AMES, Iowa (AP) — Sam Richardson threw two touchdown passes and Iowa State got rolling in the second half to open the season with a 31-7 victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday night. Iowa State bottled up its FCS opponent for most of the steamy night and provided a key victory for coach Paul Rhoads, who is under scrutiny after winning only five games over the last two seasons.

The Cyclones also ended a two-game losing streak to FCS teams and won its opener for the first time since 2012, delighting a record crowd of 61,500 in newly expanded Jack Trice Stadium. Illinois transfer Aaron Bailey totaled 199 yards and threw a touchdown pass in his first game at quarterback for the Panthers. But he was sacked five times and UNI was hurt throughout by poor field position.