Perhaps the BEST B1G Forum anywhere, here at College Football Fan Site, CFB51!!!

Iowa's defense looks as good as any.

Iowa's offense looks as mundane as ever.

Iowa State appears improved over last year. They have a QB that can throw, and a good to great experienced receiver corps.

Iowa's running game in Week 1 was hobbled probably due to the fact that starting LT Boone Myers was out, replaced by a red shirt freshman, and because starting center James Daniels was out. Daniels is back for the Iowa State game. Boone Myers remains out of action in Week 2.

Manny Rugamba is back in Week 2 for Iowa at CB.

This is a home game for Iowa State.

Butter fingers Iowa had 4-turnovers against Wyoming. There is no room for 4-turnovers in future games.

The return of James Daniels makes Iowa a slight favorite. Iowa has two excellent RBs (probably more than 2, but 2 that see action). The return of James Daniels at Center will open up Iowa's running game.

that's simply uncalled for

Iowa leads the all time series 42-22. 

They have played for the Cyhawk trophy every year since 1977.
-First they traded blows, going 2-2 against each other.
-Then, ISU took 3 in a row. 
-Iowa won the next 15 after that. 
-Then ISU took 5 in a row, ending with the 02 debacle.
-Since that time, ISU has taken this thing in 05, 07, 11, 12, and 14. 

In the early days, ISU won the first three, before dropping the 1899 game. 
They played every year from 1901-1920. ISU got 'em in 1906, 07, 11 and 15. 
They split a home and home in 1933 and 34, with the home team winning each game. 

Iowa should be able to lower the boom in this game. But they always should lower the boom in this game, which has been a royal pain in their ass since Kaptain Kirk showed up.

It's not as easy as it seems.  Yes, ISU is usually one of the weaker P5 programs, but it still out-recruits the majority of G5 and FCS schools.  Iowa used to crush ISU back in the 80s and much of the 90s because it had a considerably bigger talent and depth advantage.  While it still has the advantage in that regard, the disparity is considerably narrower these days than it was back when Hayden was roaming the sidelines.

Another factor is the style of play.  Iowa has run a pro-style offense forever and can beat deeper/more talented teams (i.e. Michigan last year) because it usually does a good job of running the ball, plays sound defense, and doesn't make a ton of mistakes (i.e. penalties/turnovers).  However, when opposing teams stack the box and force Iowa to throw, this advantage is nullified.  ISU isn't anywhere near as good as the top-notch Big 12 teams, but it still employs the same ethos - forget the T.O.P. battle, forget about playing defense, just heave the ball 40+ times and hope good things happen.  Iowa can get up by 14-17 points early on and ISU can erase that deficit with just a few quick strikes (Lazard would get a ton more love if he played for, say, Oklahoma or even oSu).

The formula is simple.  Iowa didn't play poorly against Wyoming, but it still has plenty of room for improvement.  If they don't turn the ball over, and if they can pressure the QB into making poor throws, they win.  If Park plays pitch-and-catch with Lazard, it could be a nail-biter.

It's a fine piece of art, no doubt. 

Instead, they've merely modernized the old one.