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FACTS & STATS: Site: Jack Trice Stadium (55,000) -- Ames, Iowa. Television: FSN. Home Record: Iowa 1-0, Iowa State 1-0. Away Record: Iowa 0-0, Iowa State 0-0. Neutral Record: Iowa 0-0, Iowa State 0-0. Conference Record: Iowa 0-0, Iowa State 0-0. Series Record: Iowa leads, 39-19.

GAME NOTES: In what is always an interesting matchup for those that live in the Hawkeye State, the Iowa State Cyclones will host the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series battle at Jack Trice Stadium.

Kirk Ferentz's 13th season at Iowa started like the past 10 campaigns, with a win. The Hawkeyes clobbered Tennessee Tech, 34-7, on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Like many games last Saturday, weather played a role, as this matchup was delayed for an hour and 24 minutes. Last year the Hawkeyes posted their third straight winning campaign and also played in their third consecutive bowl game. Iowa has won each of those bowl matchups, including last year's 27-24 decision over Missouri in the Insight Bowl.

The Cyclones escaped a disastrous start to the new season, as the team needed a touchdown in the final minute of regulation to get past Northern Iowa by a 20-19 margin. Iowa State has suffered through four losing campaigns over the last five years, and that includes last season's 5-7 mark. After this matchup the Cyclones will have their first road test of the season when they take on Connecticut.

The rivalry between Iowa and Iowa State has picked up some steam since the late 1970's. Since 1977 these two schools have squared off on the football field every year. However, before the 1977 campaign the Hawkeyes and Cyclones did not meet since 1934.

Overall, the Hawkeyes own a commanding 39-19 edge over Iowa State and have won six of the last eight matchups, including three in a row. During that three-games span the Hawkeyes have outscored the Cyclones 87-15.

Replacing Ricky Stanzi under center was the big question for Ferentz in the off-season. He settled on James Vandenberg, and the decision seems to be the right call.

In the opener, the junior signal caller completed 13-of-21 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores went to Marvin McNutt Jr, who finished with 140 yards and six receptions. McNutt is the only returning receiver with any real experience, so expect Vandenberg to lean on McNutt once again this Saturday.

Iowa also had to replace its top running back from last year, but Ferentz did have a capable option in Marcus Coker back in the mix. Coker, who rushed for 622 yards last year, had just 41 in the opener against Tennessee Tech. Surprisingly Mika'il McCall led the way with 91 yards on only nine attempts. Coker will get the start against the Cyclones, but look for McCall to get involved in the rushing attack once again.

The Hawkeyes have held the opposition under 20.0 ppg four consecutive seasons, but with only four starters back from 2010 that streak could be in jeopardy. That was not the case though in the opener, as Iowa held Tennessee Tech to just seven points. Coach Ferentz's defense did a strong job against the pass, holding TTU to just 156 yards, while also collecting two interceptions, one of which was returned 89 yards by Shaun Prater for a touchdown.

Where the Hawkeyes usually have great success is against the run, but Tennessee Tech found some holes and finished with 140 yards. This unit should be well prepared for an Iowa State team that had trouble finding the end zone in its opener.

Even though the Cyclones were not at their best offensively, they were still able to find the win column. The team needed 13 fourth quarter points, including a touchdown in the final minute of action, but that was enough for Iowa State to earn the 20-19 win.

Just like Ferentz, coach Paul Rhoads had to replace his starting quarterback from 2010. Where the two coaches differ though is in the results of their decisions, as Ferentz's new starter played well, while Rhoads' choice, Steele Jantz looked overwhelmed.

Jantz completed less than 50.0 percent of his 40 passes and while he did throw a touchdown pass, he was also intercepted three times. Jantz made up for his poor passing by leading the rushing attack with 80 yards and two scores on 20 attempts.

Clearly Rhoads is going to rely heavily on Jantz throughout the season, but his mistakes will prove costly more often than not, and there is little doubt that Iowa's defense is looking forward to forcing the junior into more turnovers.

As for coach Rhoads' defense, the unit could have its hands full against an Iowa offense that put forth a strong effort in its opener against Tennessee Tech.

The ISU defense was far from perfect against Northern Iowa, as the Panthers gashed Iowa State's front line for 204 yards on 42 carries. Stopping the run has been an issue for the Cyclones for five consecutive seasons, and it would appear that the defense will have problems in that area once again.

Overall, the Cyclones only forced one turnover in the win and did not get to the quarterback once. A lack of pressure would severely hurt Iowa State's chances of winning this Saturday, so this unit needs to find a way to get to Iowa's signal caller.

Sure the Cyclones opened the year with a win, but it was not an impressive decision. Now the Hawkeyes come to Ames and they will likely follow Northern Iowa's foot steps and use a heavy dose of their rushing attack. Look for Iowa to run away with this contest.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Iowa 31, Iowa State 9