Whenever Iowa State and Iowa line up for their annual matchup, it’s a big game.

Even in down years — and there have been plenty of ’em — players and coaches still recognized the significance of this one yearly encounter.

Just look, for example, at last season. When the Cyclones marched off with a 27-9 victory, it showed that in this encounter, the team that wants it most is usually going to come away with a win, regardless of record or spread.

Of course, fans also recognize the importance of the game, many buying season tickets for this one contest.

So, recognizing the game’s importance whenever it’s played, how significant is the 1999 edition?

Try two decades or more of in-state supremacy.

In 1983, the Cyclones entered their contest with Iowa having won the previous three. Neither team could generally pop above the .500 mark, and neither had much tradition behind their programs.

When Iowa pulled off a 51-10 win over the Cyclones, they started a painful streak that seemed at times like it would never end.

Each year the Hawkeyes won, ISU fell further and further behind in their bid for control of the state, legitimacy and — most important — local talent.

As Iowa climbed into the ranks of college football’s elite, and the Cyclones became the state’s delinquent child, it seemed that the trend would continue forever.

But now it’s over.

ISU has pulled off that most-difficult first victory.

And maybe, just maybe, the Cyclones are ready to start a streak of their own.

After last year’s win and the Hawkeyes’ dismal finish, the Cyclones did something else no one thought possible. They beat out Iowa in the state’s recruiting battle.

With Iowa still reeling from last year and trying desperately to recover, the Cyclones face the opportunity of a lifetime.

If they can hammer their rivals again, they’ll show the state that they may finally be for real. They’ll win the recruiting war again, and they’ll begin to put a little distance between themselves and the once-mighty Hawks.

If they come up short, forget it. We’ll be back to business as usual in the Hawkeye State.

It won’t be easy, and there are no guarantees, but ISU football is standing on the threshold of something huge. Respectability, bragging rights and the fertile but limited recruiting grounds of the state are all up for grabs.

One down, 14 to go.