The Redbird defense, however, was dominant from the beginning in a 45-0 thrashing of Butler before a season-opening crowd of 10,840.
ISU held the Bulldogs to a net offensive total of 41 yards, a Hancock Stadium record low for an opponent. Butler produced 41 yards passing and zero rushing yards on 21 attempts.
The Redbirds' first two drives produced no points, but ISU broke through on a 48-yard scoring drive.
Jake Kolbe passed to Christian Gibbs for 12 yards before Markel Smith reeled off consecutive runs of 13 and 14 yards.
James Robinson eluded a tackler in the backfield, veered wide left and beat the Butler defense to the corner of the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown on the second quarter's initial snap.