It wasn't always shiny, but last week's 13-3 Iowa victory over Iowa State is a thing of beauty when it contributes to a spotless 2-0 start to the 2018 football season.
Fans are hoping for a scoring breakthrough in the first half this week against FCS opponent Northern Iowa — the Hawkeyes have six total first-half points this year. But the Panthers have made Iowa sweat of late, with the teams' last three meetings decided by a total of 20 points.
Here's a little more about the expected starters for the Hawkeyes heading into Saturday's 6:30 p.m. contest:
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Nate Stanley (6-foot-4, 242 pounds, junior) — Hawkeye fans and coaches alike are hoping the talented junior can have a breakout performance this week. The two-game numbers (27-for-51, 274 yards, TD, INT) are tepid.
FERENTZ: Stanley 'pressing' a bit, and other notes from Week 3 media session
Running back: Toren Young (5-11, 221, Soph.) — Supplanted by Ivory Kelly-Martin in fall camp, expect Young to get another chance to prove his co-No. 1 worth this week. He had a career-high 21 attempts last week against Iowa State.
Fullback: Brady Ross (6-0, 245, Jr.) — During what was the game-clinching touchdown drive, Ross converted on a big third-down carry when it felt like 6-3 could have been the final score.
Tight end: Noah Fant (6-5, 241, Jr.) — Most everybody on offense was quiet last week, but Fant still has eight touchdowns in his past nine Kinnick Stadium games in spite of that.
Tight end: T.J. Hockenson (6-5, 250, Soph.) — That he leads the Hawkeyes with 10 receptions and 97 yards through two games tells you all you need to know about the passing offense's performance so far.
Split end: Brandon Smith (6-3, 219, Soph.) — Where's Brandon Smith? There's Brandon Smith, catching a career-long 30-yard reception in the fourth quarter that finally helped Iowa fans exhale last week.
Wide receiver: Nick Easley (5-11, 205, Sr.) — If the Iowa offense gets a jump-start this week, look to Easley, who was the leading Iowa receiver nine times in 2017.
Left tackle: Alaric Jackson (6-7, 320, Soph.) — He's missed the opener because of the suspension, but if Jackson plays, he starts. Saturday will mark 14 games played, and 14 games atop the depth chart.
LEISTIKOW: Hawkeye fans can't wait for Wisconsin game. Iowa's players must.
Left guard: Ross Reynolds (6-4, 295, Sr.) — He said this week in an interview that the line is pleased with its blocking efforts so far. Maybe the rushing numbers will further support that sentiment this week.
Center: Keegan Render (6-4, 307, Sr.) — Reviews have been fine for Render at center so far. He moved to the position full-time this season.
Right guard: Cole Banwart (6-4, 296, Soph.) — Part of a line that has averaged 3.7 yards per carry and just under 160 yards per game on the ground.
Right tackle: Tristan Wirfs (6-5, 320, Soph.) — Wirfs is quietly a veteran on an abnormally young offensive line. Wirfs was the first Kirk Ferentz-era player to start at offensive tackle as a true freshman.
