Rewriting Rivalry: The Cy-Hawk Turning Point

1998: A Game-Changing Moment

The 1998 Cy-Hawk game marked a pivotal moment in both the rivalry's history and the trajectory of Iowa State football. The Cyclones entered the season with a dismal 2-9 record in 1997, leading to mounting pressure on head coach Dan McCarney. The game, played before a packed house in Kinnick Stadium, became a defining moment.

McCarney's Job on the Line

McCarney's job hung in the balance as the Cyclones took the field. The team had lost four of their first five games and desperately needed a win against their in-state rivals. A loss would have likely sealed McCarney's fate and potentially ended his tenure in Ames.

A Thrilling Triumph

Despite the weight of expectations, the Cyclones defied the odds and pulled off a stunning upset. Led by quarterback Sage Rosenfels, Iowa State rallied from a 17-0 deficit to defeat the Hawkeyes 27-24. The victory was the Cyclones' first in Kinnick Stadium since 1985 and snapped a nine-game losing streak to Iowa.

A New Era for the Rivalry

The 1998 victory marked a turning point in the Cy-Hawk rivalry. The Cyclones' resurgence injected new life into the matchup, which had become one-sided in favor of Iowa in the 1990s. The game also marked the beginning of a period of sustained success for Iowa State football under McCarney.

McCarney's Redemption

The 1998 win served as a vindication for McCarney. The victory proved that he had the ability to turn around a struggling program and build a winner. McCarney would go on to coach Iowa State for 12 more seasons, leading the Cyclones to four bowl games and a Big 12 North division title in 2002.

A Resurgent Rivalry

The 1998 game also marked the beginning of a more competitive Cy-Hawk rivalry. The Cyclones would go on to win five of the next eight meetings, including a 44-41 overtime thriller in 2011. The rivalry has become one of the most intense in college football, with both teams consistently battling for Big 12 supremacy.

Conclusion

The 1998 Cy-Hawk game was a watershed moment in the history of the rivalry. The Cyclones' upset victory saved McCarney's job, sparked a new era of competitiveness in the matchup, and set the stage for Iowa State's resurgence as a football power.