Scouting the Enemy: Iowa State Cyclones

Record: 2-0 (Wins over South Dakota St and Kent State) 2007 Record: 3-9 Head Coach: Gene Chizik (2nd Season, 5-9 at Iowa State) All-Time Series: Iowa leads 36-19 Last Meeting: Iowa State 15 Iowa 13 (2007 at Iowa State) In-state rival Iowa State will enter Kinnick Stadium on Saturday for another clash with the Hawkeyes. As in 2006, the Cyclones will come into the game with an unblemished 2-0 record after home wins over South Dakota State and Kent State. Iowa leads the all-time series against Iowa State 36-19 including a 20-11 advantage against ISU since the series resumed in 1977. The Cyclones have had some recent success against Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz who is only 3-6 against ISU. However, Iowa has won 3 of the last 5 meetings. The Cy-Hawk Trophy will once again be on the line on Saturday, and with only a few days before the big game let’s take some time to scout the hated Cyclones from Iowa State. OFFENSE Iowa State has been using a quarterback rotation on offense during their first two games and from all indications will give both playing time on Saturday as well. Sophomore Austin Arnaud started against both South Dakota State and Kent State, and he will get the start against Iowa. Phillip Bates, who most Iowa fans will remember from last year as the receiver who hauled in the key pass on ISU’s game winning fourth quarter drive, will also get some snaps on Saturday. Arnaud is more of a pro-style type passing QB while Bates is a dual threat that looks to run more. Through two games, Arnaud has completed 20 of 26 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. He has yet to throw an interception. Bates is 8 of 14 passing with 109 yards and two TD passes on the season. Bates also leads the Cyclones in rushing with 138 yards on 17 carriers through two games. Running back duties have been split so far between the combo of Jason Scales, JJ Bass, and sophomore Alexander Robinson. Those three backs are averaging under 3 yards per carry between them. Robinson has rushed for 74 yards on 15 carries, and Scales has carried the ball 26 times for 50 yards with two touchdowns. Iowa State’s leading receiver is senior R.J. Sumrall who has eight receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns. DEFENSE One of the keys to Iowa State’s early success this season has been turnovers. The Cyclone defense has forced 10 turnovers, five fumbles and five interceptions, in their first two games. Five different players have come up with an interception. Iowa State has given up quite a few yards in their first two games, especially on the ground. Their opponents have averaged 380 yards per game and 210 yards rushing for 6.2 yards per carry. Linebacker Michael Bibbs leads ISU with 16 tackles through two games. On special teams, Iowa State has blocked two kicks and Cyclone kicker Grant Mahoney is 5 for 6 on field goals this year. The Hawkeyes will welcome Iowa State to town on “Blackout Saturday” looking to avenge last year’s 15-13 loss in Ames. During that game the Cyclones never got into the endzone but scored all 15 points via field goals. This season Iowa has allowed only 3 points so far against less than stellar Maine and Florida International. The Cyclone offense will provide a much tougher test for the Hawkeye defense. Shutting down the passing attack and keeping Phillip Bates contained will be one of the keys on Saturday. If they can do that and limit turnovers on offense, the Cy-Hawk Trophy will be coming back to Iowa City where it belongs.