Aug. 28, 2015
IOWA/ILLINOIS STATE NOTES
• Saturday is the season opener for both teams, and first ever meeting between the two programs. Iowa is opening the season against an FCS opponent for the second straight year. Iowa defeated Northern Iowa 31-23 in 2014.
• Iowa is 12-0 all-time against FCS opponents.
• QB C.J. Beathard’s uncle Kurt Beathard is Illinois State’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
• The Redbirds lost to North Dakota State in the 2014 FCS title game. Iowa opens the 2016 season hosting North Dakota State.