Week 1 of 2019 College Football

Minnesota Golden Gophers beat the mighty South Dakota State Rackrabbits 28-21 out of FCS on Thursday night in a game that came down to three or so critical plays.

Rankings are from the AP Poll.

Friday
Tulsa at #18 Michigan State
#19 Wisconsin at South Florida
UMass at Rutgers
Purdue at Nevada

Saturday
Florida Atlantic at #5 Ohio State
South Alabama at #24 Nebraska
Howard at Maryland
Akron at Illinois
Indiana vs Ball State
Idaho at #15 Penn State
Northwestern at #25 Stanford
Middle Tennessee at #7 Michigan
Miami (OH) at #20 Iowa

The Big Ten should be a salty football race in 2019.

The Iowa Hawkeyes (9-4 in 2019) are picked any where from first to sixth in the Big Ten West for 2019.

The 21st season under Kirk Ferentz, dean of College Football coaches begins on Saturday, as the Iowa Hawkeyes host Miami-OH (6-6, 6-2 in the MAC in 2018) with a 6:40 PM kickoff on FS1 at Kinnick Stadium.

The Hawkeyes are a 22 point favorite, with an over/under is at 58 points at one point, this past week.

Iowa Hawkeyes 35
Miami-OH 13

The spreads and over/under appear right heading into the 2019 season at Kinnick Stadium.

Jay Norvell was a member of the 1985 Iowa Championship Football team, under fifth year offensive line coach Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes won a critical game at Purdue in 1985.

The Hawkeyes won a #1 vs. #2 showdown earlier in the season against Michigan. On the final play of the game, the Hawkeyes kicked a game winning field goal to win 12-10.

Jim Harbaugh enters his fifth season, as head coach at Michigan in 2019. Many have the Wolverines #1 in the Big Ten, and a possible College Football Playoff contender?

Jay Norvell is in his third season at Nevada, as head coach. Congratulations on his Week 1 win against Purdue, with a walk off game winning field goal, by a freshman placekicker.

The 2019 season should be a great season for the Iowa Hawkeyes win, lose and unlike the 1985, where a team could draw.

We don't see the Big Ten in the College Football Playoff in 2019. The Big Ten should be very salty week after week.

Welcome to the 2019 College Football season.

Week 1 of College Football is in the books: Happy Labor Day to all ....

DAGGER. DELIVERED.

Eric Kumah breaks free for a 49-yard game-sealing TD in a huge road win for @VT_Football#HardSmartTough @Eric_Kumah11 pic.twitter.com/99imyvOUfG

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 4, 2018

A look at the Big Ten teams, after Week 1 of the 2018 College Football season

Have a problem with @JLaurinaitis55 keeping Michigan at No. 3?

He hears you, but there's a reason he isn't dropping the Wolverines.

Get his latest power rankings, presented by @ArcelorMittalUS. pic.twitter.com/1ii71JPunF

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 3, 2018

There are various schools of thoughts, when it comes to Top 25 ratings and conference power ratings heading into each season. Around the country, there are certain programs that often are ranked on reputation.

For example, last year, Florida State was a prime example of a school expected to finish in the Top 5, but at season's end, it finished 7-6, with wins over Delaware State, a 4-7 Florida, ULM and a bowl win over Southern Miss to take a 3-6 record and finish with a winning record. Florida State is often one of the most overrated programs each year, in College Football.

Another team with plenty of questions to answer entering 2018 is Michigan. The Wolverines finished 8-5 last year, with three straight losses @ Wisconsin, against Ohio State and in the bowl game against South Carolina. Now, they have lost four straight, with the 24-17 loss @ Notre Dame to open 2018 College Football season.

My problem with Michigan at #3 in the Big Ten power ratings is based on what have they done to earn the preseason #3 rating in the first place?

Despite a new season, familiar struggles returned for Michigan, as the Wolverines fell to No. 12 Notre Dame.

Game story: https://t.co/9OMMwKQJjl pic.twitter.com/AAkDrkceF4

— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) September 2, 2018

The Big Ten appears to be loaded in 2018? Michigan State and Penn State struggled in Week 1, but they won. Michigan shouldn't be awarded for a moral victory, as James Laurinaitis appears to suggest that should be considered?

Notre Dame is a good program, but ultimately, like with Florida State in 2017. We don't know how good any team may be, until after enough games are played. Notre Dame lost to Georgia, @ Miami-FL and @ Stanford last year, so good losses. They are often overrated.

