Fifty-three, seventy-one and one hundred eleven – no those are not the number of rushing yards, even passing yards or even total points in Allen Lazard’s three Cy-Hawks games he has suited up in. But rather the number of receiving yards he has accrued over Iowa State’s 1-2 record against in-state rival Iowa since 2014, his freshman season.

For Lazard, rivalry week has a whole other meaning to it. He grew up in Urbandale, thirty minutes from Ames; his father, Kevin Lazard, donned the Cardinal and Gold, as did his older brother, Anthony.

Simply put, it’s a family affair for the Lazard family.

A Cyclone fan from birth, Lazard has a fond memory of the first time he truly remembers watching a Cy-Hawk game.

“My first memory for whatever reason why, I just remember watching, I don’t remember where, probably 2006-ish, Drew Tate threw a pick here and then got knocked out by whoever intercepted it,” Lazard said. “Now, I don’t know why I remember that play, but that’s the biggest play or my first remembrance of the Cy-Hawk series.”

For some in the Lazard family, they have had bigger roles than others in this rivalry game that was first played in 1894. The one family member holding that title is the six-foot-five receiver that currently wears the number five for the Cyclones.

There have been eight Cy-Hawk games with the name Lazard tied to it, and on Saturday, during the 65th meeting of the in-state rivals, it will be the ninth (not including redshirt years) and final time the Lazard family name takes the field for this game.

And quite frankly, this could be the biggest impact a Lazard family member has had on the series, which Iowa leads 42-22.

Welcome to Cy-Hawk, Lazard

Coming out of high school, Lazard was ranked No. 47 in the class of 2014, according to ESPN, and all eyes were on the kid that was literally born into a Cyclone family.

“My dad just being the character he is; you know he’s just hyped up about any game and especially this one,” Lazard said. “He’s very passionate about Iowa State and obviously myself as well. He always brings juice, sends me a few extra texts this week and stuff just making sure I’m locked in and ready to perform.”

Prior to the game against Iowa, the highly touted freshman accumulated only four receptions in his first two games. Something had to change for Paul Rhoads’ prized recruit heading into the rivalry game, and it did.

The youngest Lazard was finally able to showcase his talent to Iowa State fans and exploded for five receptions totaling 53 yards, a team high for that game. Funny enough, that game was Lazard’s fewest reception yards against Iowa, yet Iowa State’s only win against them in his career, thus far.

Lazard’s First Loss to Iowa

He was 1-0 against the team out east. He started the final 11 games of his freshman campaign. And he got to take on Iowa at Jack Trice Stadium, his home.

The second half for an Iowa State team that would end up going 3-9 that season capsulated what a disappointment that season was. They held a 17-10 lead at halftime over a team that would end up in the Rose Bowl.

To no avail, Iowa State was able to blow that lead en route to a 31-17 loss. However, there was one bright spot for the Cyclones.

Allen Lazard.

He was able to increase his production in that year’s game by 18 reception yards, yet still no touchdowns. Two games and zero touchdowns. Maybe the third time could be the charm.

“Just maturity, growing and understanding the game,” Lazard said. “Nothing too big, just honestly the progress that I’ve made throughout college.”

Big Game by Lazard, Bigger Game by Iowa

Maybe Lazard’s third game would be the one. He was back where a late field goal beat the Hawkeyes his freshman year and Iowa State had Matt Campbell, a fresh face for a program that had been struggling.

“I love the rivalry piece of college football and I think that’s what makes our sport really unique and really special,” Campbell said. “We’ve put priority on this game just because of the fact of the matter is two great football traditions and the tradition of what’s happened here in the past is certainly been really unique to watch.”

Again, his third attempt at a touchdown came up short, as Iowa steam rolled the Cyclones 42-3. However, Lazard went for 111 yards on a talented Iowa defense.

Even offensive coordinator Tom Manning couldn’t help but praise the defense that has produced some of college football’s best players in recent years.

“I think it’s the players. I think it’s their commitment to discipline and detail on what they do and I think it’s phenomenal coaching on that side,” Manning said. “The players know exactly where they’re supposed to be, when they’re supposed to be there, why they’re supposed to be there and they know where their help is at all times.”

The Final Cy-Hawk Battle for Lazard

As Lazard takes the field Saturday, so does an Iowa State offense with a new look. They have a defined quarterback with an experienced offensive line, two running backs that can explode at any point and a wide receiver core deeper than ever.

That sets up perfectly for Lazard, who will be seeking that first touchdown against the team out east, but also a win for a program that has a chance to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2012.

“Any touchdown’s great,” Lazard said. “Obviously I want to win more than anything, but to get that touchdown verse them would be kind of a little extra special because it’s obviously Iowa.

“Every game I’m [going to] go out there and give it my all and my best. I want to go out there and leave a great name for my family, but also Iowa State as well. And obviously leave the field with a win.”

Just maybe, that extra text from his father ‘juicing the game up’ will finally land all the pieces together for Allen Lazard to ride out of Jack Trice Stadium with that touchdown, and a win.