There was no other way 2023’s Cy-Hawk rivalry matchup could have started.

The Hawkeyes defense bent but refused to break on the first Iowa State drive of the game. Cyclones kicker Chase Contreraz attempted a 36-yard field goal that was blocked by the Hawkeyes defense. This ended a 15-play, 57-yard drive from the Cyclones.

Perfection:

Iowa then launched a 7-play, 70-yard drive that ended in a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. 62 of those 70 yards came on the ground.

And this Hawkeyes defense is already proving to be stout, as always. The Hawkeyes forced a 4-play punt the defensive drive following their earlier blocked punt.

The Hawkeyes have won 6 of the last 7 Cy-hawk rivalry games, but the Cyclones were able to snap a 6-year streak in 2022. Iowa looks to reclaim Cy-Hawk trophy Saturday afternoon.