The iowa state vs iowa rivalry delivered another hard-fought battle Saturday night as Iowa defeated Iowa State 16-13 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The 73rd edition of the Cy-Hawk rivalry came down to a late field goal, with Iowa kicker Caden Buhr drilling a 42-yarder with less than two minutes remaining.
For fans following iowa vs iowa state, the matchup was the first major test of the season for both teams. Iowa entered the iowa iowa state game after defeating Northern Illinois, while the Cyclones were coming off a win over Southeast Missouri State.
Iowa vs Iowa State Score
The final iowa score was Iowa 16, Iowa State 13. Both teams scored only one touchdown, while field goals played a major role throughout the contest.
Iowa State kicker Kyle Konrardy made two field goals, including a 51-yarder. However, Buhr’s late 42-yard kick gave the Hawkeyes the decisive advantage.
The result ended Iowa State’s recent momentum in the cyhawk game, while giving iowa football an important rivalry victory.
Iowa State Football Relies on the Run
The iowa state football offense established a run-heavy identity during the first half. Iowa State recorded 20 rushing attempts compared with just eight passing attempts from quarterback Jaylen Raynor.
Aiden Flora led the Cyclones with 11 first-half carries for 32 yards. Wide receiver Omari Hayes also contributed with a 15-yard jet sweep, while Raynor added 11 rushing yards on three carries.
Despite the emphasis on the ground game, Iowa State’s only touchdown came through the air. Raynor used play-action near the goal line and connected with tight end Vince Benetti for the score.
Flora ultimately finished with 89 rushing yards on 19 carries, while Raynor recorded 18 yards on eight carries.
Defense Defines the Iowa-Iowa State Game
The low-scoring nature of the iowa iowa state football matchup was largely a product of strong defensive performances rather than constant offensive mistakes.
Neither team found the end zone more than once. Iowa State’s defensive front also limited Iowa running back Kamari Moulton, who finished with just 57 rushing yards and no touchdowns.
That was a significant change from Moulton’s previous performance against Northern Illinois, when he rushed for 183 yards and two touchdowns.
Third-down efficiency was another important factor. Iowa finished 5-for-15 on third down, while Iowa State converted only 4-of-13 attempts.
Special Teams Make the Difference
Special teams proved crucial in the iowa vs iowa state football showdown.
Iowa punter Boston Everitt had six punts for 264 yards, averaging 44 yards per punt. Two of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line, helping Iowa control field position.
Iowa State’s Jonah DuPont punted seven times, including a long of 58 yards. Freshman Ethan Gurney added one punt that was downed inside the four-yard line.
With the game tied late, Iowa’s special teams produced the biggest play of the night when Buhr converted his 42-yard field goal with under two minutes left.
Iowa State Offensive Line Keeps Raynor Clean
One of the positives for isu football was the performance of the offensive line. Raynor was not sacked during the game, allowing the young quarterback to remain comfortable in the pocket.
When protection broke down, Raynor also showed an ability to escape pressure and create plays with his legs.
The Cyclones’ offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths early in the season. Iowa State had allowed only one sack against Southeast Missouri State, and that came late with backups on the field.
Offensive lineman Jake Taylor emphasized the team’s commitment to establishing the run.
What the Cy-Hawk Loss Means for Iowa State
The isu vs iowa defeat gives Iowa State an early-season setback, but head coach Jimmy Rogers stressed that there is still plenty of football remaining.
The Cyclones return to Ames next Saturday for an 11 a.m. kickoff against Bowling Green. Iowa, meanwhile, will continue its season with the rivalry win providing an important boost.
For iowa state, the biggest takeaway may be the strength of its defense and offensive line. The Cyclones held Iowa to 16 points and prevented Raynor from being sacked, but they could not generate enough scoring opportunities to leave Iowa City with the Cy-Hawk Trophy.
Iowa Football and Iowa State Football Rivalry
The iowa state vs iowa rivalry remains one of the most anticipated sporting events in the state. Known as the Cy-Hawk game, the matchup brings together the Hawkeyes and Cyclones in an annual in-state battle where field position, defense and turnovers can be decisive.
While names such as Kirk Ferentz, Hank Brown, Tony Diaz, and the broader iowa football schedule may be part of the wider conversation around the Hawkeyes and Cyclones, the 2026 meeting ultimately came down to defensive execution and a late kick.
The 16-13 result gives Iowa another memorable victory in the iowa iowa state rivalry and leaves Iowa State looking ahead to its next opportunity to respond.
Iowa State vs Iowa Final Score
Iowa 16, Iowa State 13
Venue: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City
Game: 73rd Cy-Hawk matchup
Decisive play: Caden Buhr’s 42-yard field goal with under two minutes remaining
Next for Iowa State: Bowling Green in Ames
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