IOWA-IOWA STATE FOOTBALL BATTLE WILL MOST LIKELY BE ANOTHER "EL ASSICO"

 For some Iowa and Iowa State fans, this week is the absolute creme de la creme.  I wish I could share in that delight, but I never have.  It's always a struggle week for me.  Call me a spoil sport, but the Hawk-Cyclone rivalry is one I'd rather not see.  I'm sure Iowa's dominance in the early years has something to do with it.  Do I think Iowa has more to lose than win in playing the game...probably.   Heck, it might be our family trash talking that takes place that has something to do with it as well.      

This Saturday, Iowa State is favored by 2.5 to 3.5 points.  That's probably about right considering the game is being played at Jack Trice Field in Ames.  But if past years is any indication that won't mean a thing.  Last year, Iowa was a 3.5 favorite to win.  As we all know, that didn't happen as the Hawkeyes squandered a 13-point lead and lost 20-19.  It took a 54-yard field goal by freshman Kyle Konrardy to provide the upset.  

Will Konrardy come through again? 

Iowa enters the contest with a 47-24 edge in the series.  The Hawkeyes have not lost in Ames since 2011.  I'm sure those numbers will have much to do with the #16 Cyclones mindset entering the game.  But once the whistle is blown and play begins....all things are possible.  And some of them totally strange.  The Cy-Hawk Series is famous for producing bizarre and unpredictable results, regardless of the teams' records.  This phenomenon is so consistent that some fans refer to the game as "El Assico" to describe the strange, often ugly, but compelling games that frequently occur.       

Here are a number of other strange happenings according to AI:

1.  The 1897 Cy-Hawk game involved a controversial Cyclone touchdown in the second half that was allowed despite claims of an illegal by the player who committed the foul.  Iowa State won 12-0.

2.  In 2007, an Iowa State team that had already lost o Northern Iowa and Kent State predictably beat Iowa 15-13, adding another layer of weirdness to the series. 

3.  In what was dubbed, "El Assico", Iowa State led Iowa 9-3 at halftime.  The second half saw zero points from Iowa State and one field goal from Iowa.  The final score of 9-6 was a testament to the game's offensive ineptitude. 

4.  In 2014, ISU kicker Cole Netten missed a game-winning field goal attempt.  But an Iowa timeout negated the play, giving him a second chance, which he made to secure a 20-17 Cyclone win. 

5.  Iowa has been noted for questionable clock management decisions in the Cy-Hawk Series, such as calling timeouts when it seemed to benefit the opponent.   

Today is Tuesday.  Four days away from another Hawkeye-Cyclone skirmish.  There most likely won't be anyone any happier that this game will be over other than me.  Then,,,,two days later I get to do it all over again when my Bears tangle with the Vikings on Monday Night Football.  Geesh.