Friday Night Lights, as Appalachian State's Thursday night bid for an upset falls short in OT

Cedar Rapids, IA -- The 2016 College Football season kicked off with the Sydney Cup in Australia, last Saturday, then a host of games on Thursday night, including a thriller in OT in Knoxville, as Tennessee.

In Australia, the Cal Bears defeated Hawaii' 51-31 in Week 0, played on Saturday. Week 1 officially kicked off on Thursday night and will run through Labor Day, which is the new norm in College Football.

Junior QB #11 Taylor Lamb lead the Mountaineers offense,
who lead for 40 minutes over the #7 rank Volunteers

Appalachian State University football came up one bounce of the football from upsetting 100,000-plus fans again. The game was played nine years to the day, from the win in 2007, in Ann Arbor. This time in Knoxville, against the same offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, who coached at Michigan in 2007.

Tennessee’s Jalen Hurd recovered a Josh Dobbs' fumble in the end zone for the only score in overtime as the Volunteers held off a determined Appalachian State team on Thursday night in Neyland Stadium, 20-13.

Appalachian State (0-1) led for 40 minutes, never trailed in regulation, and held #7 Tennessee to 319 yards of offense, less than 300 in regulation. The Mountaineers outhit and outplayed Tennessee (1-0) for the first three quarters, leading 13-3 at half and holding the Vols out of the end zone until 10:30 left in the game. Tennessee scored 17 unanswered point to pull out the win on Thursday night.

Indiana opens 2016 with a road win, with a 34-13 win over
FIU, out of the Conference USA. IU's home opener is
next Saturday, when Ball State comes to Bloomington.

On Thursday night, the Big Ten Conference opened with 2 victories, as Minnesota defeated Oregon State 30-23 at home, while Indiana won on the road against FIU 34-13 in Miami. The Big Ten plays game three tonight, as defending Big Ten champion Michigan State kicks off the 2016 College Football season.

We fell short in our pick, for an upset in Knoxville on Thursday night. Here is a look at Friday night's action in College Football ...

Michigan State kicks off 2016 season
tonight against Furman.

• 
  
• Army at #46 Temple 6:00 pm on CBSSN - The Owls are looking to build on a six game winning streak, as Army comes to town tonight ...
• Ball State at Georgia State 6:00 pm on (CSNC+ / NESN+) / espn3 / ASN (affiliates) - in the first meeting last year, the Cardinals fell 31-19 at home during the mid-season ...
• Furman at #12 Michigan State 6:00 pm on BTN - the Spartans have won eight straight in the Mark Dantonio era and 17 straight overall in home openers, so very tall order for the underdog Paladins ...
• Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver) 7:00 pm on ESPN - the Buffaloes took care of business 27-24 over the Rams last year, but in 2014, when it was a season opener, CSU took care of business 31-17 ...
• Northwestern State at #18 Baylor 6:30 pm on FSN Affiliates - a lot has taken place this off season in Waco and prior to the firing of Art Briles ... the Demons are the opening day opponent for the 2016 season under interim coach Jim Grobe at Baylor!
• Kansas State at #10 Stanford 8:00 pm on FS1 - Big 12 vs. Pac 12, as the Wildcats-Cardinal meet for the first time in series history ... the Cardinal are only 2-4 in season openers vs. Power 5 opponents!
• #47 Toledo at Arkansas State 8:00 pm on ESPNU - the Red Wolves are 0-4 vs. the Rockets, including last year's 37-7 game on the road, but Blake Anderson enters 3rd season for A-State, while kicks off Jason Candle era, after Matt Campbell bolted for Iowa State ...
• Albany at Buffalo 6:00 pm on espn3 - the Bulls are 5-7 in the series, but took care of business 51-14 last year, after the series was renewed, after being idle, since 1988 ...
• Cal Poly at Nevada 8:30 pm on Nevada Video / MWC Video - the Wolf Pack have won four straight, including a 63-0 blowout back in 1998 last meeting ...
• Colgate at Syracuse 6:00 pm on WatchESPN - the Orange have won 15 straight against the Raiders, ranked #16 in FCS ...
• MVSU at Eastern Michigan 5:00 pm on espn3 - the Eagles are 6-1 in home openers against FCS programs, like the Delta Devils. MVSU is 0-8 in previous meetings against FBS programs.

