Randy Peterson
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October 09, 2025
Colorado was one of the favored football trips, back when Iowa State and the Buffs were Big Eight/12 conference rivals. Snow-covered mountain tops. Fresh, clean air. Indeed, it was fall football at its finest, especially when weather cooperated. For reporters (and I presume fans), this was always a date circled on our calendars – especially for avid skiers.
We’d fly to Denver a day (or two) earlier than we usually flew to road games. We drove up to the mountains, where we took advantage of snowy trails, and then recuperated for a weekend of college football.
Those were the days before Colorado athletic teams joined the Pac-12 – before the advent of 16- and 18-team conferences. Before Buffalo administrators woke up and realized that their life in the Big 12 wasn’t so bad, after all.
Oh, those were the days.
Matt Campbell was just 31 years old and in his first season as the Toledo offensive coordinator on Nov. 13, 2010, the last time the Cyclones played a game at Colorado – a 34-14 Cyclones loss, during which quarterback Austen Arnaud suffered a season-ending knee injury.
It’s been that long since Iowa State played a game along the foothills of the picturesque Rocky Mountains.
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THE RED ZONE
Colorado is being pro-active, after its $50,000 fine by the Big 12 for the student section’s “eff the Mormons” chant during the BYU game at the Buffs’ Folsom Field. That prompted football coach Deion Sanders to say: “They were probably intoxicated and high simultaneously.” Admins sent a letter to ticket-purchasing fans this week, including Iowa State fans. The letter, which mysteriously showed up in my email, includes the following game-experience changes:
First down: Installation of new technology to proactively monitor behavior throughout the stadium. (A likely presumption: that’s a reference to Sanders’ “weed” insinuation).
Second down: Undercover police officers embedded in various sections throughout the stadium for immediate removals. (Another likely presumption: that ties into what additional cameras discover).
Third down: Increase in security response teams throughout the stadium.
Fourth down: Increase in security personnel throughout the stadium both inside and outside, including in the student section.
“Disruptive behavior, including foul, abusive, obscene or discriminatory language or gestures, as well as throwing items will result in immediate removal from the stadium,” the letter said. “This can include entire rows or even sections if the disruptive behavior persists.”
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The Iowa Everywhere staff gives their best shot at predicting top local interest weekend games. And for those who care, our three-week straight-up score is: Williams 28-9, Peterson 28-9, Hassel 26-11, Van Winkle 26-11, Downs 26-11, Brend 26-11. For entertainment purposes only. Of course.
IOWA STATE at COLORADO
Randy Peterson: Colorado is last in the Big 12 in rushing defense, opponents averaging 180 ground yards a game. With that in mind, Abu Sama needs another big game, regardless of Carson Hansen’s status. Colorado isn’t very good against the pass, which leads me to this: If Iowa State can control the game clock, move the chains and keep the Buffs’ offense sidelined, there’s a chance to come away with the first win in Boulder since any Iowa State player was born – since 35-27 in 2000. The defense must keep Colorado QB Kaidon Salter in the pocket. If he starts creating rushing plays – look out. Iowa State 35, Colorado 27.
Chris Williams: Colorado is very capable of beating the beat-up Cyclones. They are decent at everything. Not great anywhere, not bad anywhere. Colorado has played tough games and fallen short against good teams like Georgia Tech and BYU. I think Iowa State got its stinker out of the way last week and will be much improved on defense this week. I do not believe it’ll be easy though. Iowa State 28, Colorado 27.
Chris Hassel: This is a make-or-break game for the Cyclones if they’re going to have a special season. Can’t let a bad performance at Cincy beat you twice. Rocco and the offense will have to be more crisp in this one. Iowa State 33, Colorado 28.
Andrew Downs: The Cyclones’ woes at kicker, and the bad situations it puts them in, as well as the propensity to give up big plays, keeps this closer than it should be. Rocco finds a way to win a close game. Iowa State 34, Colorado 31.
