C.J. Beathard scores 3 TD in Iowa’s Season Opener

“We weren’t going to settle for anything less than a win”.

The University of Iowa football team was golden while passing its first test of the season. Daniels missed much of last season with injuries.

The first thing that needs to be said about CJB’s performance is that he was damn good. “Getting to the national championship game has motivated us all”. Jordan Canzeri added a rushing touchdown, as well. He’s started one game since he’s been here.

Any hope of dragging itself off the 120-plus degree FieldTurf for Illinois State was punched in the face by Ott on the next drive. That D, though, melted down over the second half of previous year once the schedule ramped up, and it’s going to have to get everything right in on the line considering the Redbird firepower in the backfield.

Next up is a trip to Ames, Iowa, to play the Cyclones in Jack Trice Stadium, a place where the Hawkeyes have won two of the last three meetings (35-3 in 2009, 27-21 in 2013).

“When you’re facing somebody who can be disruptive like that, it’s uncomfortable, ” Ferentz said. If he keeps playing at this level through the rest of the season, he’ll be winning some awards.

Offensively, the Hawkeyes were solid throughout the game. He also ran for two more scores. “We have to be ready to be as physical and tough as they are”.

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network.

It was clear that well before this game kicked off, Brian Ferentz and Greg Davis had figured out what everyone’s role would be. LeShun never hit a hole before it appeared, and he was very effective running behind a fullback (both of whom had solid games).

“Later in the game, I feel like they kind of gave up”.

Iowa’s defense – last seen giving up 45 points to the Vols – might have been even more impressive than its offense though.

“We had things working pretty well together, ” Canzeri said.

“We talked in January about, it’s a new season”, Ferentz said. Junior Riley McCarron, the first guy off the bench, didn’t catch a pass past year.

Mostly, Roberson is excited to get the season started. Davis seems to have finally gotten the hint. “The student section was there in full, they were enthusiastic, loud, and vibrant, so that was great”. “We tried to put a tight end over there, but he ran by or ran through him a few times”. “I’ve learned a lot over the last four years”. Those are the things we are thinking about’.

-Akrum Wadley fumbled again.

“I assumed we have been extra aggressive in areas than we have been, notably on the perimeter offensively and defensively”, Ferentz stated.

-The team was about as healthy as they ever have been on opening day, but depth is still a concern.

Maybe Iowa is doing a little writing and a little erasing.

-Desmond King was solid in coverage and we didn’t hear his name that often. For a converted receiver, Greg Mabin loves to hit people.

The Redbirds will look to get back on track next week, when they host 2014 FCS playoff qualifier Morgan State in the home opener Saturday at 6:30 p.m.at Hancock Stadium. I’ll need the entire week to prepare mentally for whatever unpredictable nonsense is going to happen.