For the first time in the storied rivalry between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones, both teams will be ranked in the top 10 for Saturday's matchup.

Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes are coming off a beatdown of the Indiana Hoosiers in Week 1 while Iowa State edged out Northern Iowa.

With College GameDay heading to Ames, Iowa for the battle and all the eyes of the college football world looking in on this game, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is playing it smart. Per 247sports.com, Ferentz, although genuine with his comments, hasn't stopped praising Iowa State.

“When it comes to Iowa State, they're not only a talented team but they are very experienced, and on top of that really well-coached, certainly since Coach Campbell and his staff have gotten into Ames. They've just done a wonderful job building a great program. I think we've all witnessed that last year, over the years but certainly last year, and they're off to a good start right now.”

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart walks the field during warmups as the Oregon Ducks face the Ohio State Buckeyes Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in the quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
Oregon football’s star WR ‘feared to have suffered significant injury’Jaren Kawada ·
Featured image Houston
Houston football 5-Star QB commit makes massive recruitment decisionDylan Fine ·
Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko reacts against the Southern California Trojans in the second half at Allegiant Stadium.
Mike Elko’s bold plan to make Texas A&M Aggies unstoppable in the SECRichard Pereira ·
Keelon Russell warms up before Alabama football A-Day 2025. Mandatory Credit: © Gary Cosby/Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Police confirms death of Alabama QB Keelon Russell ‘s twin sisterZachary Draves ·
Tensions at the season's end led to physical altercations among several HBCUs, prompting a rule change for the 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl.
2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl date & time revealedRandall Barnes ·
Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs down the sideline with a flag after a touchdown in the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium.
Michigan football rumors: Insider reveals ‘buzz’ surrounding Wolverines’ top targetScotty White ·

While Ferentz is as real as they get in the college coaching ranks, he is too wise to slip up and not do anything but praise what the Cyclones have done under Matt Campbell. And it's true, the program has been completely turned around for Iowa State and now they have legitimate dreams of winning the Big 12.

The Hawkeyes and Ferentz know Saturday will be quite the challenge.

“As I said, they've got really experienced players. They've got all the right players at the critical positions. A lot of guys with very deserved honors. It's going to be a big, big challenge for us.”

Keep buttering them up, Kirk!