Rocco Becht vying to end losing streak against Iowa at Jack Trice

AMES, Iowa — It’s no mystery that the Cyclones have lost six-straight games at home against the Hawkeyes, but their quarterback is out to change the narrative this time around.

Iowa State beat Iowa 20-19 at Kinnick Stadium last season with a walk-off, 54-yard field goal, and Rocco Becht knows the opposition is ready to return the favor. For whatever reason, the Hawkeyes continue to have the Cyclones’ number at Jack Trice Stadium, making Saturday morning’s clash the ultimate measuring stick for Becht and his teammates.

All eyes will be on this rivalry too, considering the FOX Big Noon Kickoff crew will be in the venue, and all Becht wants to do is take advantage of the spotlight.

“It shows it’s a big rivalry, a big game, something that people want to watch, especially our fans,” Becht said. “It’s our time, and Iowa’s as well, to put on a good game for them.”

Becht is coming off two stellar performances in wins over Kansas State and South Dakota over the past two weeks. After all, he was responsible for three total touchdowns against the Wildcats. Not to mention Becht completed 19 of his 20 passes for 278 yards and three scores against the Coyotes, which earned him Big 12 co-Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Now Becht is approaching the annual rivalry with extreme confidence, as the No. 16 Cyclones attempt to win at home against the Hawkeye for the first time since 2011. Becht threw for 272 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in lastyear’s clash. His maturity and experience continues to blossom since last year’s meeting, and believes the best is yet to come.

However, Becht understands that the Hawkeyes are no slouch on defense, and every year they’re one of the best units the Cyclones face all season. Phil Parker is still patrolling the sidelines,  and orchestrating Iowa’s defense, so Becht is expecting Iowa State’s offense to work hard for every yard.

“Honestly, they’ve been doing the same stuff for the past 20 years, ever since Coach Parker has been there, so they’re just really good at it,” he said. “Those guys over there are fundamentally sound, they’re scheme is amazing, so it’s really tough to go against that defense.”

Last week Iowa’s defense limited Albany’s offense to seven points, nine first downs and 177 total yards. The Hawkeyes displayed a dominant defensive line, and Aaron Graves and Max Llewellyn tallied a sack. Although Kansas State had a talented group up front, Iowa will present bigger challenges with the way Parker schemes, and Becht will have to be ready to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage.

“Last year Ohio State scored seven points through three quarters, so it just shows you how hard that defense is to go against,” the 21-year old said. “You just got to find ways in those little holes, and little areas that you can get the ball thrown, and run the ball.”

Becht realizes that he’ll have a slim margin for error against a defense that doesn’t make many mistakes, and can cause turnovers at the drop of a dime. There’s no denying this will be the biggest test to date for Iowa State’s offensive line. The big boys up front need to maul defenders at the point of attack, get a good push up front and hold their own in the trenches. So it’s going to be vital to give Becht the appropriate amount of time to go through his progressions, and locate receivers downfield.

It just so happens that the Hawkeyes aren’t a blitz-heavy defense. Becht doesn’t have to do the workload by himself either, considering the backfield is deep, and Carson Hansen is a battering ram when necessary. There are weapons at the skill positions for Becht too. Tight ends Benjamin Brahmer, and Gabe Burkle combined for 11 receptions, 132 yards and three touchdown catches against the Coyotes.

Becht has an arsenal, and if Iowa State (2-0) can execute consistently on offense, it could turn out to be a huge day for the Florida native. The 72nd edition of the Cy-Hawk Series has all of the makings of a barn burner. Which is why Becht wants Iowa State fans to leave Jack Trice Stadium celebrating, instead of having their heads down in disappointment.

“Iowa’s a tough team, and I don’t think we’ve beat them here in the past 20 years, so it’s going to be a good one, and with Big Noon Kickoff here, it’s going to be fun.”