CyHawk is just another game for Campbell and the Cyclones

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Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell talks with reporters after Iowa State’s last spring football practice April 15 at Gilbert High School.

There’s a special buzz in the air on campus during football season, but it’s even louder during CyHawk football week.

While this game may mean more to the fans of both schools, and the media around the nation, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell and his team have a different point of view: this game doesn’t feel anymore meaningful than any other game on the schedule.

“At the end of the day, we’ve tried to win every single game we’ve played here,” Campbell said. “From our end, you love playing in these games; you love being a part of it; you love coaching in it.”

The focus is solely on playing their game for the Cyclone Football Team.

The atmosphere of the game is sure to be electric, with the Cyclones hitting the road to play in Iowa City, Iowa. Campbell is expecting to meet a full house at Kinnick Stadium.

The fans on both sides are what makes this game special to Campbell. He said that the team senses the passion from the fans, which is why this game has made a pair of appearances on College Gameday.

“Great environment to play in, because man they love their team,” Campbell said. “The same thing you get when you come to Jack Trice Stadium.”

One of the biggest takeaways from Campbell’s press conference is that freshman running back Cartevious Norton is doubtful for Saturday’s game. Norton finished the game with three carries for 21 yards and showed off his explosiveness during a cross-field run that was called back due to holding.

With Norton out, Eli Sanders and Deon Silas could see a slightly increased role along with starting running back Jirehl Brock.

Brock will still be leading the way, and if he plays like he did against Southeast Missouri State, the Cyclone running game will be strong again. Brock finished the game with 16 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown.

“He was electric at times on Saturday,” Campbell said. “I thought all of his runs were extremely efficient. I thought there was great power; there was great vision.”

Offensive lineman Jake Remsburg provides a bright spot to the injury report as he returned to practice this week. Campbell said that Remsburg is still questionable for the game, but all signs indicate that his return is coming.

Campbell understands that fans can grow frustrated when the results against Iowa have not been there in recent years, but his staff does not judge a season based on single games but rather the season as a whole.

“At the end of the day, we’re going to judge it by who you are at the end of the football season,” Campbell said. “What have you done? Did you reach your full potential?”