All senior strong safety David Sims could do was watch.

He watched as his backup Zac Sandvig recorded his first career interception, one of three in the game for the Cyclones’ defense. He watched as the defense held Northern Illinois running back Chad Spann to 82 yards rushing, and he watched the Cyclones post a 27-10 victory.

As the Cyclones prepare for the annual rivalry game in Iowa City, Sims will be ready to make an impact on the field.

The safety was forced to sit out the season opener after being charged with unauthorized use of a credit card.

He has been one of the defensive leaders of the team throughout his junior — and now the start of his senior — season. Last season, he led the team with five interceptions.

“I know Sims and his character,” said senior defensive end Rashawn Parker. “He’s a good guy for us and works hard. He’s going to be ready to play, and he’ll make big plays for us, and he’ll do big things for us out there on the field.”

Sandvig is also looking forward to having that extra help returning to the secondary.

“David’s a tremendous football player,” Sandvig said. “He’s very skilled and a guy you want to have on your side. He makes plays, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast. He’s everything you want in a football player, and it’s going to be a good asset to have back playing for us on Saturday.”

Hawkeye wide receivers Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Marvin McNutt return to lead a very experienced group of receivers. Johnson-Koulianos and McNutt combined for 1,404 yards last season.

Coach Paul Rhoads is well aware of the challenge his secondary is facing against the Hawkeyes, who are coming off a 37-7 opening victory of their own and are ranked No. 9 in the nation heading into the matchup with the Cyclones.

“Anytime you’re facing opponents in the top 10 who have no weak spots, you’re up for a challenge,” Rhoads said. “They got a couple of great receivers who are big, physical targets, and our guys will have to be at their best.”

While Sims has more playing time under his belt than Sandvig, Sandvig proved he can be a productive member of the secondary as well.

Rhoads knows that Sandvig brings extra help in the secondary that the Cyclones need and plans to use that.

“Zac Sandvig and Michael O’Connell played awfully well together,” Rhoads said. “Will David Sims add to that? Most certainly. What’s big about having him back is the depth that it will provide.”

Sandvig, who is in his senior season, played well Thursday, including the aforementioned interception. Rhoads has had great confidence in Sandvig throughout the preseason and heading into the season opener.

Rhoads acknowledged that Sandvig is part of a three-man rotation at the free and strong safety positions with Sims and O’Connell.

“The turnover he got was big,” Rhoads said following the victory over Northern Illinois. “Zac is a smart football player. This was a game that was difficult for our safeties because of all the movement making sure we were aligned properly all night long. Zac and Michael O’Connell got that done. I’m pleased with the job Zac Sandvig did.”

While Rhoads would like to implement a three-man rotation at free and strong safety, Sims will have to play his way back into the starting spot for Saturday’s game against the Hawkeyes. Sims was listed as the starter at strong safety Monday.

Sims recorded two interceptions off of Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi and also racked up a season-high 11 tackles in last year’s loss to Iowa.

“It will be Bob [Elliot]’s decision and Wally Burnham, whoever they feel is the best to put out there on the field,” Rhoads said. “What he brings is a third safety. We have three guys that we can put out there — Mike O’Connell, Zac Sandvig and David himself.

“He’s got the ability to make big plays both in the passing game and in the running game. He’s an explosive runner and a physical player, and he brings that presence back to our defense.”

Sims was not available for comment.