Ad Disclosure
ESPN’s FPI predicts outcome of 2023 Cy-Hawk rivalry
By Paul Harvey
Published:
ESPN’s FPI is tackling a number of projections and predictions from Week 2 of college football. One game of particular interest is the Cy-Hawk rivalry between Iowa and Iowa State.
Though some rivalries are played closer to the end of the season, the in-state matchup between the Hawkeyes and Cyclones is a traditional early-season affair. That is no different this season with a nonconference battle for bragging rights on the line.
Ahead of the game, ESPN’s Football Power Index has updated projections, and the Cyclones are predicted to be the favorite. The FPI is giving Iowa State a 57.4% chance of coming away with the win and retaining the Cy-Hawk Trophy for another season.
Homefield advantage likely plays a role in that projection, but it’s certainly worth noting Ames has not necessarily been a safe haven for the Cyclones in the rivalry. Despite losing at home a season ago, Iowa has still won every trip to Ames since losing there in 2011.
Then again, a lot of the matchup also hinges on the overall health of quarterback Cade McNamara. He still dealing with a quad injury, and head coach Kirk Ferentz even announced Iowa is unable to call certain plays for McNamara due to his current health.
That could be a smokescreen by Ferentz for a rivalry game, but McNamara’s health could still play a role in the final outcome. As for the odds, DraftKings has the Hawkeyes as a -4 road favorite.
Saturday’s kickoff is set for 3:30 pm ET on FOX.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.