The college football season shifts into high gear this weekend with openers for Iowa and Iowa State at home. The Hawkeyes come off last year’s record-breaking season by hosting Miami of Ohio. The Hawkeye defense will go up against Miami quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who piled up more than 340-yards in a 29-24 Hawkeye victory last season. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says Roethlisberger was a young player two years ago who struggled, and an experience player who did well last year. With so many new faces he says his the offense may not be flashy but he is hoping it is effective. He says they want to be aggressive and fundamentally sound. Ferentz says limiting penalties is always important in a season opener.The Cyclones entertain U-N-I under the lights. Iowa State has been to three straight bowl games and coach Dan McCarney wants to build momentum at the outset. McCarney says they need a good start to achieve the goals he’s set for the team.McCarney says the best way for the Cyclones to prepare is to have respect for U-N-I and realize the Panthers can win this game. He says it’s his job to send the message so his players really truly understand it. He says this is U-N-I’s Superbowl and they know from the past that they can win the game.A pair of redshirt freshman start in the backfield, Austin Flynn at quarterback and Stevie Hicks at running back. Despite the inexperience, McCarney would like to see the offense run smoothly.The game will be the first at U-N-I for running back Terrance Freeney. Coach Mark Farley expects the former Cedar Falls High School standout to make an immediate impact. He calls him a solid slashing runner who can go over people or around them. Farley says Freeney has been a leader so far this season.Farley says Freeney bring several elements to the running back position, giving them an edge they didn’t have in past seasons, one back with finesse of power. And Farley says Freeney can catch the ball too.