It was nearly one year ago when ISU kicker Cole Netten split the uprights at Kinnick Stadium to give the Cyclones the lead and the eventual win — propelling Iowa State to its third Cy-Hawk trophy in four seasons.

That memory of Netten’s kick remains vivid in the minds of Cyclone and Hawkeye fans alike, granting both sides additional motivation to claim victory Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium. 

Both teams enter the game 1-0 as Iowa defeated Illinois State 31-14 on Sept. 5 just before Iowa State went on to take down Northern Iowa 31-7 that night.

Both sides present valid cases as to why they will win Saturday, but it’s the accrued momentum and additional experience of the Cyclones that should trump what the Hawkeyes bring to the table.

Iowa State is coming off a disappointing 2-10 season last year. Naturally, expectations were low entering the 2015 season, but for the ISU football players, motivation is high.

Considering the opening five matchups for the Cyclones — Northern Iowa, Iowa, Toledo, Kansas and Texas Tech — a 5-0 start is a real possibility, especially after the season-opening defeat of Northern Iowa.

Given the enhanced motivation, Iowa State isn’t likely to take the opportunity for granted any time soon.

2014 also marked the first time either school has won the Cy-Hawk series in consecutive years. As much motivation as the Hawkeyes have for revenge, the motivation of the Cyclones to outdo Iowa as a school for the third year in a row will match it.

Although the Hawkeyes employ a run-heavy, smash-mouth offense, junior quarterback C.J. Beathard will still have to play a large role if the Hawks hope to have a chance.

But Beathard has yet to make an appearance in a Cy-Hawk matchup, leaving him, in terms of experience, ill-prepared compared to ISU quarterback Sam Richardson.

Regardless, history can attest to the fact that this contest, most likely, will be close. Three out of the last four games were decided by just a field goal, and the fourth? Just six points.

Netten, despite his struggles against Northern Iowa, 1 for 3 on field goal attempts, displayed his ability to execute in the clutch last season in Iowa City. Look for Netten to be under the spotlight again in the waning seconds of this year’s Cy-Hawk matchup.

Prediction: Iowa State 24, Iowa 21