RELATED: Wirfs returns from suspension eager to make a difference for Iowa
![Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team carry the CyHawk trophy off the field after a 13-3 win over Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
1 of 118![Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt crumples after being sacked in the fourth quarter against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
2 of 118![Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt is helped to his feet after hurting his knee after being sacked in the fourth quarter against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
3 of 118![Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team carry the CyHawk trophy off the field after a 13-3 win over Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
4 of 118![Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) gets sacked by Iowa defensive end Chauncey Golston (57) and defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
5 of 118![Iowa right tackle Matt Nelson sacks Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt in the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
6 of 118![Iowa receiver Nick Easley goes up for the ball late in the game against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
7 of 118![Iowa kicker Miguel Recinos kicks a Point After Touchdown as the Hawkeyes beat Iowa State, 13-3, on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
8 of 118![Iowa fullback Brady Ross (36) dives over Iowa State linebacker Willie Harvey (2) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
9 of 118![Iowa defensive back Amani Hooker (27) tackles Iowa State tight end Chase Allen (11) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
10 of 118![Iowa tight end Noah Fant (87) catches a pass while being covered by Iowa State linebacker Marcel Spears Jr. (42) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
11 of 118![Iowa defensive back Matt Hankins (8) tackles Iowa State wide receiver Matthew Eaton (23) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
12 of 118![Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson (38) gestures for a first down during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
13 of 118![Iowa defensive end Parker Hesse (40) tackles Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
14 of 118![Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) celebrates with teammates after forcing a fumble during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
15 of 118![Iowa State quarterback Zeb Noland (4) looks to pass during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
16 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) passes during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
17 of 118![Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz gestures during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
18 of 118![Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) rushes during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
19 of 118![The sun sets past the recently painted Tigerhawk water tower during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
20 of 118![Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz (left) talks into his headset while Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz (right) stands on the sideline during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
21 of 118![Iowa wide receiver Kyle Groeneweg (14) runs to the sideline during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
22 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) talks to teammates during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
23 of 118![Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell talks into his headset while walking on the sideline during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
24 of 118![Iowa State defensive lineman Ray Lima (76) attempts to block a field goal from Iowa placekicker Miguel Recinos (91) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
25 of 118![Members of the Iowa Hawkeye marching band perform during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
26 of 118![Iowa placekicker Miguel Recinos (91) runs down the sideline after kicking a field goal during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
27 of 118![Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) rushes during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
28 of 118![Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt hands the ball off to running back David Montgomery against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
29 of 118![Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz calls a timeout in the first quarter against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
30 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley adjusts his shoulder pads after scrambling for a first down run against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
31 of 118![Iowa center Keegan Render helps protect the pocket against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
32 of 118![Iowa safety Amani Hooker, left, throws Iowa State's Matthew Eaton to the ground on a play on Saturday, Sept. 8 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
33 of 118![An Iowa State cheerleader performs a routine against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
34 of 118![An Iowa State cheerleader performs a routine against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
35 of 118![Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell looks on after a play against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 8 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
36 of 118![Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell looks on after a play against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
37 of 118![Iowa receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette is caught after pulling in a reception against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
38 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley fires a throw against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
39 of 118![Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt fires a throw against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
40 of 118![Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz pumps his fist as the Hawkeyes drive for a first down late against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
41 of 118![Iowa State quarterback Zeb Noland fires a pass against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
42 of 118![Iowa State running back David Montgomery looks for room to run against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 8 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
43 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley hands the ball out to a running back against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
44 of 118![Iowa senior Kyle Groeneweg motions to an Iowa State player after being interfered with on a punt reception on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
45 of 118![Members of the Iowa Spirit Squad run the Iowa flags onto the field prior to kickoff against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
46 of 118![Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team take the field prior to kickoff against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
47 of 118![Iowa wide receiver Brandon Smith (12) gets tackled by Iowa State defensive back D'Andre Payne (1) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
48 of 118![Iowa offensive lineman Keegan Render (69) and Iowa offensive lineman Ross Reynolds (59) carry the Cy-Hawk trophy after the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes defeated the Cyclones, 13-3.]()
49 of 118![Iowa offensive lineman Keegan Render (69) defensive end Parker Hesse (40) and offensive lineman Ross Reynolds (59) carry the Cy-Hawk trophy after the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes defeated the Cyclones, 13-3.]()
50 of 118![Iowa fans wave to patients in the University Stead Family Children's Hospital after the first quarter during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
51 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) looks to pass while offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (77) protects the pocket during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
52 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
53 of 118![Iowa State running back Sheldon Croney escapes the reach of Iowa linebacker Nick Niemann on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
54 of 118![Members of the Iowa football team celebrate a 13-3 win over Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
55 of 118![Members of the Iowa football team celebrate a 13-3 win over Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
56 of 118![Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team carry the CyHawk trophy off the field after a 13-3 win over Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
57 of 118![Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team carry the CyHawk trophy off the field after a 13-3 win over Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
