Iowa is gearing up for the traditional Cy-Hawk rivalry matchup with Iowa State. This time around, the game will be played at Jack Trice Stadium, home of the Cyclones.

During Tuesday’s press conferences, a number of different players were asked about the environment in Ames. Star punter Tory Taylor dialed up a bit of sarcasm, referring to the environment as “pleasant” for the rivalry.

Taylor also — sarcastically — said it’s not like 8-year-olds are seen giving the “rude finger” in Ames.

“Well, I can really just remember how humble and modest their fans are out there,” said Taylor. “It’s a pretty nice place to play, it’s not like there’s 8-year-olds hanging over the fence, giving you the rude finger or anything like that. Excited to go back there and enjoy such a pleasant environment.”

Tight end Luke Lachey followed Taylor and also referenced remembering “a lot of little kids flipping us off.” That didn’t include the adults taking part in the practice.

Cade McNamara, the new starting QB for the Hawkeyes, will be playing his first version of the rivalry game. He said all he’s heard from his teammates are a number of middle finger stories, but he’s excited for the rivalry environment.

Regardless of the “salutes,” it has not bothered the Hawkeyes on the field. Iowa has not lost in Ames since a triple-OT defeat in 2011.

(H/T David Eickholt, Kyle Huesmann, Owen Siebring)