Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says watching Saturday’s season opening win over Illinois State from home was a helpless feeling. Ferentz was suspended for the season opener for a recruiting violation.

Saturday’s game will be the 34th time Ferentz has been involved in this series.

Ferentz says Matt Campbell has built an outstanding program and the series has featured a bunch of close games.

The Hawkeyes have been bottled up by the Iowa State defense in recent years and Ferentz says the Cyclone defense has been tough on a lot of foes.

Ferentz says he was encouraged by the play of the Iowa offense in the second half against Illinois State as well as the play of quarterback Cade McNamara. After battling injury the past couple of years McNamara finished with 251 yards of passing and three touchdowns.