Today marks the 70th total meeting between fierce rivals Iowa and Iowa State. It is the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy, a prize first introduced back in 1977. The game has been an annual tradition since then, with game sites alternating back and forth between Ames and Iowa City.
Last year, the Cyclones walked into Kinnick Stadium and snapped a six-game losing streak. Interestingly enough, Iowa State’s last three trophy wins have come in Iowa City, all three meetings decided within three points. This is almost always a tough, competitive game, as shown by last year’s 10-7 final.
These two teams and fanbases know each other very well, and place this game at the top of the list every year. This isn’t one of your new manufactured rivalries that have popped up through realignment in recent years. This is the type of intra-state rivalry that dictates whether your season is a success or not. The only thing Iowans love more than corn is the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy.
This year’s edition, played in Ames, figures to be another good one. Both teams enter 1-0, and are looking to make a statement with conference play looming around the corner. Here is a look at the tale of the tape between the two squads.