58 of 118![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz shakes hands with Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell after the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes defeated the Cyclones, 13-3.]()
59 of 118![Iowa linebacker Djimon Colbert (32) and Iowa linebacker Amani Jones (52) celebrate after the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes defeated the Cyclones, 13-3.]()
60 of 118![Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes run into their tunnel after the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes defeated the Cyclones, 13-3.]()
61 of 118![Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) scores a touchdown during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
62 of 118![Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
63 of 118![Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
64 of 118![Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team carry the CyHawk trophy off the field after a 13-3 win over Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
65 of 118![Iowa head football coach watches his Hawkeyes warm up prior to kickoff against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
66 of 118![Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team carry the CyHawk trophy off the field after a 13-3 win over Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
67 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) calls to teammates at the line during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
68 of 118![Iowa State wide receiver Deshaunte Jones (8) carries the ball during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
69 of 118![Iowa defensive end Matt Nelson (96) celebrates after sacking Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
70 of 118![Iowa defensive end Matt Nelson (96) sacks Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt (17) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
71 of 118![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz calls out during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
72 of 118![Iowa linebacker Nick Niemann (49) celebrates a sack during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
73 of 118![Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson (38) attempts to catch a tipped pass during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
74 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) looks to pass during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
75 of 118![Iowa State place kicker Connor Assalley (96) watches as his field goal goes through the up rights during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
76 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) dives towards the side line during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
77 of 118![Iowa State punter Corey Dunn kicks out of the end zone during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
78 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) takes a snap from Iowa offensive lineman Keegan Render (69) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
79 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) takes a snap from Iowa offensive lineman Keegan Render (69) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
80 of 118![Patients in the Stead Family Children's Hospital look out their windows during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
81 of 118![A fan in the upper deck of the north end zone cheers during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
82 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) hands off a ball to Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
83 of 118![Iowa right tackle Matt Nelson sacks Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt in the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
84 of 118![Iowa State running back David Montgomery looks for running room against Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
85 of 118![Iowa State running back Sheldon Croney escapes the reach of Iowa linebacker Nick Niemann on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
86 of 118![Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz waves to the Stead Family Children's Hospital during the first quarter wave against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
87 of 118![Iowa running back Toren Young runs the ball up the middle against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
88 of 118![Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz, left, meets with Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell prior to kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
89 of 118![Iowa State running back David Montgomery is drilled by a host of Iowa defenders in the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
90 of 118![Iowa State defensive back Lawrence White hits Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
91 of 118![Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley winds back to pass the ball against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
92 of 118![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell meet a midfield before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
93 of 118![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell meet a midfield before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
94 of 118![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz meets at midfield before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
95 of 118![Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell watches players warm up before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
96 of 118![Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell watches players warm up before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
97 of 118![Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz enters the stadium prior to kickoff against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
98 of 118![Iowa and Iowa State fans step off the Hawkeye Express as they make their way to the stadium for the CyHawk Series football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
99 of 118![Iowa tight ends coach LeVar Woods enters the stadium prior to kickoff against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
100 of 118![Tailgaters mill about the grounds of Kinnick Stadium during the Cy-Hawk game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Iowa City.]()
101 of 118![Tailgaters mill about the grounds of Kinnick Stadium during the Cy-Hawk game on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Iowa City.]()
102 of 118![Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz makes his walk to the stadium prior to kickoff against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
103 of 118![Iowa Hawkeye arrive at the stadium before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
104 of 118![Dallas Clark speaks with Laura VandeBerg before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
105 of 118![Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz walks into the stadium before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
106 of 118![Fans high-five players as they walk into the stadium before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
107 of 118![Iowa's Kristian Welch walks into the stadim before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
108 of 118![An airplane flies overhead before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
109 of 118![Fans tailgate off of Melrose Avenue before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
110 of 118![Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell walks into the stadium before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
111 of 118![Iowa and Iowa State fans mill about the grounds while tailgating during the CyHawk Series football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
112 of 118![Iowa State players arrive before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
113 of 118![Georges Niang talks with fans before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
114 of 118![Iowa athletic director Gary Barta cheers during the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
115 of 118![Concession workers prepare hot dogs before the Cy-Hawk NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
116 of 118![Iowa cheerleaders wave at the end of the first quarter against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
117 of 118![Iowa fans pose for a photo prior to kickoff against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.]()
118 of 118
DEFENSE
Left end: Anthony Nelson (6-7, 271, Jr.) — One of six Hawkeyes to collect a sack in the season's first two games is Nelson. Just two have multiple sacks (more on that later).
Left tackle: Sam Brincks (6-5, 275, Sr.) — Still waiting for the first big statistical breakthrough, Brincks has three tackles on the season. The defensive line as a whole was stellar against Iowa State running back David Montgomery, though.
Right tackle: Matt Nelson (6-8, 295, Sr.) — Got on the sack board as well last week, and this Nelson's starting streak should reach 10 this week.
Right end: Parker Hesse (6-3, 261, Sr.) — Hesse and his superstar protege (A.J. Epenesa) are the two multiple sack-earners so far in 2018. Hesse will make his 26th straight start.
