Bullock carries the load for Iowa - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

The position with the biggest question mark heading into Iowa's season opener, turned into the Hawkeyes biggest savior Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Damon Bullock lifted the Black and Gold to an 18-17 win over Northern Illinois with a 23 yard touchdown run with a little more than two minute to play.

Bullock rushed for a career-best 150 yards as Iowa won it's 12th consecutive season-opener.

Despite recording 23 first downs, the Hawkeyes struggled to move the ball, totaling just 268 total yards of offense.

But, thanks in part to four Mike Meyer field goals, including a 50-yarder, Iowa kept pace before Bullock's game winning touchdown.

"It was a play we talked about at half-time based off something that happened in the second quarter, I believe the second quarter," Head Coach Kirk Ferentz said." (Offensive Coordinator) Greg (Davis) pulled it out of his pocket at the opportune moment and that was a huge play because clearly up until that point, our biggest issue was getting in the end zone."

Iowa welcomes Iowa State to Kinnick Stadium next Saturday for Cy-Hawk game.  The Cyclones defeated the Hawkeyes in Ames 44-41 last season.  Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 pm.