The Iowa Hawkeyes open the new season with a new quarterback when the host Illinois State on Saturday in Kinnick Stadium. It will be their first game since junior C.J. Beathard was given the keys to the offense just days after a Taxslayer Bowl loss to Tennessee. Saturday’s game will be Beathard’s second start under center. He replaced an injured Jake Rudock in last year’s 24-10 win at Purdue.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says Beathard will get better as he gains experience. Iowa is familiar with Illinois State quarterback Tre Roberson. As a freshman at Indiana back in 2011 Roberson passed for 197 yards and rushed for 84 in a 45-24 Hoosier loss in Kinnick Stadium.

Illinois State lost to North Dakota State in last year’s FCS title game. The Hawkeyes have two new tackles on offense and senior center Austin Blythe becomes the leader of the offensive line. LeSun Daniels and Jordan Canzeri give the Hawkeyes a one-two bunch at running back that should give the ground game a boost.

Beathard says the Hawkeyes are getting excited as game day approaches. Not only will Beathard’s family be at the game but his uncle, Kurth Beathard, is the offensive coordinator for Illinois State. Beathard says the Hawkeyes are anxious to erase the memories of last season’s three game skid to end the season.

(Learfield Sports)