When nothing could be worked out with an FCS program, ISU was forced to turn to NAIA power Saint Xavier for a home opener. The Cougars were 10-2 last season but figure to be outmanned by the Redbirds. Ranked sixth in the NAIA preseason poll, Saint Xavier was handled by No. 15 Marian, 52-7, in its opener last week.
The renewal of the Mid-America Classic will find ISU hoping to maintain superiority after a 44-13 thumping of the Panthers last season in Charleston. Eastern was picked fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference preseason poll.
After a bye week, the Redbirds travel to Fort Collins for their first matchup with the FBS Rams.