There are five college football teams that are continually overrated.

Notre Dame.
Texas.
Michigan.
USC.
FSU.

I never trust their rankings until the season's progressed a ways.

— Connor Mighell (@cmigbear) September 4, 2018

Michigan and Nebraska are two Big Ten programs that are often among the Top 7 schools overrated in preseason ratings. Texas is the most common example. On Saturday, they clearly rose up and demonstrated why, when they fell 34-29 @ Maryland in a game played in Landover, MD.

Deja vu for the Longhorns.

Texas loses to Maryland in back-to-back season openers. pic.twitter.com/W7C1JDJGJb

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 1, 2018

So, after Week 1, here are the Big Ten power ratings ....

1. Wisconsin (1-0) - the Badgers have won 3 of the first 4 West division titles; and 5 of the first 7 division titles, when you toss in the first 3 seasons of Leaders and Legends, when division play began in the 2011 season in the Big Ten. Week 1 - beat Georgia State 34-3. Week 2 - vs. New Mexico (1-0) - first meeting between each program.
2. Michigan State (1-0) - the Spartans return 19 starters from last year's team, including one 3 OT loss @ Northwestern. It's not uncommon for Mark Dantonio teams to start slowly. The Spartans won the Big Ten in 2015. Week 1 - beat Utah State 38-31. Week 2 - @ Arizona State (1-0) - which is certainly going to be a big test, at night, in the Valley of the Sun! 
3. Ohio State (1-0) - the Buckeyes have had some off the field issues, since Big Ten Media Days. In the past two seasons, OSU has lost two games by 31 points. The Buckeyes won the Big Ten last year. Week 1 - destroyed Oregon State 77-31. Week 2 - vs. Rutgers (1-0), as head coach Urban Meyer returns to practice on Tuesday, but Meyer's three game suspension remains in force.
4. Penn State (1-0) - the Nittany Lions enter 2018 needing to replace play-makers on offense and welcome a new offensive coordinators. They won the Big Ten in 2016. Week 1 - beat Appalachian State 45-37 in OT. Week 2 - @ Pittsburgh (1-0), the Panthers beat the Nittany Lions here in 2016, so this one should be very interesting.
5. Northwestern (1-0, 1-0 B1G West) - the Wildcats opened 2018 in conference play for the first time in a long, long while. Week 1 - won @ Purdue 31-27, as two QB system of Clayton Thorson and T.J. Green is utilized by head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Week 2 - vs. Duke (1-0), who beat the Wildcats 41-17, after the Wildcats had won back to back non-conference games against the Blue Devils in previous seasons.
6. Iowa (1-0) - the Hawkeyes tallied the 144th win to boost Kirk Ferentz into the all-time win leader, as head coach. Week 1 - beat Northern Illinois 33-7. Week 2 - CyHawk game against Iowa State (0-0), who are looking to complete a game, after thunderstorms shelved their opener on Saturday night.
7. Michigan (0-1) - the Wolverines have one victory over a rival entering the fourth season of head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines will get plenty of opportunities to move up, since they play 1-5 in conference play. Week 1 - lost @ Notre Dame 24-17. Week 2 - vs. Western Michigan (0-1), the Wolverines should be safe in another home opener, having won 25 of last 28.
8. Purdue (0-1, 0-1 B1G West) - the Boilermakers play two quarterbacks and often the old saying with quarterbacks, if you have two, you likely have none. This appeared to be the case, watching game one. Week 1 - lost to Northwestern 31-27. Week 2 - vs. Eastern Michigan (1-0), who will start former Iowa QB Tyler Wiegers, who had a solid first start for the Eagles.
9. Indiana (1-0) - the Hoosiers were the only Big Ten team to pick up a win on the road to open the season. Week 1 - won @ FIU 38-28 to pick up first win of season. Week 2 - vs. Virginia (1-0), as the Hoosiers have won 14 of the past 16 home openers.
10. Nebraska (0-0) - the Scott Frost era has to wait one week to officially kickoff, after a thunderstorm Saturday night canceled the home opener. Week 1 - vs. Akron - canceled. Week 2 - vs. Colorado (1-0), the Huskers have won three straight in the series and three straight in Lincoln. Last meeting was 2010.
11. Rutgers (1-0) - the Scarlet Knights open the third season, with head coach Chris Ash. Week 1 - won 35-10 over Texas State. Week 2 - @ Ohio State (1-0), the Buckeyes defeated the Scarlet Knights 56-0 last season in New Brunswick, after 58-0 previously in Columbus.
12. Maryland (1-0) - the Terrapins opened 2018, with new offensive coordinator Matt Canada, also in the interim head coach role, after D.J. Durkin was placed on administrative leave in August. Week 1 - beat Texas 34-29 to begin back to back seasons, with an upset win over a ranked Longhorns team (note - not ranked in my Top 25). Week 2 - @ Bowling Green (0-1), which is ironically Durkin's alma mater.
13. Minnesota (1-0) - the Golden Gophers opened the second year under head coach P.J. Fleck, with another non-conference win. They Golden Gophers are 4-0 OOC under Fleck. Week 1 - beat New Mexico State 48-10. Week 2 - vs. Fresno State (1-0), the Bulldogs were 10-4 last season and are likely the best non-conference, since Fleck arrived that the Golden Gophers have lined up against.
14. Illinois (1-0) - the Fighting Illini entered 2018, coming off a ten game losing streak. Week 1 - despite playing from behind much of the game, Illinois beat Kent State 31-24. Week 2 - vs. Western Illinois (0-1), the Fighting Illini are 2-0 in this series outscoring the Leathernecks 65-0.