Our preseason rankings were compiled from Stassen.com. Yes, it looks like a good night for the home team.

For me tonight, it is time for a little Iowa high school football, as Cedar Rapids Washington hosts Cedar Rapids Kennedy at Kingston Stadium, in Week 2 of Class 4A, in this inter-district contest.

College Football kicks off this weekend with a Week 0 game in FBS from Australia

Cedar Rapids, IA -- Time to kickoff the 2016 College Football season on August 26th, with a 9:00 p.m. Central Time kickoff on ESPN from Sydney, Australia. Neither program is a Top 30 team heading into the 2016 FBS season. The College Football Sydney Cup will offer a good Pac 12 vs. Mountain West showdown Down Under to highlight College Football ...

• Friday, August 26th
  California vs. Hawaii (from Sydney) on ESPN
  

The Golden Bears are coming off a 8-5 season, with a 55-36 win in the 2015 Armed Forces Bowl over Air Force, who blew out the Rainbow Warriors in conference play 58-7. Cal only returns nine starters from last season, while Hawaii' returns 15 starters from a 3-10 season in 2015.

Cal coach Sonny Dykes enters his fourth season at the helm for the Golden Bears. While for Hawaii', Nick Rolovich will be making his debut as head coach at his alma mater. The series between Cal-Hawaii' is tied at 2-2, with the last meeting in 1994.

On Saturday, in Fargo, the five time defending FCS champions will open at home. The Bison open the 2016 FCS season as the preseason number one.

• Saturday, August 27th
  Charleston Southern at North Dakota State
  6:30 pm on ESPN 

Iowa Hawkeye fans will likely be interested in this one, with the Bison coming to Iowa City on September 17th. North Dakota State opened in Week 0 on the road in 2015, with a disappointing defeat at Montana. The Bison should take care of business in the opener at home against defending Big South champion. More on the match up ...

We will breakdown the 2016 season a little more, as we approach Week 1 ...

Iowa vs. Illinois State to kickoff 2015 season on Saturday

Iowa City, IA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (7-6) are coming off a disappointing 2014 season, closing out the season on a three game losing streak. Iowa's opponent, the Illinois State Redbirds (13-2) are coming off their most successful season in program history. The Redbirds lost to North Dakota State 29-27 in the FCS Championship Game to close out 2014. The game will kickoff at 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network.

The Redbirds and the Hawkeyes have never met on the gridiron.  

Illinois State has played several Big Ten Conference opponents in the past, but is 0-7 in those contests. The last time the Redbirds faced a Big Ten foe was in 2010, at Northwestern (37-3).

Unlike fellow MVfC members, North Dakota State and Northern Iowa; Illinois State has never defeated a Power 5 FBS program. The Redbirds are 6-35 against FBS programs, with there last win at Eastern Michigan 31-14, during the 2012 season.

The Redbirds last visit to a FBS program was during the 2013 season, when Illinois State opened at Ball State, a 52-28 defeat. The Redbirds went on to finish 5-6 and lost every road game. Of course, the Redbirds rebounded in 2014.

Iowa is 12-0 vs. FCS programs. Saturday's contest may be Iowa's toughest FCS opponent match up though. Last year, Iowa opened the 2014 season, against Northern Iowa, with a 31-23 win.

 Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz news conference transcript Link

Illinois State is ranked second in the preseason FCS poll and is picked to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference. #1 North Dakota State lost at Montana 38-35 on Saturday, as the four-time defending champion falls to open season.

Illinois State head coach
Brock Spack (46-26),
entering his seventh season.

Coach Brock Spack shared at his press conference he has great respect for Iowa's Kinnick Stadium and the "fun" venue the University of Iowa has ... "they appreciate good football" talking about the up close fans. Iowa is a typical, "physical football" team. Both teams have new starters on both fronts, especially the tackles on offense and defense.

"It will be a good game to see where we are at," said Coach Spack. They are piping in crowd noise at there practices, in preparation for Iowa. Playing load music, as well.

It will not be a lot different than the FCS Championship Game, but 50,000 more ...

A new dynamic duo has emerged for the Redbirds in quarterback Tre Roberson and running back Marshaun Coprich, who shattered single season marks and re-wrote the record books in 2014. 

