Iowa doesn't have losing streaks to its in-state rival Iowa State on the gridiron very often, but the Hawkeyes are in one of those streaks right now. 

After losing six in a row from 2015 to 2021 (no matchup in 2020 due to COVID-19), the Cyclones have turned the rivalry back in their favor, winning three of the last four meetings over Iowa, including victories the last two years. 

The Hawkeyes are heavily favored to reclaim the Cy-Hawk Trophy this season under the lights at Kinnick Stadium, but until they actually take care of business on the field, all we can do is look back at the past. 

Though it technically was vacated by the NCAA and doesn't count in the record books, Iowa's last win in this series was back in 2023.

Yes, since there were people covering the game and watching from the stands, this game still happened and had an effect on both team's 2023 seasons, so it's worth taking a second look. 

The lead up to the 2023 meeting feels very similar to the upcoming 2026 battle - an experienced Iowa team taking on a young Iowa State squad. 

The Hawkeyes struggled to an offensively-challenged 8-5 mark in 2022, but the acquisitions of quarterback Cade McNamara and tight end Erick All from Michigan gave Iowa fans hope things would be different in 2023. 

On the flip side, Iowa State was in the midst of a transitional period under Matt Campbell, having gone 4-8 and finishing in last place in the Big 12 in 2022. Similar results were expected in 2023, as the Cyclones featured a young roster that included redshirt freshman quarterback Rocco Becht. 

Both teams opened the year on a high note. Iowa defeated Utah State in a scorching-hot opener at Kinnick Stadium, while Iowa State bested Northern Iowa, 30-9. 

The Hawkeyes began the year ranked No. 25 in the preseason AP Poll, but lost their ranking after scoring only 24 points against the Aggies. They would thus enter this Week 2 battle in Ames unranked. 

Jack Trice Stadium was once again sold out for this matchup, but Iowa was clearly the better team from the start. McNamara and Co. were far from perfect, but an eight-play, 80-yard touchdown drive gave the Hawks a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. 

The Cyclones appeared to snatch a bit of momentum back when McNamara's pass was intercepted, but Becht returned the favor two plays later. Hawkeye safety Sebastian Castro read the play perfectly and took it to the house for a 17-3 lead and essentially the game-winning touchdown. 

Iowa State attempted to rally from a 20-3 fourth quarter deficit, but defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett slammed the door shut with a fourth down stop to preserve Iowa's sixth consecutive victory at Jack Trice Stadium. 

HawkeyeRoundtable is giving away TWO tickets to Iowa's season opener against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5! 

This is easily the biggest giveaway we've ever done on this site, and it's a great opportunity for two lucky fans to experience the joy of attending a Hawkeye football game at Kinnick Stadium. 

Click here to automatically become a member to enter the contest! Additional contest details can be found in our community section, too! 

HawkeyeRoundtable publisher Brad Schultz has covered the Iowa Hawkeyes since 2023. To send him story ideas, scoops, or criticize his writing, reach him at [email protected]