Iowa and Iowa State play a gritty matchup that left fans inspired.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa’s fourth-quarter drive and late defensive efforts allowed them to edge Iowa State 16-13 Saturday in week two of the 2026 Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series at Kinnick Stadium.
Iowa defeated the “pesky Cyclones,” as they might have said in a game between two rivals. The difference was made on production at the edge of the field, winning the line of scrimmage, and capitalizing when it mattered most in the fourth quarter. This game stunned many, as nobody would have given the Cyclones a chance. They soon would learn what Coach Rogers had in store.
The Cyclones jumped out to an early lead midway through the second quarter on a 29-yard field goal by kicker Kyle Konrardy. Iowa State drove down the field effectively to start the game, taking the 3-0 lead. Iowa State would extend the lead on their next drive. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor found tight end Vince Benetti for a 4-yard score to bring the score to 10-0. This stunned fans as what appeared to be a blowout was forming.
This hopeful start soon turned sour as Iowa responded on their next possession. Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown ended a 75-yard drive with a touchdown run from 1-yard out. Iowa kicker Caden Buhr would boot a 45-yard field goal through the uprights to tie the game 10-10 at the half after another tight defensive stand.
Konrardy, the Hawk Killer, would help Iowa State regain the lead early in the third stanza. The Cyclones kicker booted his second field goal of the game from 51 yards out to bring the score to 13-10. This field goal came after a 34-yard run by Iowa State running back Aiden Flora. Iowa State’s defense would maintain the advantage for a time, but Iowa’s defense came through with consecutive stops late that Iowa State needed to capitalize on.
These failed attempts soon once again came to haunt the Cyclones. Iowa would strike in the middle of the fourth quarter. The Hawkeyes would tie the game 13-13 off of a 32-yard field goal from Buhr. Iowa’s defense would force a three-and-out next. The Iowa offense took over healthy and drove down the field, highlighted by important runs from running back Kamari Moulton to get into Cyclone territory.
With 15 seconds left on the clock, Iowa went for the winning field goal. Buhr connected from 42 yards out to give the Hawkeyes the 16-13 victory. Iowa State would make one final desperation attempt on offense as time expired, but Iowa’s defense stopped the lateral pass chain near midfield and ran out the clock.
Just like that, a four year streak came to a close. What the Cyclones had done to the Hawkeyes for the last two years came back to haunt them. A game-winning field goal, this time from Hawkeye kicker Buhr.
There is much to learn here as the Cyclones have proven they can go toe-to-toe with true opponents. As for Iowa, they have their QB and look like a solid Iowa team, as seen in past years. Only time will tell how both teams' seasons come to a close.
Middle linebacker Cam Buffington led Iowa’s defense with 15 tackles on the day. Both teams are set to play easy opponents in week three. Iowa returns home next week and will host Northern Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa State falls to 1-1 and returns home for a matchup with Bowling Green.
Image Credit: USA Today
