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Iowa's quarterback choice remained unsettled in this preview: Hank Brown started against Northern Illinois, but Jeremy Hecklinski also took first-half series. Brown finished 12-of-20 for 129 yards and a touchdown; Hecklinski went 7-of-16 for 76 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The article does not confirm a Cy-Hawk starter.
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Iowa RB LJ Phillips hurt his ankle against Northern Illinois and appeared unlikely to play against Iowa State, according to the preview, not a confirmed team ruling. Kamari Moulton ran for a career-high 183 yards and two touchdowns in the opener; the writer sees potential for a larger role if Phillips is unavailable.
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Iowa State started Trevor Bindel at right guard against SEMO but split his snaps with Austin Barrett; the preview says that competition may remain unresolved. The offensive line allowed pressure to reach Jaylen Raynor and generated only just over 100 rushing yards against the FCS opponent, leaving protection and run blocking as concerns entering Iowa.
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Iowa State generated six sacks against SEMO, including three by Isaac Terrell. The preview describes Jesse Bobbit's new defense as more aggressive than Jon Heacock's prior scheme and notes Bobbit's Washington State unit produced 31 sacks last season. The opener established pressure production, but against FCS competition rather than Iowa's line.
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Iowa State QB Jaylen Raynor completed 50% of his passes for about 180 yards with two passing and two rushing touchdowns in the opener. The preview flags downfield accuracy as a concern: last season he threw three touchdowns and six interceptions on attempts of at least 20 yards. That is historical context for the Iowa test, not a forecast of turnovers.