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Iowa vs. Iowa State: Rocco Becht difference in Cy-Hawk rivalry

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh09/03/25griffin_mcveigh
NCAA Football: Aer Lingus Classic-Iowa State at Kansas State
Aug 23, 2025; Dublin, IRELAND; Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht during the Aer Lingus Classic between Iowa State and Kansas State at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO via Imagn Images

For the 72nd time, the Cy-Hawk Trophy is up for grabs between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones. Ames will host this go-round, with plenty of attention on the game. FOX will have the broadcast and even bring Big Noon Kickoff along with them.

A few days ahead, predictions are in for the matchup from Josh Pate. He is going with the Cyclones to win by just over a field goal, admitting there is some bias in the equation.

“I have, well, a complete inability to be unbiased here,” Pate said. “I am going to go with Iowa State to win and cover. Three-point game, four-point game, something like that.”

Iowa State has won two of the last three between these two, both coming in Iowa City. To find the program’s last home win, you have to go all the way back to a triple overtime victory in 2011. Head coach Matt Campbell is hoping to break a lengthy drought.

So what is going to get the Cyclones over the hump? Pate is pointing all fingers at quarterback Rocco Becht. The Iowa run game in its opener against Albany got Pate’s attention, especially since new quarterback Mark Gronowski did not have the most eye-popping debut. But Becht gets the nod from the college football analyst.

“Until further notice, though, Rocco Becht is the difference for me,” Pate said via Josh Pate’s College Football Show. “Rocco Becht is the difference for me over the Iowa run game.”

Two games into the season, Becht has been nearly flawless. A conference game against Kansas State and home opener vs. South Dakota resulted in 461 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Completing 33 of 48 passes for a percentage of 68.8 is pretty good as well.

Pate’s other potential key, the Iowa run game, looked just as impressive. Yes, Albany was the opponent. However, whenever your total rushing yards begin with the number three, something went right. Xavier Williams led the way with 122 yards on just 11 carries. Now, everyone will wait and see if it translates in any fashion against Iowa State.

Based on Pate’s prediction, a good game should unfold inside Jack Trice Stadium. Five out of the last seven have been decided by at least one score. One key can wind up being the difference in earning a rivalry win — one you hope sparks momentum throughout the season.