ISU and Iowa coaches both expect a tough game Saturday

Iowa State coach Dan McCarney says it is a special week for his coaches and team. The Cyclones prepare for the 48th meeting with the Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City. It’s the 19th game in the rivalry McCarney has been involved in. He says half of his staff and his team are from the state and it’s a very important game to all of them.McCarney says while the Hawkeyes are 0-2 they showed their potential against Kansas State.McCarney says while his team has plenty of experience, so do the Hawkeyes. He says they’re a team that knows how to play and doesn’t ever give up.After being part of Iowa’s turn around in the 80’s, McCarney was asked what happened to the program in recent years. McCarney says he has “no idea” and says Kirk Ferentz is an excellent football coach.The Hawkeyes are 0-2 after a loss to Western Michigan. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says the Hawks have put the loss behind them and now will focus on Iowa State. He says they have to do that after a loss and a win.The Iowa offense has had difficulty handling the blitz in the first two games and Ferentz is convinced they will see it again from the Cyclones.Ferentz was miffed after Saturday’s game when asked about the possibility of a winless season. He says he just doesn’t want the players thinking about that.Ferentz says there is a “circle the wagons” mentality this week. He says supporters may have backed off a little bit after Saturday’s loss, but Ferentz says he can take the heat.