Iowa State @ Iowa preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 12, 2009 ) Iowa 35, Iowa State 3

As excited as Hawkeye Nation may be about Iowa’s chances of winning its third straight game over instate rival Iowa State, it’s even more pumped up about the return of running back Jewel Hampton.

The sophomore, who many think can be the game-changer that the ninth-ranked Hawkeyes will need this season to challenge for a Big Ten championship, is expected to play in the annual battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy Saturday at Kinnick Stadium.

Hampton, who missed the entire 2009 season after knee surgery to repair a torn ACL, has been impressive in preseason camp and will be paired with fellow sophomore Adam Robinson in a one-two running duo that few other programs can match. Hampton was ready to go in the opener, a 37-7 win over Eastern Illinois, but was suspended in the aftermath of a June arrest for public intoxication.

In Hampton’s absence last week, Robinson, who set a freshman season rushing record in 2009, rushed for 109 yards and three first-half touchdowns against Eastern Illinois.

It was an impressive win for the Hawkeyes, who also benefited from a sharp performance from quarterback Ricky Stanzi, who was 18-of-23 for 229 yards and a touchdown, and a defensive effort that held Eastern Illinois to only 157 total yards and six first downs.

Iowa State beat Northern Illinois 27-10 at home in Ames last week, and looked more at ease under second-year coach Paul Rhoads. Alexander Robinson, the team’s offensive centerpiece with more than 1,100 yards last season, rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

Quarterback Austen Arnaud, who was recruited by Iowa, completed 27-of-36 passes for 265 yards, but was intercepted twice.

Arnaud’s play this week must be better than it was in last year’s 35-3 loss to Iowa, in which he was picked off four times. In that game, Iowa forced six turnovers, including three interceptions by defensive back Tyler Sash. Arnaud worked on his passing delivery during the off-season and is said to have improved his play in Rhoads’ spread offense.

The Cyclones held Northern Illinois to only 249 total yards last week. Redshirt freshman linebacker Jake Knott led the way with nine tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

Iowa leads the series 38-19, including wins the last two seasons, but Iowa State has won seven of the last 12 matchups. Iowa also is 22-11 in the series since 1977, when the Cy-Hawk Trophy was first awarded.

Both teams appear to be pretty healthy for the matchup. Iowa linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (hand) is questionable, but backup offensive lineman Josh Koeppel, who walked away from a moped collision with a truck, has been cleared to play. Iowa defensive end Broderick Binns, who was suspended from the first game for a DUI arrest in July, is expected to play.