Roberson and Coprich were each named to the STATS FCS Offensive Player of the Year Watch List and both will look to improve upon staggering numbers from last season.  Roberson amassed 4,250 yards of total offense and accounted for 41 touchdowns in his first season at ISU, and Coprich led the FCS in rushing yards with 2,274 and touchdowns with 27.

Illinois State senior QB 5
Tre Roberson is making
2nd appearance against
Iowa. First since 2011,
when he played for IU.

Roberson made his first college football start, as a true freshman in 2011, while at Indiana. Iowa defeated Indiana 45-24.

RETURN TO KINNICK
When Redbird quarterback Tre Roberson steps foot in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, it won't be foreign territory for the ISU signal-caller.  Roberson previous started for Indiana when the Hoosiers visited Kinnick Stadium in 2011. Roberson rushed 15 times for 82 yards, and was 16-of-24 passing for 196 yards and a touchdown, but his effort was not enough, as the Hawkeyes downed the Hoosiers, 45-24. Linebacker Reggie Spearman is also very familiar with the Hawkeyes' home turf, having played 21 games for Iowa over two seasons before transferring to Illinois State this Spring.

BIG TEN FEEL
Programs at the FCS level often rely on transfers from FBS programs, and the Redbirds have had several players transfer from Big Ten programs.  Quarterback Tre Roberson and defensive lineman David Kenney each transferred from Indiana, defensive end David "Boom" Perkins came from Ohio State and the most recent addition, linebacker Reggie Spearman, makes his return to Iowa Saturday.

Kenney and Perkins never played against Iowa. 

SPACK NO STRANGER TO BIG TEN

Illinois State head coach Brock Spack spent most of his coaching career at the FBS level and much of that time was spent in the Big Ten at Purdue as defensive coordinator from 1997-2008.  In six seasons as head coach at ISU, Spack has posted a 1-3 record against FBS foes with a pair of losses in 2009 and 2010 to Illinois and Northwestern, respectively.  He helped the Redbirds pick up their first win over an FBS foe in over 20 years with a win at Eastern Michigan in 2012 and the Redbirds dropped their most recent contest against an FBS foe to Ball State in 2013.

Illinois State Senior MLB 33 Pat Meehan (6-1 225) leads the Redbirds defense.

Illinois State Game Captains for 2015

Being voted a captain by your peers is perhaps one of the best shows of respect a collegiate football player can receive.  After fall camp was concluded, the Redbirds selected senior quarterback Tre Roberson, senior safety and special teams standout Soniel Estime and senior middle linebacker Pat Meehan as their captains for the 2015 season.  They will be joined each game by another senior voted on each week by the coaching staff.

Iowa Game Captains for Illinois State

Captains for this week, and the leadership group selects those guys weekly,we have Drew Ott,Jordan Lomax on the defensive side, and on the offensive side, Austin Blythe and C.J. Beathard. Those four guys will represent the football team, Coach Ferentz announced at his press conference.

Family Reunion on Saturday

Iowa junior quarterback C.J. Beathard is the nephew of Illinois State offensive coordinator Kurt Beathard. Beathard is making his second career start in the 2015 season opener. He made his first career start at Purdue, in last year's Big Ten road opener, leading the Hawkeyes to a 24-10 win.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker (left) and offensive coordinator
Greg Davis (right) are each entering their fourth season as coordinators.
Parker is the longest tenured assistant with Ferentz at Iowa, since 1999.

YARDS, RECEPTIONS TO FILL
Iowa opens the 2015 season without its 2014 leader in passing yards (Jake Rudock, 2,436), rushing yards (Mark Weisman, 812) or receptions (Kevonte Martin-Manley, 52). It is the first time since 2004 that Iowa opens the season without a returning statistical leader in at least one of those categories (2003: QB Nathan Chandler, RB Fred Russell, WR Ramon Ochoa). Iowa and Maryland are the only Big Ten schools without a returning leader in at least one of those statistical categories. The Hawkeyes do return their 2014 leader in receiving yards. WR Tevaun Smith caught a career-high 43 passes for a career-best 596 yards in 2014. Iowa also lost its top two tacklers, SS John Lowdermilk (103) and MLB Quinton Alston (94), to graduation.

Many who follow the Iowa program have high confidence in the new starters, who will lead Iowa. The 2004 season was a very positive season for the Hawkeyes under Coach Ferentz. Iowa has a very favorable schedule, as does Big Ten West rival, Wisconsin, who are the defending division champs.

