The Iowa Hakweyes will open Big Ten play this afternoon with a new starting quarterback. C.J. Beathard will get the call with the first team offense when the Hakweyes kick off at Purdue today. Brett McMuprhy of ESPN.com reported the quarterback change being official via Twitter.
Iowa QB C.J. Beathard will make 1st career start at Purdue today, source told @ESPN
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) September 27, 2014
Beathard replaced Jake Rudock last weekend in the third quarter. The change at quarterback breathed new life into the Iowa offense and helped Iowa rally on the road against Pittsburgh. After replacing Rudock under center, Beathard completed seven of eight pass attempts for 98 yards.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz left the door open with the quarterback situation following the win last week. Given the way the Pitt game unfolded, it appeared Beathard had done enough to be given a chance starting this week.