No reason to delay our Week 1 Cidsports Top 40 College Football ratings: as #20 VA TECH @ #19 Florida State kicks off tonight in Tallahassee

Week 1 of the 2018 College Football season concludes with a Top 20 match up in Tallahassee tonight, as Labor Day weekend concludes with a ACC showdown between #20 Virginia Tech (9-4) @ #19 Florida State (7-6). The Hokies lead by head coach Justin Fuente, entering his third season, were 5-3 in the Coastal Division in 2017. While the Seminoles were 3-5 in the Atlantic Division in 2017, they enter the Willie Taggart era, as the former USF and Oregon head coach returns to lead Florida State into the 2018 season.

#20 Virginia Tech @ #19 Florida State, 7 PM CT on ESPN.

Monday, September 3rd
#20 Virginia Tech at #19 Florida State	7:00 pm	ESPN

The dean of college football, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, won his 144th
game for the Hawkeyes, as first year player and now special teams coach
LeVar Woods celebrate, at the end of the Iowa-Northern Illinois game on
Saturday, at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes turn their focus to in-state rival,
Iowa State, as the Cy-Hawk game kicks off on Saturday in Iowa City.

1. Alabama (1-0) (2) - we push the Crimson Tide back into the #1 slot, after a 51-14 win over Louisville (0-1) by the defending national champions in Orlando. Week 2 - vs. Arkansas State (1-0) Red Wolves, who won over SE Missouri in the season opener.
2. Clemson (1-0) (1) - the Tigers fall back, after a 48-7 win over Furman (0-1) to kick off the 2018 season. Week 2 - @ Texas A&M (1-0), as the Aggies opened with a 59-7 win over Northwestern State in College Station. 
3. Georgia (1-0) (3) - the Bulldogs opened 2018 with a 45-0 win over Austin Peay (0-1) on Saturday. Week 2 - @ #28 South Carolina (1-0), where Bulldogs take a three game win streak in this series into the 2018 game
4. Oklahoma (1-0) (4) - the Sooners rolled then #25 FAU (0-1) 63-14 to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - vs. UCLA (0-1), as the Chip Kelly era opened at home to a 26-17 loss to Cincinnati (0-1).
5. Auburn (1-0) (6) - the Tigers took down then #5 Washington (0-1) 21-16 in Atlanta on Saturday. Week 2 - vs. Alabama State (1-0), as this is the first meeting between FBS and FCS schools from the same state.
6. Ohio State (1-0) (7) - the Buckeyes won 77-31 over Oregon State (0-1) in Columbus on Saturday, as interim coach Ryan Day lead the squad. Week 2 - vs. Rutgers (1-0), as the Big Ten opener squares off against the Scarlet Knights, who won their opener 35-7 over Texas State (0-1). Ohio State took down Rutgers 56-0 last year, so Week 2 may not be much different than Week 1.
7. Wisconsin (1-0) (8) - the Badgers won 34-3 against Western Kentucky (0-1) on Friday night. Week 2 - vs. New Mexico (1-0), in the first meeting, as the Badgers have won 40 straight home non-conference games by an average of over 27 points per game. 
8. Washington (0-1) (5) - the Huskies drop opener 21-16 to then #6 Auburn (1-0) in Atlanta, so the margin of error for the College Football Playoff gets slim for the favorite in the Pac 12. Week 2 - vs. North Dakota (1-0), in the first meeting between these schools. The Huskies are 27-5 in home openers.
9. Stanford (1-0) (12) - the Cardinal beat then #45 San Diego State (0-1) by the score of 31-10 to avenge last year's 20-17 loss to the Aztecs. Week 2 - vs. #14 USC (1-0), another payback game for the Cardinal ... last year's 42-24 loss on road against the Trojans!
10. Notre Dame (1-0) (13) - the Fighting Irish defeated Michigan 24-17 in South Bend to open 2018 on Saturday night. Week 2 - vs. Ball State (1-0), first meeting ever between the two schools located in Indiana.