Iowa sophomores MLB Josey Jewell and SS Miles Taylor will be starting in 2015. Jewell started the final four games at WLB and lead the Iowa defense in tackles in the lost to Tennessee 45-28. in the TaxSlayer bowl game.

Iowa junior RB LeShun Daniels is on the top of Iowa’s depth chart and is expected to make his first career start in the 2015 season opener. Daniels has 184 career rushing yards on 50 carries. 

Daniels in 3-2-1: 
• Missed the final five regular season games in 2014 due to injury and saw limited action in the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl, rushing one time for seven yards.
• He is Iowa’s eighth different opening day starting running back since 2007. 
• Scored his only career touchdown in Iowa’s 2014 season opener against Northern Iowa, on the opening drive of the season. 

Iowa RB Jordan Canzeri (SR., 5-9, 192)

Career Games Played/Starts: 29/2

Senior RB Jordan Canzeri ranked second on the team with 752 all-purpose yards in 2014, including 494 yards rushing, 123 yards receiving, and 135 yards in kickoff returns. He was the only player on the team with 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving. He will be the #2 RB to open the 2015 season for Iowa.

Canzeri in 3-2-1:

• Has 1,089 career rushing yards, one of 45 players in program history with 1,000 career rushing yards. 

• Rushed for a team-high 120 yards on 12 carries against Tennessee in the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl. Had a game-high 148 all-purpose yards in the bowl game, adding two catches for 13 yards and returning one kickoff 15 yards. 

• 212 yards on 41 carries (5.2 ypc) in three postseason games (2011 Insight, 2014 Outback, 2015 TaxSlayer).

More on the 2015 Iowa Hawkeyes

Saturday, September 6th in College Football

Akron at Penn State, 11:00 a.m. on ABC / ESPN2 - Can jet lag help the Zips in Happy Valley in Week 2,  after Nittany Lions return from Dublin?

Arkansas State at Tennessee, 11:00 a.m. on SECN - Sun Belt opponent comes to Knoxville for Payday!

Buffalo at Army, 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN - The Bulls could spoil another one at West Point!

Central Michigan at Purdue, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN News - The Boilermakers seek second straight win vs. FBS opponent in Hazell era.

Florida Atlantic at Alabama, 11:00 a.m.SECN / SECN Video - Nebraska beat Owls 55-7 in season opener, so Cornhuskers fans will be watching closely for comparisons!

Howard at Rutgers, 11:00 a.m. on BTN - Scarlet Knights return home for home opener ahead of next week's B1G opener at home!

Kansas State at Iowa State11:00 a.m.FS1 - the Big 12 opener of '14 as the home team looks to regain a pulse after allowing 34 straight unanswered points in season opener vs. a FCS foe!

McNeese State at Nebraska, 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU - One site suggested 66-17, as the Cowboys seek third straight win over FBS opponent ...

Missouri at Toledo, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN - the MAC has opportunities to make noise in Week 2 of '14!

Oklahoma at Tulsa, 11:00 a.m. on ABC / ESPN2 - the Sooners have won seven straight by an average of 37 points per Phil Steele, so not likely to change.

SMU at North Texas, 11:00 a.m. on FSN Affiliates - rooting for Dan McCarney in Year 4 at Mean Green helm.

Stony Brook at UConn, 11:00 a.m. on SNY / ESPN-GP / espn3 - The Huskies should notch win ...

Western Illinois at Wisconsin, 11:00 a.m. on BTN - The Badgers return to Madison from Houston licking wounds and host MVfC team, FCS opponent in home opener.

Western Kentucky at Illinois, 11:00 a.m. on BTN - this could be a challenge for the Fighting Illini, but Tim Beckman's team stepped up in Week 2 last year!

South Carolina State at Clemson, 11:30 a.m. on ESPN-GP / espn3 / ACC Network - The Tigers look for win one in '14.

UAB at Mississippi State, 1:00 p.m. on FSN Affiliates / ESPN-GP / espn3 - the Bulldogs continue light load until Week 4 SEC opener.

Eastern Washington at Washington, 2:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) - Some have Eastern Washington #1 in FCS, so do they take care of business like North Dakota State vs. FBS big boys?

Fresno State at Utah, 2:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) - Fresno opened at Pac 12 USC in Week 1 to a big L.

