Get Tickets Here For Iowa’s Sold-Out Opener on Saturday

*Iowa sophomore running back Gavin Williams

Saturday morning, the crowd will roar as AC/DC's "Back in Black" blasts through the public address system at Kinnick Stadium before the black and gold-clad Hawkeyes swarm onto the field. It's the perfect way to begin every home football game in Iowa City and we want you to be there for the opener.

Iowa's week one opponent in 2022 is not an easy one. The Hawkeyes will be hosting South Dakota State (SDS). The Jackrabbits are ranked 2nd nationally in the FCS, in the NCAA preseason rankings. They've been ranked in the FCS 132 consecutive weeks, 2nd only to North Dakota State (160). SDS is coached by John Stiegelmeier. In his 26th season, he's 185-111. The man can coach, and South Dakota State can play. They were 11-4 last year.

South Dakota State running back (#22) Isaiah Davis, tight end (#85) Tucker Kraft, wide receiver (#10) Jaxon Janke, and offensive linemen (#60) Mason McCormick and (#74) Garret Greenfield are all preseason first-team FCS All-Americans by Hero Sports. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker (#32) Adam Bock is a preseason All-American.

The Hawkeyes have four pre-season All-Americans.

Linebacker Jack Campbell:

Tight end Sam LaPorta:

Defensive back Riley Moss:

Punter Tory Taylor:

Iowa's defense is ranked the sixth best in the nation as the season begins. The big question is how the offense will perform. Coach Kirk Ferentz announced at his final press conference before the season opener that Spencer Petras will start at quarterback. Unfortunately, he'll be down several receivers due to injury.

Ferentz said wide receiver Nico Ragaini will be out "at least a few weeks". Jackson Ritter is done for the season due to an injury and Diante Vines also won't play for several weeks. The big question for this weekend is will Keagan Johnson play in the opener? The sophomore, who had 352 receiving yards last year, was listed as a starter earlier this week but continues to battle an injury. Ferentz says, "he's got a chance to play, we'll see where it all goes."

Iowa and South Dakota State will kick off at 11:05 Saturday morning in Iowa City. The game will be televised by FS1.

Sign up to be one of our winners of free tickets below. Winners will be chosen and contacted at 8 a.m. Friday.