IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says quarterback C.J. Beathard will open this week’s practices as the starter ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten opener at Purdue. But that’s only because junior Jake Rudock is “day-to-day” because of a leg injury.

Beathard, a sophomore, finally got his shot at extended playing time last weekend. He gave the struggling Hawkeyes (3-1) a major boost in leading them back from 10 points down to beat Pittsburgh, 24-20. Beathard was 7 of 8 passing for 98 yards in relief of Rudock.