ISU football begins a three-game homestand Saturday when Iowa State hosts Bowling Green at MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT as the Cyclones close out their nonconference schedule and turn their attention to Big 12 play next weekend.
Iowa State enters at 1-1 and 0-0 in the Big 12 after a 16-13 loss at No. 21 Iowa in Iowa City last Saturday. That game ended on a field goal with 0:15 remaining, which made the defeat even tougher for a team that had gone on the road and put itself in position to win.
Bowling Green comes in at 0-2 and 0-0 in the MAC. This will be the third meeting overall between the programs and the first since 1979. Iowa State owns a 2-0 series lead, with wins in 1977 and again on 9/15/1979 at Jack Trice Stadium.
What to know about the matchup
The Cyclones and Falcons have not played in nearly five decades, which gives this matchup a different feel from a typical nonconference game. Iowa State’s offseason connection to Bowling Green adds another layer, since two current Cyclones transferred from Bowling Green during the offseason.
The home date also arrives as Iowa State notes several changes to Cyclone football gameday in and around Jack Trice Stadium this season. For fans heading to the game, the matchup offers the first chance in this homestand to settle in at home before league play begins.
How to follow the game
The game will be televised on ESPNU. On the radio side, John Walters will call the game for the Cyclone Radio Network alongside Eric Heft and Ryan Harklau. Fans can also listen through the Varsity App and TuneIn Radio.
With Big 12 play waiting next weekend, Saturday is a straightforward checkpoint for Iowa State: handle business at home, build momentum, and make the most of the final nonconference game on the schedule.