Sacramento State at California, 2:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) - Okay, the Bears struggled in Week 2, but won only game last year, so they can double output in '14 already!

Ball State at Iowa, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2 - The Cardinals have never scored on the Hawkeyes in two previous outputs (56-0, 45-0), so 34-0 will likely be 34-14, with Iowa's new '14 defense.

Ohio U at Kentucky, 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU - another MAC opportunity, as Mark Stoops looks reach win two of last year by Week 2.

Maryland at South Florida, 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN - the new B1G is looking to continue winning ways in '14.

Middle Tennessee at Minnesota, 2:30 p.m. on BTN - the Golden Gophers only won 24-17 in only prior meeting in '10.

Missouri State at Oklahoma State, 2:30 p.m. on FSN Affiliates - The Cowboys look to rebound, after Week 1 loss to #1 Florida State.

Northern Illinois at Northwestern, 2:30 p.m.BTN - The Huskies are seeking third straight win over B1G for MAC pride.

USC at Stanford, 2:30 p.m. on ABC - Pac 12 opener with College Football Playoff positioning on the line in this slugfest ...

Eastern Michigan at Florida, 3:00 p.m. on SECN - The Gators were only 4-8 last year, but open with two soft FBS programs, before SEC opener in Week 3.

Georgia Tech at Tulane, 3:00 p.m. on ESPN News - first meeting in long series, since '82 as Green Wave return outdoors at new campus stadium today.

Nicholls at Arkansas, 3:00 p.m. on SECN - the Razorbacks lost SEC season opener, so lick wounds on FCS foe ...

Ole Miss at Vanderbilt, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN - Week 2 SEC opener for each squad.

Michigan State at Oregon, 5:30 p.m. on FOX / FOX Deportes - one of these teams will rank in College Football Playoff top 4 with win!

Arizona State at New Mexico, 6:00 p.m. on CBSSN - Did you hear the joke about the Pac 12 going to a MWC venue ... what's the punchline, as Lobos have lost 17straight over Sun Devils?

East Carolina at South Carolina, 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU - Can the Gamecocks pull even in '14, as they are 4-5 vs. ECU since '91?

Rhode Island at Marshall, 6:00 p.m. on CSBA / ASN - Yawn, as top C-USA East leader continues soft non-conference slate to open '14!

San Jose State at Auburn, 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2 - The Tigers open non-conference slate, after 1-0 start in SEC.

SE Missouri State at Kansas 6:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP - Jayhawks are safer vs. FCS in season opener, than fellow Big 12 foe ...

BYU at Texas, 6:30 p.m. on FS1 - The Longhorns are 1-3 vs. the Cougars, after 40-21 loss at BYU last year.

The Citadel at Florida State, 6:30 p.m. on FSN Affiliates / RSN / ESPN-GP / espn3 - Doesn't help Seminoles SOS for '14.

Lamar at Texas A&M, 6:30 p.m. on SECN - Who was Johnny Football, as Kevin Sumlin's plug & play offense enjoys '14 with SEC win in Week 1.

Michigan at Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. on NBC - As the year to year series comes to an end with the ACC-lite Fighting Irish.

Northwestern State at Baylor, 6:30 p.m. on FSN Affiliates - defending Big 12 champs lost bowl game to close '13 welcome '14 FCS opponent ahead of Week 3 road trip to MAC?

Sam Houston State at LSU, 6:30 p.m. on SECN - The Tigers enjoy four staight at home, after B1G win in Houston in Week 1.

Towson at West Virginia, 6:30 p.m. on RSPI - The Mountaineers should notch first win in Week 2, after loss to Bama in opener.

North Dakota State at Weber State, 7:00 p.m. on ALT / NBC ND (cable) / Big Sky Video - So, are the Bison primed for a fourth straight FCS title or will winning ways come to a close in '14 under new head man?

San Diego State at North Carolina, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN News / 4SD (cable) - The Tar Heels were 7-6 this year and haven't played a major foe yet in '14 to be ranked from our vantage point.

Virginia Tech at Ohio State, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN - Could this be Urban Meyer's first regular season loss in Columbus, as he begins Year 3 at Buckeyes helm?

Memphis at UCLA, 9:00 p.m. on PAC-12 Network (HD) / Pac-12 Video - Bruins home opener, before another road trip East to Arlington.