11. Michigan State (1-0) (9) - the Spartans were tested in the season opener on Friday night, but pulled out a 38-31 win over Utah State (0-1). Week 2 - @ Arizona State (1-0), as the Sun Devils opened up the Herm Edwards era, with a 49-7 win over UTSA (0-1). A battle in the desert that typically has favored the local Pac 12 school ....
12. Penn State (1-0) (10) - the Nittany Lions had to scramble back and force OT, as PSU beat Appalachian State 45-37 in Happy Valley on Saturday. Week 2 - @ Pittsburgh (1-0), a game that went to the Panthers 42-39 two years ago. 
13. LSU (1-0) (17) - the Tigers took out then #11 Miami-FL (0-1) 33-17 in Arlington on Saturday to win in Week 1. Week 2 - vs. Southeast Louisiana (0-1), as the Lions lost 34-31 @ Louisiana Monroe (0-1).
14. USC (1-0) (15) - the Trojans beat UNLV (0-1) 43-21 on Saturday. Week 2 - @ #9 Stanford (1-0), as the series opens in Week 2 again this season.
15. UCF (1-0, 1-0 AAC) (23) - the Knights won @ UConn (0-1) 56-17 on Thursday night and we will bump the undefeated 2017 program, since they did finished 13-0 last year and new coach Josh Heupel has the offense rolling already. Week 2 - vs. South Carolina State (0-1), as UCF won in the 2016 season opener 38-0 over the Bulldogs.
16. TCU (1-0) (16) - the Horned Frogs pounded Southern (0-1) 55-7 in the season opener on Saturday. Week 2 - @ SMU (0-1), as the former SWC schools square off for their annual showdown on Friday night. The Mustangs lost 46-23 @ North Texas (1-0) in the AAC vs. C-USA showdown.
17. Northwestern (1-0) (35) - the Wildcats opened Thursday night in the Big Ten @ then #36 Purdue, pulling off a 31-27 win for last year's #17 team. Boost them back up. Week 2 - vs. Duke (1-0), who beat the Wildcats 41-17 in Durham, as this year's game returns to Evanston, where Northwestern won 24-13 in 2016.
18. Mississippi State (1-0) (18) - the Bulldogs won 66-3 over Stephen F Austin (0-1) to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - @ Kansas State (1-0), who struggled in the season opener against South Dakota (0-1) 27-24, as Coyotes miss a tying FG late.
19. Florida State (0-0) (19) - the Seminoles host #20 Virginia Tech to close out Week 1. Week 2 - vs. Samford (1-0), as the Seminoles have hosted at least one FCS program the past ten seasons.
20. Virginia Tech (0-0) (20) - the Hokies travel to Tallahassee to open 2018 @ #19 Florida State tonight. Week 2 - vs. William & Mary (1-0), as the Hokies square off in the 64th meeting in this series.
21. Boise State (1-0) (21) - the Broncos opened 2018 with a win @ then #40 Troy (0-1) 56-20. Week 2 - vs. UConn (0-1), as the Broncos return home, before a Week 3 road trip to P5 Okie State. 
22. Oklahoma State (1-0) (22) - the Cowboys won 58-17 over Missouri State (0-1) to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - vs. South Alabama (0-1), who lost home opener against LA Tech (1-0) 30-26, as they fall in back to back years against the Bulldogs.
23. West Virginia (1-0) (27) - the Mountaineers beat Tennessee (0-1) in Charlotte 40-14 on Saturday to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - vs. Youngstown State (0-1), as WVU looks to win their 15th straight home opener and eighth under coach Dana Holgorsen.
24. Iowa (1-0) (24) - the Hawkeyes opened 2018 with the 144th win under Kirk Ferentz, as he opened his 20th season, as head coach and past Hayden Fry in all-time win in a 33-7 win over Northern Illinois (0-1). Week 2 - vs. #31 Iowa State (0-0), as the Cyclones come to Kinnick Stadium for the annual Cy-Hawk trophy game. The Hawkeyes pulled out a 44-41 OT win last year in Ames. Twenty years ago, the Cyclones ended a 15 game losing streak to end the 20 year reign of Fry in the State of Iowa, back in 1998.
25. Miami-FL (0-1) (11) - the Hurricane lost 33-17 to then #17 LSU (1-0) in Arlington on Sunday. Mark Richt has struggled in big games, dating back to his 15 seasons at UGA. Week 2 - vs. Savannah State (0-1), as Tigers were pounded 52-0 by UAB (1-0).
