Perception: The Iowa legislature has a law in the books that requires the schools to play this game.
Reality: No. There was some pressure from a few state politicians to get the rivalry plugged in again in 1977, but that was it, pressure. In this day and age, I just can't see a politician willing to risk any PR nightmares to stick their nose into this. I want my people making the world a better place (and keeping my taxes reasonable). I don't want them scheduling football games.
Perception: This game means more to Iowa State than Iowa.
Reality: Kirk Ferentz brought the Cy-Hawk Trophy out to practice on Sunday and delivered a colorful speech on the topic. I think the best way to describe the Iowa vibe here is that they hate losing it more than they love winning it. Going on that, you could argue it means more.
Perception: Iowa State is 0-2. Iowa State is an easy mark Saturday.
Reality: Iowa State is doing its best Iowa '06 impression. Turnovers and big plays have killed the Cyclones, which were the same bugaboos that bothered the Hawkeyes all last season. I don't know if ISU is the best 0-2 team in the country, but its better than 0-2. One thing I'll always, always, always give Dan McCarney great credit for is breathing life back into this thing. Raise your hand if you knew there was a Cy-Hawk Trophy before 1998. Rivalries are rivalries when the game carries a whiff of uncertainty. The thing will never swing 15 games one way again and it might not swing five games one way. It's fun again. I know it doesn't feel that way when your side loses, but I also know the wins feel that much better.
Perception: ISU AD Jamie Pollard's $90 ticket this year has risen eyebrows in Iowa City and put the rivalry in jeopardy.
Reality: ISU AD Jamie Pollard's $90 ticket this year has risen eyebrows in Iowa City but it hasn't put the rivalry in jeopardy. The contract terms will most assuredly change after 2010. Iowa State needs the gate. Iowa wouldn't want the PR stink from pulling the plug on the thing. They're stuck together. I doubt either school would want to take this to court, but the next written document will look a lot different.
Perception: Iowa will win by a lot, 44-7.
Reality: Iowa will win, 34-17.