Air Force at Wyoming, 9:15 p.m. on ESPNU - The Mountain West opener for each team ...

Colorado State at Boise State, 9:15 p.m. on ESPN2 - The Rams are an underdog in this MWC opener, after a nice in-state win over the Colorado Buffaloes.

Oregon State at Hawaii, 9:30 p.m. on CBSSN - The Rainbows host another Pac 12 opponent ahead of next week's date with the UNI Panthers.

Texas Tech at UTEP, 10:00 p.m. on FS1 - The Red Raiders look to take care of business on the road ...

Alcorn State at Southern Miss, 6:00 p.m. on $CSLive Video - The Golden Eagles have only one win in now the third year, so a win would be nice boost.

Campbell at Appalachian State, 5:00 p.m. on espn3 - Home opener aftet

Colorado at UMass, 2:00 p.m. on espn3 - another MAC opportunity in rare Big 5 home date.

Duke at Troy, 6:00 p.m. on espn3 - Trojans seek win #2 in 13 games vs. ACC foes in a nice home game vs. a Big 5 conference opponent.

Eastern Kentucky at Miami of Ohio, 2:30 p.m. on espn3 - FCS upset alert?

Florida A&M at Miami-FL, 6:00 p.m. on espn3 - Hurricane look to rebound vs. FCS opponent,  after losing ACC opener on Labor Day!

Gardner Webb at Wake Forest, 5:30 p.m. on espn3 - Demon Deacons need to win these games ...

Grambling at Houston, 7:00 p.m. on espn3 - Cougars host FCS opponent early in '14.

Idaho at Louisiana Monroe, 6:00 p.m. on espn3 - Welcome to Sun Belt Vandals!

Idaho State at Utah State, 7:00 p.m. on MWC Video1 / MWC Video2 - The Aggies should roll ...

Louisiana Tech at Louisiana Lafayette, 6:00 p.m. on espn3 - Does Tech QB Cody Sokol, former Hawkeye, lead team to road win?

Murray State at Louisville, 6:00 p.m. on espn3 - Home field advantage is back under coach Bobby Petrino?

Navy at Temple, 12:00 p.m. on espn3 - The Midshipmen fell to Ohio State, as they hit the road to the MAC ..

New Mexico State at Georgia State, 1:00 p.m. on espn3 - States fight for state bragging rights, really?

Northern Colorado at UNLV, 9:00 p.m. on MWC Video1 / MWC Video2 - Will Vegas rock vs. FCS at home?

Old Dominion at North Carolina State, 5:00 p.m. on espn3 - Monarchs come a marching to battle Wolfpack!

Richmond at Virginia, 2:30 p.m. on espn3 - Job changer as ex-Richmond coach looks for wins in '14 and Year 5.

South Alabama at Kent State, 1:00 p.m. on espn3 - Not a sexy MAC out of conference game in Week 2.

VMI at Bowling Green, 2:30 p.m. on espn3 - Falcons seeking first win in '14.

Wagner at Florida International, 5:00 p.m. on $CSLive Video / $Video - The Golden Panthers lost last year vs. FCS opponent to finish 1-11.  FIU opened with back to back home FCS games in '14.

Our early look at College Football Playoff Top 4:

1. Florida State
2. Oklahoma
3. Alabama
4. winner of Michigan State @ Oregon
Next: winner of USC @ Stanford

Game Day Iowa: Kickoff of the '14 season at Kinnick vs. Northern Iowa Panthers

The University of Iowa (8-5, 5-3 B1G in '13) celebrates their 125th anniversary of Hawkeye Football in 2014, as the Northern Iowa Panthers (7-5, 3-5 MVfC in '13) come to Kinnick Stadium to open the '14 season.

There is plenty of history to celebrate with Iowa Football and College Football in 2014. The new College Football Playoff has replaced the old BCS in '14.

It has been 75 years, since the Iowa Ironmen team and the 1939 season and Nile Kinnick's Heisman season. The Hawkeyes have enjoyed memorable seasons over the past 125 and 75 years, respectively.

Personally, it is the 40th anniversary of my first college season at Kinnick, as a young Hawkeye fan. Sadly, 2014 is the first college football season, without my father alive, as he passed away this Summer.

Iowa is 15-1 in the UNI series, as the only loss came in game 1, back in 1898. It was only five years ago, when the Hawkeyes needed to block back to back Panther field goals, on consecutive plays, at the end of the game, to preserve the win at Kinnick, in another season opener. Last season, UNI beat Iowa State 28-20, in their season opener.

