Iowa vs. Iowa State Prediction and Picks, Saturday, September 6, 2025
Two fierce in-state rivals go head to head in Week 2 of the college football season and you can get the inside track with our Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Iowa State Cyclones prediction and picks. This game kicks off Saturday at 11am CT (12pm ET) at Jack Trice Stadium, home of the Cyclones. These teams last met in 2024, with the Cyclones winning 20-19 on the road.
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Hawkeyes face big test
Iowa got off to a solid start to the 2025 season last week by dispatching FCS Albany 34-7 at home last week, but its rival presents a different challenge altogether in Week 2. The Hawkeyes will doubtlessly be looking for more from South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski. The quarterback completed just eight of 15 passes for just 48 yards, though he did get a two-yard completion over for a touchdown while also picking up a rushing TD. The star of the show was Xavier Williams: the RB picked up 122 yards on 11 carries with a TD, averaging 11.1 yds/carry.
The defense, as always, carries the load, but they will need more from the offense to win this contest against the rival.
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Cyclones hit the ground running
No. 22-ranked Iowa State has wasted no time in finding its stride in the new season. The Cyclones opened in Week Zero with a thrilling 24-21 win over No. 17 Kansas State before crushing FCS South Dakota 55-7 on Saturday. Rocco Brecht has been exceptional so far, completing 95% of his pass attempts (19-20) against South Dakota and throwing for 278 yards and three TDs. He set the school record for single-completing percentage with that mark. They also set a kicking record as Kyle Konrady nailed a 63-yard field goal on Saturday to break Seneca Wallace's record in 2001 against Baylor (22 of 24).
Iowa vs. Iowa State pick
Spread Pick for Iowa vs. Iowa State
- Cyclones -3.5 (4 units)
The Cyclones are looking great right now and I am backing Brecht to drive them to cover against their Iowa rivals. The Iowa State QB has accumulated 461 yards and five TDs through the air in his first two games while not throwing a single INT. Iowa State also got the better of Iowa last year in a tight 20-19 road win and will be confident of stretching the margin of victory at home. The Cyclones are 2-0 ATS already this year and went 3-1 ATS in 2024 against non-conference opposition.
Take the Cyclones
Over/Under Pick for Iowa vs. Iowa State
- Over 41.5 (4 units)
I like this Iowa State offense a lot and am backing this one to land on the over Saturday. The Cyclones scored at a rate of 31.1 points per game in 2024 while allowing 22.9 ppg. Iowa is also used to big-scoring games and went 10-3 last year on the over. The Hawkeyes' strength lies on the ground: they ranked 24th in NCAAF last year with an average of 197.2 rushing yards per game and scored 2.3 rushing TDs per game, placing 20th. Iowa State gave up 188.4 yds/G on the ground in 2024 and if it remains vulnerable, there is a good chance of a big total going up this weekend.
Take the over.
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