Iowa’s upcoming season opener against Illinois State is set to kick off with a surprising twist, as Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and Assistant Coach Jon Budmayr will be serving a one-game suspension. This will mark the first time in over a quarter-century that Ferentz won’t be on the sidelines for the Hawkeyes. Despite this setback, Iowa is still considered a strong favorite, with the team ranked No. 25 in the nation and a 23.5-point favorite over Illinois State.
The Hawkeyes are looking to build on their 10-4 record from the previous season, with their defense being a standout performer, ranking fourth nationally by allowing only 14.8 points per game. However, their offense struggled, finishing second to last by scoring just 15.4 points per game. With most of their roster returning, including a new offensive coordinator, Iowa aims to make a run for the College Football Playoff.
Illinois State, on the other hand, is entering its 15th season under Head Coach Brock Spack and is coming off a 6-5 finish from the previous season. The Redbirds will face a tough challenge against Iowa, but they have shown resilience in the past under Spack’s leadership.
Despite the absence of Ferentz, Iowa is determined to start the season strong and prove that they can perform at a high level even without their head coach. The game between Iowa and Illinois State is set to be an exciting matchup, with both teams looking to kick off their season on a positive note. Fans can catch the action live on the Big Ten Network, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 p.m. EST at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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