to get his chances, but Iowa State is also trying to diversify its options away from the sophomore receiver.

3. What about the pass rush?

The Cyclones have only recorded one sack and three quarterback hurries in two games. The defense has been mostly reliant on a three-man front, led by Ikenna Ezeogu, Tamatoa McDonough and Domonique Orange. Iowa State didn’t have any sacks against South Dakota, but still made things difficult on third down.

The bigger adjustment was playing with a full, five-man front at the line of scrimmage. Both Kansas State and South Dakota had a combined 40 percent third down conversion rate against the Cyclones, and a majority of those unsuccessful conversions came with a five-man front.

The Hawkeyes’ mature offensive line will come in handy, even if the Cyclone defensive front hasn’t put any massive pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

4. Stellar special teams

Just like Drew Stevens nailed a career-long field goal in the Hawkeyes’ home opener, Iowa State kicker Kyle Konrardy did the same for the Cyclones. Konrardy drilled a 63-yard field goal against South Dakota, making it the longest-made field goal at Jack Trice Stadium.

Iowa State’s punt returner Aiden Flora had two major returns, one for 66 yards and the other for 51. He nearly returned the 66-yarder for a 99-yard touchdown, but an official review marked him out of bonds.

There’s a chance this year’s Cy-Hawk game comes down to special teams performances yet again, whether it be a battle between the kickers or which unit gets better field position late. Konrardy did it just a year ago, and Stevens has had his fair share of game-changing kicks, too.

5. Improving the run game

After the Cyclones only had 89 rushing yards against Iowa last season, Iowa State remained pretty reliant on the passing game. So far this season, however, that run game has shown improvement.

Iowa State ran for 130 yards against Kansas State and another 223 yards against South Dakota. The Week 0 game against Kansas State showed off how balanced the Cyclones can be on offense, while the Week 1 matchup let the running backs play free — and potentially evaluate which player will help against the Hawkeyes this week.

Comments: madison.hricik@thegazette.com