Iowa-Iowa State Football Rivalry Resumed in 1977

The Iowa Hawkeyes secured a 12-10 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones in 1977, marking the return of their football rivalry after a 43-year hiatus and the first appearance of the Cy-Hawk Trophy.

Historic Rivalry Resumes

The football series between Iowa State and Iowa, known as the Cy-Hawk game, dates back to 1894. The teams played regularly until 1934, when Iowa's head coach, Ossie Solem, ceased scheduling future games. This break lasted over four decades, with the rivalry resuming in 1977.

The Iowa Hawkeyes The 1977 contest was notable as the first time either team entered the matchup nationally ranked, with Iowa State holding the No. 19 spot. The game also introduced the official Cy-Hawk Trophy, which has since become a symbol of the rivalry. Game Highlights and Key Plays The Cyclones scored first with a punt return touchdown by sophomore Tom Buck. Iowa responded with a 77-yard rushing touchdown from Dennis Mosley, who later achieved 1,267 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in his senior year. The Minnesota Vikings selected Mosley in the ninth round of the 1980 NFL Draft. Iowa extended its lead to 12-7 after a touchdown by tailback Jon Lazar, despite two missed extra points. Iowa State narrowed the gap to 12-10 in the second quarter with a 42-yard field from Scott Kollman. Broadcasters described this kick as "Herculean" due to the distance and wind conditions, contrasting with modern expectations for such attempts. Turnovers and Missed Opportunities

Iowa State's freshman quarterback, John Quinn, faced challenges throughout the game. A fumbled pass by a receiver, recovered by Iowa's Shanty Burks, ended one drive. Later, Quinn threw an interception to Hawkeye defensive back Dave Becker, who recorded six interceptions across the 1977 and 1978 seasons. The Chicago Bears drafted Becker in the 11th round. The Hawkeyes' defense consistently pressured Quinn, leading to missed first downs and a sack. With four minutes remaining and Iowa leading 12-10, Kollman attempted a 49-yard field for Iowa State, but it missed wide right and short. On the Cyclones' final drive, Quinn lost the ball on a hit from linebacker Dean Moore, recovered by John Harty, sealing Iowa's victory. Aftermath and Series History Following the game, Iowa fans rushed the field, celebrating the end of the long rivalry drought. Iowa head coach Bob Commings secured his first win against Iowa State. Iowa State's coach, Earle Bruce, remained for one more season, beating Iowa in 1978 before moving to Ohio State.

The 1977 Cyclones finished their season with an 8-4 record, culminating in a Peach Bowl appearance where they lost to North Carolina State. The Hawkeyes, despite their win against Iowa State, ended their season 5-6 after a subsequent 41-7 home loss to Arizona, missing a bowl game.

Since the 1977 resumption, Iowa has won 30 Cy-Hawk games compared to Iowa State's 17. The Hawkeyes notably achieved a 15-game winning streak from 1983 to 1997. The 2026 Cy-Hawk game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on a Saturday at Kinnick Stadium, marking its first night game since 2016.