Running back Adam Robinson scored on three short touchdown runs in the first half to lead 10th-ranked Iowa to a 37-7 win over visiting Eastern Illinois Saturday in the season opener at Kinnick Stadium.

Robinson, who finished with 111 yards on 24 carries, scored on runs of 2, 4 and 6 yards as the Hawkeyes sped to a 28-7 halftime lead. Iowa led 21-0 when Eastern Illinois quarterback Brandon Large hit Von Wise for an 11-yard touchdown, but that was as close as the Panthers would get.

The Hawkeyes also used a 16-yard touchdown return of a blocked punt by Paki O’Meara to build the big first-half lead.

The Hawkeyes' defense stymied the Panthers offense. It forced Large to fumble in the end zone for a safety and held Eastern Illinois to 160 total yards and seven first downs. Iowa gained 426 total yards.

Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi limped off in the first quarter with an apparent knee injury. But he returned and finished 18-of-23 for 221 yards and a touchdown, a 2-yarder to Brent Morse in the fourth quarter.

Iowa is now 89-31-2 in season-opening games, including 10-2 at Kinnick Stadium under coach Kirk Ferentz.