OurQuadCities (WHBF) — There are three guarantees in life: death, taxes, and the Cy-Hawk game coming down to the wire.

“Whether it’s here or there, it’s going to be a hard-fought game. That’s what history has shown,” said Kirk Ferentz, Iowa football’s head coach. “Lot of tough moments, and hopefully some good ones. I just know this. To have a good one, you really need to earn it, and it’s tough.”

The Iowa defense will have its hands full. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht is completing nearly 70% of his passes, and led the Cyclones to a come-from-behind win against Iowa a year ago.

“(Becht’s) definitely a winner. I mean, I think last game he went 19 for 20 passing,” said Zach Lutmer, an Iowa defensive back. “He’s a fast quarterback, can get out of the pocket, he has a lot of knowledge, he likes to get the ball out quick, and he is just very decisive in his throws as well.”

“(Becht’s) just done a really good job. He plays like a veteran, and he did that at a young age. So, you know, his poise is impressive. Just the way that he runs the team, and doesn’t make big mistakes is really impressive, and we are going to need to be at our best,” Ferentz said.

The Iowa State defense is also strong this season, and giving up just 14 points per game.

“Yeah, really just all the different fronts, and like their backers and safeties,” said Xavier Williams, an Iowa running back. “It really is just a totally different look than what I’ve seen before. So gotta study more tape , and just be ready on Saturday.”

It’s a game where, historically, every play matters. The last seven matchups in the series have all been decided by 10 points or less.

“Each and every year is different, it’s a different thing. Different teams, different structures,” Lutmer said. “We just gotta go in there ready to play. I don’t think the past has anything to do with it, but we just all need to be on the same page and ready to play.”

“Having those guys on special teams as weapons, and also offensively when we only need to get to the 40-yard line to get into field goal range, whether that’s the 2-minute drill or on any drive, it makes it a lot easier for us,” said Mark Gronowski, Iowa’s quarterback.

“I go into every game like it’s going to come down to me,” said Drew Stevens, Iowa’s kicker. “That’s just the way I think about it. Based off of previous Iowa football, too, I feel like traditionally it shouldn’t be a surprise if it comes down to something like that. Obviously, I would love it if we won by like a million points, too. That would be awesome.”

The Hawkeyes and Cyclones square off on Sept. 6 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.