Iowa enters their 16th season with head coach Kirk Ferentz (108 wins, 6-5 in bowls) at the helm. It has been ten years, since Iowa took home a share of a Big Ten title in football. Iowa won co-championships in both 2002 and 2004, under Ferentz leadership.

Iowa hasn't competed for a Big Ten title, since the 2009 season, five years ago, when they fell short in OT at Ohio State. Today, division football enters year 4 in the Big Ten, but with a new geographic divisions for '14.

Iowa is part of the new B1G West in 2014, as Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue, Wisconsin and the Hawkeyes make up new geographic division in the new 14 member conference. Maryland and Rutgers are now in the Big Ten and will join Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State in the East division.

Iowa opens at Kinnick Stadium today, the first of four non-conference games to open the 2014 campaign. The Hawkeyes return eight starters on offense, five on defense, with 40 returning letterman.

Both programs, Iowa and UNI, should be better on offense in 2014. Each has a 1-2 option at QB, though junior Jake Rudock is a clear #1 for the Hawkeye offense. Sophomore C.J. Beathard could come in some situational plays in '14 for the Hawkeyes.

Both programs like to run the football. Iowa goes four-deep at RB, with seniors Mark Weisman, Damon Bullock, junior Jordan Canzeri and sophomore LeShun Daniels. UNI counters with senior David Johnson, who Iowa recruited as a greyshirt. Former Iowa RB Barkley Hill, transferred during the summer to UNI. Hill was buried deep on the Iowa depth chart, when he vacated Iowa City. He should finally make his college debut today.

Both teams have experience in the offensive line. Iowa is lead by senior FBS pre-season all-American LT Brandon Scherrff. Senior Andrew Donnal will man the RT spot for Iowa, while junior C Austin Blythe calls the offensive line signals again. Junior Jordan Walsh is back, with redshirt freshman Sean Welsh the other guard spot for Iowa, as we kickoff the '14 season.

Senior FCS preseason all-American candidate Jack Rummels anchors the Panthers in the offensive line in '14. The Panthers have watched North Dakota State emerge as a three-time FCS champion, lately as a fellow MVfC member. North Dakota State opens in Ames today. ISU comes to Kinnick in two weeks.

The FCS schools knocked off a record 16 FBS schools in '13. UNI enjoyed one of those wins in Ames last year. North Dakota State took down Kansas State last year and will look to make it two in a row for the FCS in Ames.

If Iowa is going to compete for a Big Ten title in 2014, they will have to improve their explosive plays this season on offense. The passing attack will have to improve.

Iowa has four experienced tights ends for third-year, offensive coordinator Greg Davis to utilize. Senior Ray Hamilton, juniors Henry Krieger-Coble, Jake Duzey and sophomore George Little bring variables to the Iowa offense.

The wide receivers have been mostly quiet the past several years for Iowa, but that may change in '14?

Senior Kevonte Martin-Manly (40 catches, 5 tds), junior Tevaun Smith (huge TD vs. Michigan in '13) and senior Diamond Powell (24.2 yds per catch, 2 tds) were the Top 3 wide receivers last year. They are all back, as is junior Jacob Hillyer, as seasoned wide receiver. 

Sophomore Matt VandeBerg made two starts last year and redshirt freshmen Derrick Willies, Derrick Mitchell and Andre Harris all are options at WR. Senior walk-on Andrew Stone could factor in as a possession receiver.

The strength of the Iowa defense is the return of all four starters in the defensive line. Iowa was very good in run defense and points allowed in '13, but all three talented starting linebackers are in the NFL now.

Defensive coordinator Phil Parker will enter year three, as DC. He has been at Iowa leading the defensive backs, since 1999, during Kirk Ferentz's first season. Iowa's coaching staff is seasoned with a mix of experience and youth.

Iowa will see senior MLB Quinton Alston anchor the Iowa defense in '14. He will benefit up the middle with senior defensive tackles Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat. Davis, like Scherff on offense, is receiving pre-season all-American talk. Trica-Pasat is one of Iowa's four team captains in the opener, with Weisman, Scherrf and Alston.

Iowa has a three-man rotation back at defensive end with senior Mike Hardy, juniors Drew Ott and Nate Meier. Juniors Riley McMinn and Melvin Spears need to step up, as reserves.

