From the start, this game would have seemed like it would end in a close one. Thankfully, the Hawkeyes found a way to pull through, in a big way.
In what was my opinion one of the most important games thus far, went smoothly — at least the second half. At the end of the first quarter, things were looking rough for the Hawkeyes. Giving up a costly fumble was the main key. At halftime, things were also looking shaky, having a 17-13 lead over the Illini. The third quarter played quite a bit slow as well, although once the fourth quarter hit, things went so perfect. Three touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone for the Hawkeyes helped them complete a devastating victory over the Illini 45-16. This will be the game that gets the Hawkeyes back on the rails.
Offensively, the Hawkeyes started slow. Few costly turnovers, rough plays, and flat out disappointing outcomes. Although, the Hawks came through when it mattered most and put a major beat-down on Illinois.
Iowa accounted for 250 yards total through the air. Nate Stanley had 247 yards passing on 7 yards per attempt, and Tyler Wiegers (joined late) accounted for two throws, one completion, for three yards for a touchdown. Nate Stanley had a completion rate of 17/32 passing, throwing one interception with three touchdown passes on the day.
On the ground, Akrum Wadley accounted for 115 yards, averaging five per carry with one touchdown. An interesting note here, Wadley actually did not get the start. Toren Young started the day at RB, then Wadley put in later on. I am not completely sure why this happened, or anybody, though I seem to look at it as sort of a test run, especially since Wadley is a senior. Young accounted for 32 yards on eight attempts, averaging four yards per carry with zero touchdowns on the day.
Iowa receiving had a major day. Noah Fant had three receptions for 78 yards (long 41). Although no touchdowns for Fant, he had a very big impact on the ball movement throughout his targets. Nick Easley had 59 yards with a touchdown, targeted seven times, Vandeberg targeted two times for 48 yards and a touchdown, and Kelly-Martin targeted once for a touchdown of three yards.
In conclusion offensively, this team had a very successful day through the air, which is now becoming Iowa’s main threat to opposing teams. Nate Stanley has been an absolute success so far in his first season as a starter. Being only a sophomore, this guy can straight up play QB. Although, deep passes still need some work, but not worrying considering his inexperience.
Defensively, Iowa had a pretty good day. Rushing defense didn’t necessarily play up to par, but we sure did make lots of great plays.
One of the biggest stories defensively, and the team as a whole, was the return of Brandon Snyder, who suffered an ACL injury months ago. In his special return to the field, Snyder was responsible for a pick-6. As a surprise it was, and exciting, to see Snyder back on the field.
With Snyder, along with Geno Stone and Amani Hooker, accounted for an interception during this game. Along with a fumble recovery, the Iowa defense held Illinois out of this game after the first half. With Illinois gaining 446 yards compared to Iowa’s 441, you’d think this game would be much closer without checking the score. This goes to show how Iowa can handle games in tough situations and keep opponents away from the end zone.
Overall, this game was played very well in terms of offense for Iowa.
Again, minor adjustments need to be made, such as Stanley’s work on the deep ball and the offense on the ground. All in all, this was a very big game to boost momentum and confidence heading into big time opponents such as Wisconsin, Ohio State, even Northwestern and Purdue. This is going to be a very exciting finish to this season, this team has tons of things to keep fighting for. This season isn’t over yet.
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