Big Game Chalk Talk: Iowa-Iowa State returns to ABC
ABC Sports
In 1977, the voice of ABC Sports’ Chris Schenkel introduced “The Big Game” to his television audience.
“When the ball is touched in the field of play,” Schenkel said, “the clock will start, resuming a rivalry long overdue.”
Saturday will mark the eighth Iowa-Iowa State appearance on the ABC family of networks.
The Hawkeyes have won six of the previous seven, but the Cyclones triumphed last time, 23-3, in 2005.
Iowa's Jeremiha Hunter brings down Iowa State quarterback Austin Arnaud during Iowa's 35-3 win last season in Ames. The Cyclones visit the Hawkeyes on Sept. 11. Andrea Melendez/Register File Photo
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The Hawkeyes (54) and Cyclones (56) have a combined 110 in-state players on their rosters, including walk-ons.
“It’s definitely a great feeling to have the support of the whole state behind you,” said Iowa running back Adam Robinson, a graduate of Des Moines Lincoln. “You know, whenever I go back home I always hear, ‘congratulations’ and ‘good luck’ and ‘good job,’ things like that. It’s just a great feeling to have the whole state behind you.”
Trophy Streak
Iowa has won seven straight games involving a traditional rivalry trophy, including the last two meetings for the Cy-Hawk Trophy.
Other trophy games include Minnesota (Floyd of Rosedale) and Wisconsin (Heartland).
“I didn’t even know that,” Hawkeye cornerback Micah Hyde said. “It’s cool to get your trophy games. It adds a little bit, but when it comes do to it, you’ve got to win every game you possibly can.”
Turf Talk
Last time The Big Game was played at Kinnick Stadium (2008), players slogged through rain-soaked sod.
“The field was all torn up,” Hawkeye defensive back Tyler Sash said. “You weren’t sure coming out of a break if your foot was going to be underneath you.”
The following offseason, an artificial surface was installed.
“I was kind of against the idea the first time I heard we were going to get turf,” Sash said. “After we practiced a few times, I liked it a lot. It’s pretty sure-footed. You don’t have to worry when it’s raining what style of cleats you’re going to wear.”
Best Guess?
What do the state’s loudest college football voices say about the game?
Visitors first.
John Walters of the Cyclone Radio Network says:
“If the Cyclones take better — scratch that — take MUCH better care of the ball this year, I think they have enough weapons to have a chance at the end. It sure wouldn’t hurt if the defense came up with some takeaways — a strength of defensive coordinator Wally Burnham.”
Iowa State 21, Iowa 20.
How about Gary Dolphin of the Hawkeye Radio Network?
“With experience returning at quarterback and receiver, one would think both teams want to throw early and often. That might be true if Kirk Ferentz and Paul Rhoads weren’t crafting the game plans.
“Iowa wants to be true to its 60-40 run-pass mentality. Playing a top 10 team on the road, Iowa State wants to run the ball effectively and cause turnovers like at Nebraska last season.
Turnovers are the equalizer. I think the Hawkeye’s defense, kicking game and fans are the difference.”
Iowa 27, Iowa State 10
The Equalizer?
Iowa State’s got the secret weapon on its side.
Assistant coach Bob Elliott has a 15-1 record as a coach in this game. He’s 4-0 against Iowa as a Cyclone assistant, and 11-1 against Iowa State as a Hawkeye assistant.
His lone blip was as an assistant at Iowa in 1998 — when the Cyclones broke a 15-game drought in the series with a 27-9 win in Iowa City.
Category: Iowa Hawkeyes Football
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