26. Michigan (0-1) (14) - the Wolverines debuted new QB Shea Patterson, but they fell short chasing then #13 Notre Dame, in a 24-17 loss in South Bend on Saturday night. Week 2 - vs. Western Michigan (0-1), as the Wolverines have won 25 of last 28 home openers.
27. Oregon (1-0) (29) - the Ducks opened the 2018 season with a 58-24 win over Bowling Green (0-1) Week 2 - vs. Portland State (0-1), as the Ducks continue a non-P5 non conference slate, ahead of hosting #9 Stanford in the Pac 12 opener in Week 4.
28. South Carolina (1-0) (28) - the Gamecocks win opener 49-15 over Coastal Carolina (0-1) in the season opener. Week 2 - vs. #3 Georgia (1-0), as the Bulldogs seek to win their first SEC home opener, since 2013 over Vanderbilt.
29. Texas A&M (1-0) (NR) - the Aggies won 59-7 over Northwestern State, after being left off inadvertently from our preseason ratings. Week 2 - vs. #2 Clemson (1-0), as new HC Jimbo Fisher wins his debut, just in time for the first showdown. He is 4-4 vs. Clemson, while he was at Florida State. 
30. North Carolina State (1-0) (30) - the Wolfpack won 24-13 over James Madison (0-1) to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - vs. Georgia State (0-1), who were ruffed up by then #8 Wisconsin (1-0) in the road opener.
31. Iowa State (0-0) (31) - the Cyclones, like the Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-0), both witnessed each season openers get called for thunderstorms on Saturday night in the Heartland. Week 2 - @ #24 Iowa (1-0), while the Cornhuskers host Colorado (1-0) in Lincoln. Can a Dec 1st twelve game be arranged between these former Big 8/12 opponents to make up the season opening cancellation?  
32. Boston College (1-0) (32) - the Eagles beat UMass (1-1) 55-21 to kickoff 2018 with a victory. Week 2 - vs. Holy Cross (0-1), as Eagles enjoy back to back home games, before a Week 3 Thursday night ACC road opener @ Wake Forest (1-0).
33. Utah (1-0) (33) - the Utes beat Weber State (0-1) 41-10 to kickoff 2018. Week 2 - @ Northern Illinois (0-1), who are looking to rebound after a disappointing 33-7 loss @ #24 Iowa.
34. Washington State (1-0) - the Cougars opened 2018 with a road win @ Wyoming (1-1) 41-19. Week 2 - vs. San Jose State (0-1), first meeting, since 1996. Cougars have dropped three of last four home openers under Mike Leach.
35. Ole Miss (1-0) (NR) - the Rebels opened the 2018 season with a 47-27 win over Texas Tech (0-1) in Houston on Saturday. Week 2 - vs. Southern Illinois (1-0), in their third meeting, ahead of the SEC home opener in Week 3 against the defending national champions.
36. Kansas State (1-0) (34) - The Wildcats pulled out a narrow win over North Dakota (0-1) 27-24 to open 2018. Week 2 - vs. #18 Mississippi State (1-0), as the Wildcats host a Top 25 SEC team for the first time in Manhattan, since the 2014 Week 3 game against Auburn, which they lost 20-14 in route to a 9-4 season under Bill Snyder.
37. BYU (1-0) (NR) - the Cougars won 2018 opener @ then #37 Arizona (0-1) 28-23 on Saturday. The Cougars opened 2016 with a 18-16 win over the Wildcats on the way to a 9-4 season, back in HC Kalani Sitake's first season at the helm in Provo. Week 2 - vs. California (1-0), as the Golden Bears are coming off a 24-17 home season opener against North Carolina (0-1).
38. Houston (1-0) (38) - the Cougars won 2018 season opener @ Rice (1-1) 45-27. Week 2 - vs. Arizona (0-1), as the Wildcats fell short in new HC Kevin Sumlin's debut 28-23 against BYU (1-0).
39. Memphis (1-0) (39) - the Tigers beat Mercer (0-1) 66-14 to open the 2018 season. Week 2 - @ Navy (0-1), as the Midshipmen fall 59-41 in the season opener @ Hawaii (2-0).
40. Kentucky (1-0) (42) - the Wildcats won the 2018 opener 35-20 over Central Michigan (0-1). Week 2 - @ #41 Florida (1-0), who opened the Dan Mullen era, with a 53-6 win over Charleston Southern (0-1). The Wildcats pulled off the home win 28-27 last season over the Gators.

