Quarterback C.J. Beathard improved to 2‐0 as a starter in making his first career start at Kinnick Stadium. He was 15‐of‐24 for 211 yards passing and one touchdown. He rushed eight times for 26 yards and two touchdowns, including the first score of the game. The eight rushing attempts was a career high.
Running back LeShun Daniels set career highs in carries 26, rushing yards 123, and longest rush. His 27‐yard rush on the game’s opening drive was a career long. Daniels made his first career start.
Iowa’s 99‐yard scoring drive on its second possession was its first 99‐yard scoring drive since 2002 at Miami (OH). The Hawkeyes took a 17-0 lead into the half.
On the defensive side of the ball, Iowa finished the game with five sacks, all in the opening half. DE Drew Ott had two sacks. DE Parker Hesse, DE Nate Meier, and LB Ben Niemann each had one. It was the first career sack for Hesse and Niemann.
Illinois State scored two late touchdowns after falling behind 31-0.
The Hawkeyes have played 57 consecutive games without a missed or blocked PAT, the longest streak of any school in the nation. Iowa has converted on 172 consecutive PATs during the streak.
The Hawkeyes have won 14‐of‐17 season openers under Kirk Ferentz, averaging 35.3 ppg in the 14 wins. Iowa is 95‐29‐2 (.762) in home openers.
The Hawkeyes play at Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 3:45 p.m. (CT) at Jack Trice Stadium. FOX will televise the contest.
Football: Iowa versus Illinois State, Sept. 5, 2015 in Iowa City. 31-14 win for Iowa.
Posted by NorthIowaToday.com on Saturday, September 5, 2015
