Iowa Hawkeyes Week 1 Viewing Guide: Five Days of College Football Kicks Off in Style
College football fans in Iowa have reason to celebrate this Labor Day weekend. For the first and only time this season, the gridiron belongs entirely to the college game, with the NFL not resuming until next week. That means five straight days of football, starting Thursday evening and wrapping up Monday night with SMU taking on Florida State.
For Hawkeye fans, the main event is Saturday afternoon when No. 22 Iowa opens its season against Northern Illinois at 3:15 p.m. on BTN. The Hawkeyes enter as heavy favorites, but all eyes remain on the ongoing quarterback battle between Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown.
While your team's game should be the priority, there are plenty of other matchups worth watching this weekend. Here is your Week 1 viewing guide.
Colorado at Georgia Tech
Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA (7 p.m., ESPN)
Coach Prime's spring game sellout feels like a distant memory. Deion Sanders faces real pressure to get Colorado back to a bowl game, and beating a well-coached Georgia Tech squad on the road is no small task.
Toledo at Michigan State
Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI (7 p.m., FS1)
Hawkeye fans remember Pat Fitzgerald well from his Northwestern days, when his Wildcats regularly frustrated Iowa. Now Fitzgerald is trying to rebuild Michigan State, bringing former Iowa special teams coordinator LeVar Woods along with him. Toledo is one of the most consistent MAC programs, so this won't be an easy opener for the Spartans.
Southeast Missouri State at Iowa State
Location: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA (12 p.m., ESPN+)
A new era begins in Ames. Jimmy Rogers has talked a big game all offseason, and now it's time to see results on the field. If you have ESPN+, this is a chance to scout the new-look Cyclones before conference play heats up.
Marshall at No. 18 Penn State
Location: Beaver Stadium, State College, PA (2:30 p.m., FS1)
It's still strange seeing Matt Campbell on the Penn State sideline, but the former Iowa State coach has one of the most favorable schedules a first-year Big Ten coach could ask for. It starts with a rebuilding Marshall program.
Clemson at No. 11 LSU
Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA (6:30 p.m., ABC)
Lane Kiffin's move to LSU has sparked plenty of debate, but Saturday is about what happens on the field. Clemson is expected to bounce back this season, yet entering Baton Rouge is always a challenge. The winner claims bragging rights for having the best Death Valley.
Wisconsin vs. No. 4 Notre Dame
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI (6:30 p.m., NBC)
Luke Fickell's tenure in Madison has been underwhelming so far. A win over Notre Dame at Lambeau Field would go a long way toward winning over skeptical Badger fans. The Fighting Irish are among the nation's best and still smarting from last year's College Football Playoff snub.
No. 24 Louisville vs. No. 9 Ole Miss
Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN (6:30 p.m., ABC)
This matchup in Music City should be a thriller. Louisville has thrived under Jeff Brohm, while Ole Miss enters a new chapter after Kiffin's departure. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss returns for the Rebels, so expect points in this one.
No. 19 SMU at Florida State
Location: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL (6:30 p.m., ESPN)
Mike Norvell's seat is getting warm in Tallahassee, but this is a golden opportunity. Florida State looked shaky in its Week Zero win over New Mexico State, yet having game experience could help against SMU's star quarterback Kevin Jennings.
What does this mean for Iowa fans?
This weekend sets the tone for the entire college football season. Iowa's quarterback decision will shape the Hawkeyes' campaign, while several games on this slate feature coaches and programs with direct ties to the state.
Whether you're watching Iowa's opener or scouting future opponents, this Labor Day weekend offers something for every football fan in the Hawkeye State.