Game watch in Week 2 outside the Top 40

• Georgia Tech (1-0) @ USF (1-0) - winner is good candidate for Top 40 ... USF ended 2017 at #21 in both major polls.
• Colorado (1-0) @ Nebraska (0-0) - in many ways it is fitting the Scott Frost debut will now come against former conference mate, the Buffaloes, as the two teams kickoff at 2:30 pm CT in Lincoln on Saturday. Both programs were sub-.500 in 2017.

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost saw his team rained out on Saturday. His first
official debut will now come Saturday in Lincoln against Colorado (1-0).

Week 1: Iowa 33, Northern Illinois 7, as Hawkeye head coach Kirk Ferentz wins 144th game

Kirk Ferentz wins 144th game at Iowa on Saturday, in a 33-7 win over NIU.

Iowa City, IA --- Kirk Ferentz went into the University of Iowa record books on Saturday, as the winning-est head coach in football, passing Hayden Fry, as KF notched his 144th win, in a 33-7 victory for Iowa (1-0) over Northern Illinois (0-1) at Kinnick Stadium.

The North End-zone project at Iowa made its debut in the season
opener. Construction will not be complete next summer, but the
new look appears to make Kinnick Stadium a better place for
football and fans.

Kirk Ferentz's first win at Iowa in 1999, and his 144th win to open the 2018 College Football season were both against Northern Illinois Huskies. 

Kirk Ferentz heading into Kinnick Stadium
ahead of Saturday's game against NIU.

Like the 2017 season, the University of Iowa enjoyed the second season of the "Iowa wave" which takes place between the first and second quarter of each game. The Hawkeyes, Huskies, game officials and fans all took time to wave to the patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

I love how the 👋 has gotten so big that the refs and opponents join in. pic.twitter.com/uGJ5V4qYwb

— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) September 1, 2018

Like the first win, Iowa took a 3-0 lead into halftime. At one point, the score stood at 24-0, just like the final score in his first victory at Iowa. But, on Saturday, his defense rose up to force a safety, to move the score to 26-0. The final score for Iowa came from the second unit, as QB redshirt freshman Payton Mansell made his first debut in relief for junior QB Nate Stanley. NIU closed on the game, avoiding a shutout, with a touchdown against the Iowa second team defense.

Hold those Huskies!

Amani Hooker comes up with the first @HawkeyeFootball interception of the season, and it's 3-0 Iowa at halftime: pic.twitter.com/PFMCsI6MIR

— Iowa On BTN (@IowaOnBTN) September 1, 2018

Iowa was without four players, two starting offensive tackles and two defensive tackles, due to suspensions. NIU was without players of their own, due to a suspension and a couple of injuries. It showed at times for both teams.

First (of many) @HawkeyeFootball TD of the season.

First (of many) Noah Fant TD of the season: pic.twitter.com/Mpm7ZRtgcN

— Iowa On BTN (@IowaOnBTN) September 1, 2018

It was a competitive game much of the first half. But, Iowa came out in the second half and established the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, in the third quarter.

Gonna need more than a couple arm tackles to bring down @kellymartinivo. 💪@HawkeyeFootball is pulling away from NIU: pic.twitter.com/3ElrQtZB2p

— Iowa On BTN (@IowaOnBTN) September 1, 2018

Iowa went on to outscore NIU 30-7 in the second half, fueled by a solid ground attack that went for over 200 yards on the day for the Hawkeyes.