PREVIOUSLY: 'Freak' A.J. Epenesa relentless in Iowa's Cy-Hawk win
Outside linebacker: Nick Niemann (6-4, 232, Soph.) — Another week, another career high in tackles. The number was seven this time, and that total included a sack.
Middle linebacker: Jack Hockaday (6-1, 235, Sr.) — Coaches saw areas of improvement for Hockaday in his first career start, but a personal-best eight tackles left him squarely at his spot in the depth chart after earning the spot against the Cyclones.
Weak-side linebacker: Djimon Colbert (6-1, 234, Fr.) — The first-year player was moved from defensive back to the linebacker spot in spring practice, and the early returns have been stupendous.
HAWKEYE MAILBAG: Have expectations changed after Iowa's 2-0 start?
Left cornerback: Matt Hankins (6-1, 185, Soph.) — Another career-high tackling day for a member of the defensive. Hankins had eight last week.
Strong safety: Amani Hooker (6-0, 210, Jr.) — He's currently second on the team in tackles with 12. Look for the secondary to smell out an interception or two this weekend with Northern Iowa's quarterback situation shaky.
Free safety: Jake Gervase (6-1, 212, Sr.) — Gervase is finding his groove now in the secondary, with a ninth straight start spanning the past two seasons in the offing this weekend.
Right cornerback: Michael Ojemudia (6-1, 199, Jr.) — He did his part on the tackling front, too, recording a half-dozen (three solo) against Iowa State last weekend.
Sports writers Chad Leistikow and Danny Lawhon take a look ahead at Iowa's game against Northern Iowa Michael Zamora, mzamora@dmreg.com
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker: Miguel Recinos (6-1, 193, Sr.) — A 50-yard miss in the fourth quarter is forgivable. A 38-yard hook after one of Iowa State's gift-wrapped shank punts last week was less so.
Punter: Colten Rastetter (6-1, 213, Jr.) — A 42.3-yard average on four boots last week made Rastetter look like Ray Guy when compared with Corey Dunn of the Cyclones last week.
Kickoff and punt returns: Ihmir Smith-Marsette (6-1, 175, Soph.) — That 45-yard catch in the second half was the longest play for either team last week in an offensively challenged environment.
NORTHERN IOWA PROJECTED STARTERS
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Eli Dunne (6-5, 238, Sr.)
ANALYSIS: Panthers must stabilize their QB situation
Running back: Marcus Weymiller (5-10, 204, Sr.)
Wide receiver: Jalen Rima (6-0, 192, Jr.)
Wide receiver: Deion McShane (5-9, 155, Fr.)
Wide receiver: Jaylin James (6-3, 202, Jr.)
Tight end: Elias Nissen (6-4, 243, Sr.) OR Briley Moore (6-3, 242, Jr.)
BIG CHANGES: Briley Moore ready to break through as UNI's hybrid tight end
Left tackle: Cal Twait (6-5, 305, Sr.)
Left guard: Jackson Scott-Brown (6-4, 312, Jr.)
Center: Ezra Szczyrbak (6-4, 299, Sr.)
Right guard: Nick Ellis (6-4, 309, Soph.)
Right tackle: Spencer Brown (6-8, 290, Soph.)
DEFENSE
Defensive end: Seth Thomas (6-5, 262, Jr.)
Defensive end: Rickey Neal Jr. (6-1, 241, Sr.)
Nose tackle: Hezekiah Applegate (6-2, 285, Jr.)
Defensive tackle: Bryce Douglas (6-0, 304, Sr.)
Outside linebacker: Blake Thomas (6-1, 224, Sr.)
Middle linebacker: Duncan Ferch (6-1, 234, Sr.)
Middle linebacker: Chris Kolarevic (6-0, 223, Fr.)
Safety: Austin Evans (6-0, 189, Soph.)
Safety: Korby Sander (6-0, 212, Soph.)
Cornerback: Roosevelt Lawrence (6-0, 170, Jr.)
Cornerback: Xavior Williams (5-11, 175, Soph.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker: Austin Errthum (5-10, 180, Sr.) OR Sam Drysdale (6-4, 180, Jr.)
Punter: Michael Kuntz (5-11, 188, Sr.)
Kick returner: Xavior Williams
Punt returner: Jalen Rima
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