AMES, Iowa (AP) — Opening day losses have all but doomed Iowa State in each of the last two seasons. The Cyclones know that the path to a turnaround could begin with a strong start. Iowa State enters its seventh season under coach Paul Rhoads with an immediate must-win game on Saturday against Northern Iowa.

The Cyclones have dropped back-to-back home openers against FCS schools, starting with a defeat to Northern Iowa in 2013. A third such loss might again derail their season before it starts.