Depth and experience is a concern on defense for Iowa, but the defense could be stout again at times?

The defensive line lost junior Darian Cooper to knee surgery, so the #3 DT will come from sophomores Jaleel Johnson, Faith Ekakitie and redshirt freshman Nathan Bazata in '14.

Sophomore Reggie Spearman will man the WLB position, after playing as a true frosh last season, as a specialist on pass rush, in Iowa's Raider defense. Look for more nickel and dime looks in '14 on passing downs by the Hawkeyes?

The other linebacker spot is an interesting story for Iowa. Ferentz rewarded a redshirt freshman Bo Bower the first start and a scholarship to open his career. Bower turned down a scholarship at UNI to walk-on at Iowa. His debut comes vs. UNI today at The Kinnick.

Iowa's secondary has two returning starters, but otherwise new. Senior SS John Lowdermilk is back. Sophomore Desmond King became the starter, after week 1, when he replaced an injured starter in last year's opener vs. Northern Illinois. King could be very special in the Hawkeye secondary and is a player to keep an eye on for Iowa.

The other members of the secondary for Iowa in '14. Junior Jordan Lomax manned King's CB spot in last year's opener, but he has moved this off season to the FS position for Iowa. The other new CB for Iowa is sophomore Greg Mabin (6-2 converted WR), with junior Sean Draper and sophomore Maurice Fleming pushing Mabin.

True freshmen Miles Taylor and Ben Niemann are expected to play today. Taylor is a reserve safety and Niemann is likely a reserve linebacker, both should play special teams. Juniors Travis Perry (one start in '12), Cole Fisher and senior Chad Gilson, transfer from UNI, are all reserve linebackers and will find roles on special teams in '14.

Special teams are always important, especially in season openers. Iowa returns specialists Canzeri (25.2 yards per KO return) and PR Martin-Manly (15.7, 2 tds). Redshirt freshman, reserve RBs Jonathan Parker and Akrum Wadley may help in roles on kick returns in '14, as well,  for Iowa.

Iowa has a new placekicker and punter in '14, despite the return of two-year junior punter Connor Kornbath's (40.0 per punt) return. Junior college transfer, junior Dillon Kidd will get the start at punter. Kornbath's strength has been pinning teams inside the 20, but Kidd appears to have a stronger leg. Kidd's dad had a long career in the NFL, as a punter.

Four-year placekicker Mike Meyer has graduated. So, junior Marshall Koehn is likely first up as the new PK for Iowa, with true freshman Mick Ellis from the Lone Star State in the mix, likely in '14. The new long snapper is redshirt freshman Tyler Kluver. There are some big shoes to fill in '14.

Iowa vs. UNI

Season openers are always a little anxious, since no one really knows just how their team will gel right out of the gates.

Iowa is known for slow, methodical starts under Kirk Ferentz. In 2005, Iowa roared out of the gate vs. Ball State, but that has been the exception the past 15 seasons, rather than the rule.

UNI coach Mark Farley likely has a Panther team with an offense ahead of the defense, which may help Iowa more in the Season Opener?

Does Iowa continue to struggle in Season Openers for the third straight season?

UNI is most experienced in the secondary on defense. Some believe it should be 'stellar' in '14. Iowa found Northern Illinois' secondary in '12 and '13 solid in the secondary.

The middle of the UNI may be stout, like Iowa?  Defensive tackle Xavier Williams is a stout, 311 pound anchor. He was all-conference and had 74 tackles last year. Senior linebacker Jake Farley is not 100 percent, but is expected to play, coming off a broken leg during the loss to North Dakota State, last season. Leading tackler over the first five games last season.

Iowa and UNI both could be set for breakout seasons. Lately, both have been up and down in their respective conferences and Division 1 divisions (FBS vs. FCS). Neither has had the success as their fan bases have enjoyed in the past under respective coaches, Ferentz and Farley.

Keys to game:

1. Line of scrimmage,
2. Special teams and turnovers,
3. Explosive plays,
4. Down and distance,
5. Coaching adjustments and temperament.

Cidsports Game Pick:
Iowa 38
UNI 17

This game could be close, but UNI defense has been apparently running behind the offense. Iowa should return to having a better offense and defense should be able to control line of scrimmage more than UNI.