The Missouri Valley Football Conference already has its marquee victory of the nonconference season.
There will be opportunities for more in Week 2.
Northern Iowa knocked off Iowa State 25-20 on Saturday night in Ames. It was the third such victory that Valley teams have enjoyed against the Cyclones in recent years — with UNI also winning in Ames in 2013 and North Dakota State beating the Cyclones in 2014.
The Valley will take aim at the Big Ten this week, with Illinois State playing Northwestern and Indiana State visiting Minnesota.
“This will be a great test for our football team,” Illinois State coach Brock Spack said.