Iowa Football: Hawkeyes Get First Big Ten Win Over Illini

The Hawkeyes finally were able to put a victory in the win column in Big Ten play. After two agonizing defeats, Iowa took care of business in the second half against the Fighting Illini.

It was a tight game going into half time in Kinnick Stadium, with Iowa only up 4 after a touchdown pass to Akrum Wadley.

But, the second half the Hawkeyes blew the game open, outscoring Illinois 28-3 to improve to 4-2 on the season overall. Iowa gets a much needed bye week next weekend before going to Evanston to face Northwestern.

Sophomore QB Nathan Stanley added three more touchdowns to his season, and despite continued deep ball miscues, he sits 4th in passing yards in the Big Ten, and second in touchdown passes to JT Barrett (16).

Junior College transfer WR Nick Easley continued his strong season where he currently sits 5th in the conference in receptions, and has 4 touchdowns catches. Akrum Wadley added two more touchdowns, one on the ground, and one through the air. Wadley has 7 total touchdowns for the Hawkeyes through the first half of the season.

https://twitter.com/IowaOnBTN/status/916720494803652608

National defensive player of the year honors will continue to be talked about for senior LB Josey Jewell who contributed 10 tackles. Jewell has a conference leading 68 on the season, and was dinged up during the game, but appears to be alright. Anthony Nelson got his 5th sack of the season, which is tied for the lead in the Big Ten. Fellow senior LB Bo Bower also had 10 tackles on the day.

The real highlight overall on defense came on the 89 yard interception from Iowa junior safety Brandon Snyder. Snyder who tore his ACL in April, returned for his first action nearly six months later. It was certainly an emotional moment to see one of Iowa’s leaders make such a big impact so early in his return.

Amani Hooker also got an interception when Illinois was closing in on a score, and freshmen Geno Stone got another late in the game.

Of course, the score was completely indicative of what was happening throughout the game. Iowa had big issues stopping the running game in the first half, and led by freshmen Mike Epstein, Illinois ran for 200 yards on the day.

Iowa also moved from struggling punter Colten Rastetter to true freshmen Ryan Gersonde. Gersonde didn’t fair much better overall with an average of 37.7 yards per punt, 2 yards shorter than that of Rastetter’s season average. That is something Iowa needs to figure out, quickly.

As the marvelous ‘Kinnick Wave’ tradition continues, which was started this season. It was especially cool to see the Illinois players, and Lovie Smith included be apart of it. Kudos to the Illini.

Overall, it is hard to distinguish what to expect quarter to quarter, much less game to game with this Iowa team. They have proven that they can play with the best in the nation for 60 minutes in Penn State, beat Iowa State who shocked #3 Oklahoma. But, they are also a team that can look lethargic against North Texas and Michigan State.

There is still half a season to determine if this a team to remember for the Hawkeyes.