Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says Spencer Petras will remain the starting quarterback in the 69th meeting of the Cy-Hawk series against Iowa State. The Hawkeye offense managed on 166 yards in a bizarre 7-3 win over South Dakota State. The Iowa defense used two second half safeties after the teams traded first half field goals.

Beginning his third season as the starter, Petras was 11 of 25 for 109 yards and his first half interception set up South Dakota State’s lone field goal.

Since last year’s win over Penn State the numbers for Petras have cratered. In his last seven games has one touchdown pass and eight interceptions.

Not helping was the the absence of receivers Keegan Johnson and Nico Ragaini due to injury and a struggling offensive line that made Iowa’s run game non-existent.

Special teams were a factor, especially the punting of Tory Taylor who punted 10 times, with seven being downed inside to 20.

Taylor says it was good to get a win.

Quarterback play was not an issue at Iowa State. Sophomore Hunter Dekkers passed for 293 yards and four touchdowns as the Cyclones hammered Southeast Missouri State 42-10.

That’s ISU coach Matt Campbell who was confident Dekkers would play well.

Campbell says Dekkers was ready for the challenge.

After struggling in the opener the past few seasons Campbell liked the overall performance.

Iowa State will be looking to snap Iowa’s six game winning streak in the series.