There's a reason A.J. Epenesa had five stars next to his name coming out of high school. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️@HawkeyeFootball is rolling now: pic.twitter.com/vW3ekQl2o2

— Iowa On BTN (@IowaOnBTN) September 1, 2018

The Iowa defense stepped up with five sacks on the afternoon.  The Hawkeyes replaced their top four linebackers from last season. The defense also got into the scoring, after the offense put up the first 24 points on the afternoon.

How about this @HawkeyeFootball defense today?! pic.twitter.com/P7plLuH6n3

— Iowa On BTN (@IowaOnBTN) September 1, 2018

The Hawkeyes showed a lot of enthusiasm through early mistakes on Saturday. Clearly, the players appeared happy to be back on the gridiron. The Hawkeyes will be back in Kinnick Stadium this Saturday, as the Iowa State Cyclones (0-0) will come to Iowa City for the annual Cy-Hawk Trophy game. The Cyclones, along with the Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-0), had their opening game canceled due to thunderstorms on Saturday night. Iowa gets both programs at Kinnick this season.

The Hawkeyes are back, as a young Iowa team, with on thirteen seniors made
their way back into Kinnick Stadium for the 2018 season opener against NIU.

One of the seniors who emerged on Saturday was senior MLB Jack Hockaday, who entered the game in relief of junior starting MLB Amani Jones, who struggled in his first start. Hockaday went on to record five tackles on the afternoon.

Senior MLB 48 Jack Hockaday and sophomore OLB 49 Nick
Niemann both emerged with strong performances in the new LB
unit, that was replacing their Top 4 performers from a year ago.

"Game action is always different than practice," Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said. "When you have so many young players playing and guys in first-time situations, you learn more about the guys on the game field.
 
"Jack stepped in and did a really nice job; that was great to see."

Sutton Smith talked, but it was @HawkeyeFootball's DL doing the damage.

Funny how things work out, isn't it? pic.twitter.com/JGX3j0tlmq

— Iowa On BTN (@IowaOnBTN) September 2, 2018

The Hawkeyes face a challenging 12 game schedule in 2018. One down, eleven to go, with two in-state opponents ahead, before the Big Ten season kicks off against the defending West division champion, Wisconsin Badgers (1-0).

The first of seven home games are in the books for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2018.

Hawkeye fans have been excited about the September slate of games for the Hawks, and the Big Ten season opener to finish out the month of the September is the biggest of them all.

ESPN broadcasters going over Wisconsin’s schedule:
“at Iowa City, which could potentially be a night game in Kinnick Stadium...That’s where college football playoff dreams and hopes go to die. Ask Ohio State about that.” #Hawkeyes

— Andy Garman (@GarmanSports) September 1, 2018

Over the past 20 seasons in Iowa City. Not everyone has been equal in their joy of the accomplishments under Kirk Ferentz. In 2012, Iowa finished the season 4-8. In the opening game of the 2013 season, the Hawkeyes lost 30-27 to Northern Illinois, as head coach Rod Carey notched his first win, as a head coach. It wasn't the case on Saturday. Ferentz got the W to kick off the new season.

If I had it my way, this never would’ve happened. I’ve wanted Kirk Ferentz gone several times over the last decade. But I’m glad it never happened. Congratulations, Kirk — you’re the best Iowa football coach of all time!

(pic via @bryonhoulgrave) pic.twitter.com/oF571NsGZz

— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) September 2, 2018

Opening Weekend of College Football continues with a couple of games in FBS on Sunday

Thunderstorms on Saturday night shelved two games in the Midwest, as the Akron @ Nebraska game, as well, as the South Dakota State @ Iowa State games were canceled due to thunderstorms.

East Carolina will kickoff their season today against North Carolina A&T (1-0), while a showdown on ABC in Arlington, with LSU and Miami-FL, matching the SEC vs. the ACC.

