For the first time since 1978 a ranked Iowa State team will play an unranked Iowa team in the Cy-Hawk series. Off to a 2-0 start, the Cyclones are 16th in the latest AP Poll. ISU coach Matt Campbell is 2-6 against the Hawkeyes but the Cyclones will be looking for two in a row after a 20-19 win in Kinnick Stadium a year ago.

Campbell calls it a unique rivalry because it is always played so early in the season.

The rise of Iowa State under Campbell has put the national spotlight on this series. Since 2019, ESPN Gameday has been to Ames twice for this series and Big Noon Kickoff on FOX will be there this week.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht says the national attention for the series is deserved.

Becht says he has learned a lot about this rivalry since arriving on campus.

Cyclone tight end Gabe Burkle says the level of national respect for this series is growing.