Fans of the University of Iowa football team came to historic Kinnick Stadium donning gold and left with happy hearts, as their beloved Hawkeyes stifled Illinois State University for much of the game en route to a 31-14 season-opening victory.

The game's theme was "Be Bold Wear Gold"; the thousands of fans in attendance on a warm September day can be thankful that the "blackout" game is later on the schedule. All the same, the brightly-attired fans had plenty to cheer about, with the offense consistently moving the ball and the defense holding the Redbirds to just 79 yards through the first three quarters.

Fans fresh off the fun of FryFest, held in Coralville the day before, watched the Hawkeye ground game roll up more than 200 yards, while quarterback C.J. Beathard threw a touchdown pass, rushed for two scores, and did not commit any turnovers. The defense limited acclaimed running back Marshaun Coprich to just 32 yards rushing. Before long, the only outcome in doubt was whether the fans could get a selfie with Herky (many fans were able to do just that).

The Hawkeyes will look to build momentum from this opening-day win as a game against intrastate rivals Iowa State lies ahead in Ames on Sept. 12.