Matt Van Winkle: I don't love this spot for the Cyclones. Back to back road trips, elevation, and a Colorado team that's starting to figure things out. While dinged up, Iowa State is still the better team here. Rocco needs to be sharper, and he will. Defense gets a key late takeaway to seal the win. Iowa State 28, Colorado 27.
Jake Brend: If this Iowa State team is who they say they are, they will come out and be the better, more physical team… unlike last week. If Iowa State punches first, they should handle an inferior Colorado team. I believe that this team is who they say are and I think that’s shown in a win with impressive days by Rocco and former Buffalo Chase Sowell. Iowa State 31 at Colorado 20.
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IOWA at WISCONSIN
Randy Peterson: Wisconsin is better than only Purdue in the Big Ten. Even if injury limits Grono, the Hawkeyes sail and Badgers end up looking for a new coach. Iowa 34, Wisconsin 21.
Chris Williams: If Mark Gronowski is playing, Iowa should win the football game. But I think it’ll be more of an old school Iowa / Wisconsin game than what one might believe in 2025. Wisconsin’s lone strength is its run defense. Gronowski and Iowa’s receivers will likely be tested in obvious passing situations. Will he be able to come through even though he’s likely not at 100 percent? Iowa 20, Wisconsin 14.
Chris Hassel: At this point in the week (Monday) I don’t think Gronowski is going to be able to play. I’m banking on the staff spending the extra week getting Brown/Hecklinski (perhaps both) in position to start. As long as they don't put the shackles on the guys I like Iowa’s chances against the worst Wisconsin team in over a generation. Iowa 20, Wisconsin 14.
Andrew Downs: For the second year in a row a backup quarterback puts 40+ on the Badgers. Iowa 45, Wisconsin 10.
Matt Van Winkle: Iowa is a few plays away from being 5-0 this season. Wisconsin looked better last week against Michigan, but their offensive woes continue this week. I don't think it matters who plays QB for Iowa – the Hawkeyes win this one easily. Iowa 31, Wisconsin 20.
Jake Brend: Wisconsin is not great, but they’ll be up for this one. This could be their best shot at a win the rest of the season. The good news for the Hawks is that Kirk Ferentz is great in rivalry games and even better in rivalry games against inferior opponents. Kirk smells blood in the water, he is the final nail in the coffin for Luke Fickell. Iowa 23, Wisconsin 13.
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BYU at ARIZONA
Randy Peterson: BYU 31, Arizona 24
Chris Williams: BYU 27, Arizona 21
Chris Hassel: BYU 27, Arizona 20
Andrew Downs: BYU 31, Arizona 24
Matt Van Winkle: BYU 31, Arizona 28
Jake Brend: BYU 23, Arizona 16
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ARIZONA STATE at UTAH
Randy Peterson: Utah 30, Arizona State 27
Chris Williams: Utah 24, Arizona State 21
Chris Hassel: Utah 24, Arizona State 23
Andrew Downs: Arizona State 28, Utah 27
Matt Van Winkle: Arizona State 24, Utah 17
Jake Brend: Arizona State 27, Utah 21
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OHIO STATE at ILLINOIS
Randy Peterson: Ohio State 38, Illinois 21
Chris Williams: Ohio State 31, Illinois 14
Chris Hassel: Ohio State 27, Illinois 14
Andrew Downs: Ohio State 48, Illinois 30
Matt Van Winkle: Ohio State 27, Illinois 14
Jake Brend: Ohio State 34, Illinois 13
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INDIANA at OREGON
Randy Peterson: Oregon 37, Indiana 24
Chris Williams: Oregon 30, Indiana 14
Chris Hassel: Oregon 30, Indiana 27
Andrew Downs: Oregon 35, Indiana 31
Matt Van Winkle: Oregon 31, Indiana 24
Jake Brend: Oregon 30, Indiana 17
(Columnist Randy Peterson, a past Iowa Sportswriter of the Year winner, can be reached at randypete4846@gmail.com or at any Okoboji-area beverage/food establishment between the hours of open and close.)