Iowa won its fourth consecutive season opener with a 39-7 victory over Kent State in "The Throwback Game" celebrating 75 years in Kinnick Stadium.
The Hawkeyes scored on four of their first five possessions. PK Kyle Schlicher converted his first collegiate field goal attempt (20 yards) to give Iowa an early 3-0 advantage. Two possessions later, WR Matt Melloy caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from QB Drew Tate to give the Hawkeyes a 10-0 lead. Iowa scored two touchdowns in 1:14 in the second quarter to stretch its lead to 23-0.
Kent State scored its only points of the game on a Jake Williams 99-yard interception return, cutting the Iowa margin to 23-7 just before halftime.
QB Drew Tate played the first half and completed 13-22 passes for 136 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Tate did not play in the second half due to dehydration. QB Eric McCollom directed the Hawkeye offense in the second half and completed 5-8 passes for 87 yards.
RB Albert Young carried the ball 23 times for 87 yards and one score to lead the Hawkeye running game after junior Marcus Schnoor left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury.
Iowa quarterbacks did a good job distributing the ball as 10 Hawkeyes caught at least one pass. WR Ed Hinkel tied a career high with four receptions and set a career high with 65 yards to lead the Hawkeye receiving corps.
Iowa's defense was led by LB Chad Greenway. The junior intercepted two passes, recorded a team-high 10 tackles, including two for loss, and blocked one punt. Greenway returned his first career interception to the seven-yardline to set up an Iowa touchdown and he returned his second pick 30 yards for the final touchdown of the game. As a unit, the Hawkeye defense allowed -13 yards rushing and 123 yards passing. Iowa forced four turnovers (2 fumbles, 2 interceptions) and blocked one punt.