Sunday, September 2nd
2018 College Football season
North Carolina A&T at East Carolina	2:30 pm	espn3 Video
LSU vs. Miami-FL (Arlington)	6:30 pm	ABC / espn3 and Skycam Video

Game Day Saturday: Week one of the 2018 College Football Season

Saturday, September 1st
Coastal Carolina at South Carolina	11:00 am	SEC Network
Florida Atlantic at Oklahoma	11:00 am	FOX
Houston at Rice	11:00 am	CBSSN
James Madison at North Carolina State	11:00 am	ESPNU
Kent State at Illinois	11:00 am	BTN
Maryland vs. Texas (Landover, MD)	11:00 am	FS1
Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech (Houston)	11:00 am	ESPN
Oregon State at Ohio State	11:00 am	ABC
Southern at TCU	11:00 am	FSN
Texas State at Rutgers	11:00 am	BTN (alternate)
Villanova at Temple	11:00 am	ESPN News
Furman at Clemson	11:20 am	ESPN Extra / ACC Network
Alcorn at Georgia Tech	11:30 am	ESPN Extra / ACC RSN
UMass at Boston College	12:00 pm	ESPN Extra
Albany at Pittsburgh	2:30 pm	ESPN Extra
Appalachian State at Penn State	2:30 pm	BTN
Auburn vs. Washington (Atlanta)	2:30 pm	ABC
Austin Peay at Georgia	2:30 pm	ESPN
Central Michigan at Kentucky	2:30 pm	ESPNU
Northern Illinois at Iowa (pick 30-20)	2:30 pm	BTN (alternate)
Tennessee vs. West Virginia (Charlotte)	2:30 pm	CBS
Washington State at Wyoming	2:30 pm	CBSSN
Eastern Illinois at Arkansas	3:00 pm	SEC Network
North Carolina at California	3:00 pm	FOX
UNLV at USC	3:00 pm	PAC-12 Network
UT Martin at Missouri	3:00 pm	SEC Network alternate
Boise State at Troy	5:00 pm	ESPN News
Delaware State at Buffalo	5:00 pm	ESPN Extra
North Carolina A&T at East Carolina	5:00 pm	ESPN Extra
Cincinnati at UCLA	6:00 pm	ESPN
Grambling at Louisiana Lafayette	6:00 pm	ESPN Extra
Indiana at Florida International	6:00 pm	CBSSN
Charleston Southern at Florida	6:30 pm	SEC Network
Stephen F. Austin at Mississippi State	6:30 pm	ESPNU / WatchESPN Video
Abilene Christian at Baylor	7:00 pm	FSN / FSGo Video
Akron at Nebraska	7:00 pm	FOX / FSGo Video
Alabama vs. Louisville (Orlando)	7:00 pm	ABC / espn3 and Skycam Video
Bowling Green at Oregon	7:00 pm	PAC-12 Network / PAC-12 Video
Incarnate Word at New Mexico	7:00 pm	ESPN Extra / espn3 Video
Michigan at Notre Dame	6:30 pm	NBC
Northern Iowa at Montana	8:00 pm	ALT2 / SWX (cable)
UTSA at Arizona State	9:30 pm	FS1 / FSGo Video
BYU at Arizona	9:45 pm	ESPN / WatchESPN Video
Navy at Hawaii	10:00 pm	CBSSN / CBSSN Video
2018 College Football season
Middle Tennessee at Vanderbilt	6:30 pm	SEC Network alternate
Central Arkansas at Tulsa	6:00 pm	espn3 Video
Northern Arizona at UTEP	6:30 pm	ESPN Extra
Elon at South Florida	5:00 pm	espn3 Video
Fordham at Charlotte	5:00 pm	$espn+ Video
VMI at Toledo	6:00 pm	ESPN Extra
Howard at Ohio U	1:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Idaho at Fresno State	9:00 pm	Facebook Video / Stadium
Jackson State at Southern Miss	6:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Louisiana Tech at South Alabama	6:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Marshall at Miami Ohio	2:30 pm	$espn+ Video
Mercer at Memphis	6:00 pm	espn3 Video
Nicholls at Kansas	6:00 pm	$espn+ Video / Jayhawk TV
Old Dominion at Liberty	5:00 pm	espn3 Video
Richmond at Virginia	5:00 pm	ACC Video
SEMO at Arkansas State	6:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Stony Brook at Air Force	1:00 pm	Facebook Video
SMU at North Texas	6:30 pm	Stadium Video / Facebook Video / Stadium
South Carolina State at Georgia Southern	5:00 pm	$espn+ Video
South Dakota at Kansas State	6:00 pm	espn3 Video
South Dakota State at Iowa State	7:00 pm	Cyclones.tv (cable IA) / $Video