Hate week is in full swing and while perhaps no opponent is as familiar to Iowa fans as the Iowa State Cyclones, this year’s iteration of the Cy-Hawk series features a brand new regime in Ames. The Hawkeyes have not faced off with Jimmy Rogers as head coach previously so it’s time to get to know a bit about the new-look Clones.
In the words of the wise and sage-like Big Tom Callahan, you can get a good look at a t-bone by sticking your head up a bull’s rear end, but wouldn’t you rather take the butcher’s word for it?
So rather than sticking our head up anyone’s rear end, we’re asking our, uh, friends (?) over at Wide Right Natty Lite for the inside info on the Iowa State Cyclones. This week, we were joined by Jared Larson of WRNL for a quick Q&A ahead of Iowa’s matchup with ISU.
Here’s a look at our conversation.
BHGP: We’re one week into the Jimmy Rogers era in Ames. Week one was obviously a success. What is the general consensus amongst the fanbase on Rogers – what are the likes and dislikes (if any) thus far and how does he compare or differ from Matt Campbell?
WRNL: I can’t speak for the general consensus, but, I do truly believe how Rogers introduced himself at Hilton Coliseum got “Cyclone Nation” fired up to have him be Campbell’s successor. One of my friends told me, “he sounds like Shoresy!” Now, this isn’t the place to share linguistics, but I wonder if sounding “Midwestern” has helped coach Rogers win over at least one member of the fanbase. I’ve heard lots of good things by people who have bumped elbows with him around Central Iowa.
BHGP: With the staff turnover, there was notably a ton of changes to the roster. For Hawkeye fans looking to acclimate themselves to the new-look Cyclones, who are some key players to note on each side of the ball who could have an impact on Saturday’s game?
WRNL: Offensively, it all starts with No. 1, Jaylen Raynor. I think his growth will be foundational for how Iowa State looks this fall. Omari Hayes had two receptions for 54 yards and one rush for eight yards. Braden Smith, yes, even with a holding penalty that nullified an 85-yard rush, but he looked to be the most solid offensive lineman. Defensively, Isaac “Bobby” Terrell and Sullivan Schlimgen stood out. “Bobby” became the first player since Rashawn Parker versus Toledo (a triple overtime classic!) in 2006 to have multiple sacks in his Cyclone debut.
BHGP: In week one, Iowa State’s offense looked explosive. While Jaylen Raynor completed just 50% of his passes, the Cyclones had 5 passes go for more than 20 yards to three different receivers. What does this ISU offensive scheme look like and how were they so effective in picking up chunk plays against SEMO?
WRNL: The Cyclones prioritize dominating the line of scrimmage with a power ground game. They regularly run out of heavy personnel groupings, featuring two-tight-end sets (with Fortenberry and Benetti), full-house backfields with triangle sets, I-formations, H-backs/lead blockers and jet sweeps. I *believe* there was a play that featured nine offensive linemen. It’ll be interesting to see on Saturday.
BHGP: On the other side of the ball, Hawkeye fans have grown pretty familiar with Jon Heacock’s scheme. With Jesse Bobbit now running the defense, how have things evolved? The Cyclones turned over SEMO 3 times in week one and held them to just over 200 yards of total offense – how do you expect that to translate to the Cy-Hawk matchup with Iowa still searching for a starting QB while looking more capable on offense in their lone matchup?
WRNL: Iowa State’s defensive line generated relentless organic pressure in week one, accumulating four first-half sacks. Terrell anchored the pass rush with multiple sacks and behind-the-line tackles for loss, supported by sacks from Washington State transfer Jack Janikowski and Jace Gilbert. Iowa State proved it can collapse the pocket using a basic four-man rush while dropping seven defenders into coverage. A quarterback still searching for rhythm will face clogged throwing lanes without a clean pocket to set up in.
BHGP: Alright, prediction time. FanDuel Sportsbook opened with Iowa as a 12.5-point favorite in the spring. That’s climbed to 14.5 points early in Hate Week – a number we haven’t seen since 2016. What’s your prediction for this Cy-Hawk matchup and what are the keys to the Cyclones pulling off the upset in Kinnick?
WRNL: Man, that 2016 game was my first time in Kinnick and Saturday will be my seventh visit. A low-scoring battle is what I foresee where Iowa’s power rushing attack secures a close victory in the first half, but Jaylen Raynor’s dual-threat mobility and an aggressive Cyclone front four generate enough key plays to help Iowa State in the second half – with help from Dubuque’s own Kyle Konrardy. Will it be from 54 again this year? Time will tell. I’ll take ISU 24-21.
So there you have it, all the optimism in Iowa City is crushed and Kyle Konrardy cements his rent-free place in Hawkeye fans’ minds for all eternity.
Thanks again to Jared Larson from Wide Right Natty Lite for taking the time to talk Iowa vs ISU with us. Be sure to take a look at their other content from this week previewing the matchup. That includes my answers to his questions on the other end of this back and forth which will be out later this week.
Go Hawks!
