1998 Cy-Hawk Game Saved McCarney's Job, And Sparked A New Era Of A Rivalry

Cyclone Football: 1998 Cy-Hawk Game Saved McCarney's Job, And Sparked A New Era Of A Rivalry

Iowa State head coach Dan McCarney was on the hot seat in 1998. The Cyclones were 2-5 and had lost their last three games. McCarney's job was in jeopardy, and he knew that he needed to win the Cy-Hawk game against Iowa to keep his job.

The Cyclones entered the game as 17-point underdogs, but they shocked the Hawkeyes with a 27-17 victory. The win saved McCarney's job and sparked a new era of the rivalry.

1998 Cy-Hawk Game Was A Turning Point

The 1998 Cy-Hawk game was a turning point for both Iowa State and Iowa. For Iowa State, the win gave the program a much-needed boost of confidence. The Cyclones went on to finish the season with a 7-5 record and a berth in the Insight.com Bowl.

For Iowa, the loss was a major disappointment. The Hawkeyes were ranked No. 10 in the country at the time of the game, and they were expected to win easily. The loss dropped Iowa to 6-3 and cost them a chance at a Big Ten championship.

The Rivalry Has Been Competitive Since 1998

The Cy-Hawk rivalry has been much more competitive since 1998. Iowa State has won five of the last 10 meetings, and the Cyclones have been ranked in the Top 25 several times during that span.

The rivalry has also become more intense. The games are often played in front of sellout crowds, and the atmosphere is electric. The fans of both teams are passionate about their schools, and they make the Cy-Hawk game one of the most exciting rivalries in college football.

The 1998 Cy-Hawk Game Is A Reminder That Anything Is Possible

The 1998 Cy-Hawk game is a reminder that anything is possible in college football. Iowa State was a huge underdog, but they shocked the Hawkeyes and saved McCarney's job. The win also sparked a new era of the rivalry, which has been much more competitive since 1998.

The 1998 Cy-Hawk game is a reminder that anything is possible in college football. Never count out a team, no matter how big the underdog.