Iowa football vs. Iowa State expert predictions nationally

The Cy-Hawk game is one of the hardest games to predict every year.

Regardless of each team’s record and perception entering the game, it always seems to come down to the wire. That’s been especially true recently, with the last four matchups being decided by one possession. That makes this game so difficult to get a gauge on.

On paper, the Hawkeyes should have the advantage this season. They’re playing at home under the lights with an experienced coaching staff and strong roster. The Cyclones enter this weekend as firm underdogs, a role that head coach Jimmy Rogers seems happy to embrace. Iowa State is going to be scrappy on Saturday.

College football experts are taking a stab at choosing the winner of this year’s Cy-Hawk game. Here’s a look at some of their predictions:

Iowa vs. Iowa State expert predictions

Bleacher Report: Iowa 23, Iowa State 17. David Kenyon of Bleacher Report is picking the Hawkeyes to win a close one on Saturday. Here's what he had to say about the game.

"As usual, this should be a defensive battle. Six of the last seven winners of the Cy-Hawk Trophy managed no more than 20 points. I anticipate Iowa clipping the mark, given the sweeping offseason changes for Iowa State. Still, in true Iowa fashion, it probably won't be comfortable, either."

USA TODAY Sports: All seven experts at USA Today are rolling with Iowa to win the Cy-Hawk game.

Athlon Sports: The three experts at Athlon Sports all picked Kirk Ferentz's squad to get a victory on Saturday.

Sports Illustrated: Iowa -690. Iain MacMillan of Sports Illustrated is picking the Hawkeyes to win straight up on the money line. He explained his reasoning.

"Iowa State defeated an FCS team, Southeast Missouri, but a score of just 38-10 in Week 1. That's concerning as they move on to face power conference competition. This is going to be a rebuild year for the Cyclones, so I expect them to get steamrolled by a Hawkeyes team that is coming off a 40-0 win against Northern Illinois."

College Football News: 12 of the 14 experts at College Football News picked Iowa to get a win in this rivalry game.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football vs. Iowa State expert predictions nationally