In the long scheme of college football history, the University of Iowa has had a much longer and storied tradition than rival Iowa State. But there is a perception that Iowa has consistently been a national title contender while Iowa State is the dregs. While a comparison of the last century will certainly support that assessment, the last decade shows the gap is closing, despite common perception.
The highs Iowa have experienced versus Iowa State may seem higher, but there is a perception that the Hawks are perennially national title contenders while the Cyclones would be better off as a mediocre I-AA team. Uh…no. That’s not what the recent numbers say. Iowa does definitely have a slight edge overall, but Iowa State has absolutely owned the rivalry, and as any Ohio State or Michigan fan can tell you, that definitely counts for a lot–especially when one of those wins costs your rival a shot at the national title.
Hawkeyes/Cyclones Comparison Last Ten Years:
The “Dominant” Iowa team: 58-51 overall record, 2 Big Ten titles, 3-3 bowls, highest ranking: 8th, 2 losing seasons, 1 BCS game.
The “Cakewalk” Iowa State team: 50-58 overall record, 2-3 bowls, highest ranking: 6th, tie for Big Twelve North title, 2 losing seasons.
Most of Iowa’s success came in two seasons: the second which resulted in an 11-1 season, Big Ten Title, and their BCS game where USC absolutely dominated them. Their only loss before that? The one and only Iowa State, who were ranked as high as 6th before a murderous schedule and lack of supporting cast around Seneca Wallace doomed them–despite some very close games against excellent Texas and Colorado teams.
In addition, in the rivalry, Iowa State is 7-3 out of the last 10 games–including one span of 5 in a row. As far as rivalries go, that’s dominance.
Iowa has had a better run. They have one BCS game to ISU’s none, 2 Big Ten titles to ISU’s one shared Big 12 North title, one more bowl win and eight more victories. But many of those accolades came four or five seasons ago. ISU has dominated the rivalry, and the two programs are not that far apart in the now. The common belief that Iowa is light years beyond Iowa State is ludicrous–and if they had to play Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech consistently, they would be seen as what they are: a mid tier program struggling to regain momentum.
Both teams are mediocre this season, though Iowa will end up with a better record in a terrible Big Ten conference, while ISU is in full rebuilding mood while having to deal with Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, and Texas Tech. The difference between bowl records is a Hail Mary that gave Iowa a win, with the still controversial FG that ISU fans still swear should have given them a victory over Alabama.
Iowa has done better, but ISU is in rebuilding mode while Iowa seems to be declining or struggling. Iowa has a cup cake schedule in a mediocre Big Ten and shouldn’t have any problem making a bowl, while the heavily rebuilding Iowa State is showing some strong signs of life. It’ll be interesting to see how these teams play out. Iowa has a better over all record, but they are four years removed from their last dominant record, and definitely not dominanting Iowa State: unless a 3-7 rivalry record counts 🙂
List of Sources:
“Tradition, Cyclones Traditions” http://www.netitor.com/photos/schools/iast/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/04mg-tradition.pdf
James Howell, “All Time Division I Scores” http://www.jhowell.net/cf/scores/IowaState.htm
“Iowa Hawkeyes Football,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_Hawkeyes_football
“Iowa State Cyclones Football,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_State_Cyclones_football
