The Cy-Hawk Game That Changed Everything
The 1998 Cy-Hawk Game: A Turning Point for Iowa Football
The 1998 Cy-Hawk game was a pivotal moment in the history of Iowa football. The Hawkeyes, led by first-year head coach Kirk Ferentz, were coming off a disappointing 3-8 season in 1997. Ferentz's job was on the line, and a loss to Iowa State would likely have resulted in his firing.A Dramatic Victory
The game was played in Ames, Iowa, on September 12, 1998. The Hawkeyes trailed 24-14 at halftime, but they rallied in the second half to win 27-24. The victory was Iowa's first over Iowa State since 1992, and it snapped a three-game losing streak to the Cyclones.The win was a huge boost for Ferentz and the Hawkeyes. It gave them confidence and momentum, and it helped to turn around their season. Iowa finished the 1998 season with a 7-5 record, and Ferentz was named Big Ten Coach of the Year.
The Birth of a Rivalry
The 1998 Cy-Hawk game also marked the beginning of a new era of rivalry between Iowa and Iowa State. The two teams have played every year since then, and the game has become one of the most intense rivalries in college football.The rivalry is fueled by the close proximity of the two schools and the passion of their fans. The game is always played in a hostile environment, and it often decides the Big 12 North Division championship.
The 1998 Cy-Hawk game was a turning point for Iowa football and the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry. It was a game that saved Ferentz's job, and it sparked a new era of excitement for Hawkeye fans.
Additional Information
Here are some additional details about the 1998 Cy-Hawk game:
- The game was attended by a crowd of 47,205, which was the largest crowd to ever attend a Cy-Hawk game at Iowa State's Jack Trice Stadium.
- Iowa quarterback Matt Sherman threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
- Iowa running back Sedrick Shaw rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown.
- The Cyclones were led by quarterback Sage Rosenfels, who threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns.