(Radio Iowa) — Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras says preparation will help him overcome the jitters in his first collegiate start. The Hawkeyes open on Saturday at Purdue.

Petras is not sure what they will see from the Purdue defense. It will be former Hawkeye player Bob Diaco’s first game as Boilermaker defensive coordinator.

It will be an unusual setting with no fans there.

Senior linebacker Nick Niemann says the defense will use some five and six defensive back looks against the Purdue passing attack. Niemann says the Hawkeyes need to find a way to disrupt the timing of the Purdue offense.

With Tristan Wirfs leaving early for the NFL Indiana grad transfer Coy Cronk makes the start at right tackle. His Iowa debut will be in his hometown.