Iowa State Vs Utah Football History

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

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25-11-2024

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The Early Years: A Series of Ups and Downs

The Iowa State Cyclones and Utah Utes football teams have been battling it out on the gridiron for over three decades. The first-ever matchup between the two teams took place on September 14, 1991, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. The Utes, then a member of the Western Athletic Conference, came out on top with a 22-17 victory.

In the early years of their rivalry, the series saw a string of close, hard-fought battles. From 1991 to 2001, the two teams played each other seven times, with Iowa State winning three of those matchups. One of the most memorable games during this period was in 1995, when the Cyclones pulled off a stunning 31-21 upset over the Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

The Big 12 Era: A Shift in Power

In 2012, Iowa State joined the Big 12 Conference, paving the way for more frequent matchups with Utah. The Utes, however, would not join the conference until 2019. During this period, the two teams played each other only twice, with Utah emerging victorious on both occasions.

The 2017 game, played at Jack Trice Stadium, was particularly noteworthy. The Utes, led by quarterback Tyler Huntley, dominated the Cyclones 30-14, with Huntley throwing for 227 yards and a touchdown.

The Modern Era: A Renewed Rivalry

With Utah's entry into the Big 12 Conference, the rivalry between the Cyclones and Utes is set to heat up once again. The two teams are now divisional opponents, ensuring that they will face off regularly in the years to come.

As the rivalry enters a new chapter, fans on both sides can expect intense, competitive matchups. The Cyclones, led by head coach Matt Campbell, will be looking to upset the Utes and assert their dominance in the conference. Meanwhile, Utah, under the guidance of head coach Kyle Whittingham, will be seeking to maintain their upper hand in the series.

The Series Record

As of the 2022 season, the Utah Utes lead the series 7-4.

• Iowa State wins: 4
• Utah wins: 7

Notable Games

• 1995: Iowa State 31, Utah 21 (at Rice-Eccles Stadium)
• 2017: Utah 30, Iowa State 14 (at Jack Trice Stadium)