Iowa State began the 2025 season so well that it reset expectations.

The Cyclones slayed a Big 12 rival in Ireland and returned home to defeat Iowa. ISU got off to a 5-0 start, and the goal of returning to the Big 12 Championship and breaking into the College Football Playoff looked attainable.

A four-game losing streak made those aspirations impossible. But now, with the Cyclones coming off a win at TCU and a bye week, could they win their final three games and call it a successful season? 

Beat reporters Ben Hutchens and Ethan Petrik discuss the top storylines for Iowa and Iowa State on CyHawk Talk.

Show rundown:

0:51 Does Ben expect to see backup Iowa State quarterbacks Alex Manske or Connor Moberly?

4:50 Finally, Jalon Daniels will play his last game against Iowa State

8:23 Zaimir Hawk is showing he could be an adequate Dom Orange replacement

9:57 Does Michigan’s 2024 upset motivate Iowa?

12:30 Iowa’s warring motivations for Saturday

14:08 The places Iowa is dealing with injuries

19:16 Predictions for Iowa State vs Kansas

22:20 Predictions for Iowa vs Michigan State

23:59 Does Iowa State winning out mean 2025 is a success?