The thrill of the season-opening 56-0 win over Ball State has subsided.

Now the Hawkeyes must prepare for a much more difficult assignment against in-state rival Iowa State.

The Hawkeyes have reeled off 9 straight wins since losing at Michigan last Sept. 25, and Kirk Ferentz now has a running attack to plan around -- something that didn't happen a year ago.

Iowa had a slew of RB injuries in 2004 and they were beholden on QB Drew Tate to carry the offense. This year, Albert Young and Shonn Greene appear to be the go-to backs for the Hawkeyes. Greene had 116 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries (6.4 avg.) against Ball State, while Young collected 61 yards and one touchdown on only five attempts (12.2 avg.).

If the Hawkeyes continue to get productive efforts from their running backs, that will make life much easier for Tate, who was razor sharp against the Cardinals. Tate completed 9-of-10 passes for 99 yards before he was replaced by Jason Manson when the game got out of hand. Ferentz has to feel great about Manson, who was 9-of-9 for 92 yards in relief of Tate.

Ferentz had expressed support for Manson throughout the offseason, and the quarterback was thrilled to get significant playing time in the opener. "It was surprising, but at the same time you want to be safe," said Manson. "You don't want anything to happen to the starting guys. I guess it was the right call at the right time."

Manson does not figure to see that kind of action against Iowa State, but he should be prepared. He has confidence, a strong arm, a quick release and he moves well. Manson's ability is typical of what the Hawkeye program has become. They have strength, ability and depth up and down the field.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Hawkeyes were basically perfect in their season-opening game against undermanned Ball State. Kirk Ferentz has to keep his team from having too much confidence as they prepare for Iowa State in the second game of the season. Drew Tate is an outstanding quarterback and he appears to have the semblance of a decent running game behind him with Albert Young and Shonn Greene. The Hawkeye ground attack could make like very tough for Iowa State.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Hawkeyes are talented, motivated and experienced on the defensive side of the ball. Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge are the leaders at the linebacker spot and helped the Iowa defense record nine three-and-outs in 14 Ball State possessions. Outstanding DB Devan Moylan led the Hawkeyes with six tackles and a QB pressure against the Cardinals.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm more of a stride runner, not short, choppy steps like some of the other guys," said Schnoor, who finished with 15 yards and a touchdown. "A lot of it was because I was too anxious. My feet were a little faster than my body was." -- Iowa RB Marcus Schnoor on the state of the turf at Kinnick Stadium. Schnoor had just 15 yards in the win over Ball State.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: at Iowa State, Sept. 10 -- The annual battle between these two rivals should be a much more difficult test than the season opener was against Ball State. While the Hawkeyes are strong and balanced on both sides of the ball, the fired-up Cyclones will be fully prepared to play their best game before their raucous home crowd.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Shonn Greene -- The freshman figures prominently in the RB rotation after running for 116 yards against Ball State. He has quickness and a very strong first step.

DE Bryan Mattison -- The Hawkeyes need someone to step up on the defensive line and Mattison had five tackles and one sack in the win over Ball State.

QB Drew Tate -- A strong case can be made that Tate is the best quarterback in the Big Ten. He sees the field extremely well, stays calm under pressure and is a proven winner. The game with Iowa State could come down to a big play in the final moments and if Tate has his hands on the ball, Iowa's chances of winning the game are quite good.

DB/PR Jovon Johnson -- He came through in the first game with a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Hawkeyes will be looking for him to provide a spark on special teams throughout the season.

ROSTER REPORT: Running back Marques Simmons (leg), offensive lineman Ben Cronin (knee) and defensive lineman Ettore Ewen (leg) are questionable against Iowa State. ... CB Adam Shada is still listed as the starter on the depth chart in front of Antwan Allen, who was suspended for the Ball State game. Allen could come back this week or next against Northern Iowa.