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Iowa Football: Hawks win all three key matchups vs Rutgers

By Justin Stallman

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 7: Wide receiver Tyrone Tracy #3 celebrates with tight end Nate Wieting #39 of the Iowa Hawkeyes after a touchdown during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 7, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 7: Wide receiver Tyrone Tracy #3 celebrates with tight end Nate Wieting #39 of the Iowa Hawkeyes after a touchdown during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 7, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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The Iowa football team took care of business vs Rutgers at Kinnick stadium this morning. Here’s how our top three matchups fared in the process.

The Iowa football team faced Rutgers in their first Big Ten game of the season, and yes, it’s pretty early in the season to see a Big Ten matchup, but it is what it is.  Taking a look at the three matchups we talked about previously today, each one had an interesting outcome, to say the least.

If you compare their 2016 matchup to this years, well this year, the Hawks came to play, and Rutgers, well, to be honest, I’m not sure where they were most of the game.  The Hawks decisively won this game and gave themselves an edge on the rest of the conference with a Big Ten win already in the books.  Here is how each matchup faired in this weeks contest.

Raiqwon O’Neal versus AJ Epenesa 

Last week Epenesa was pretty quiet getting doubled teamed by Miami (OH) offensive lineman.

This week was a different story however as AJ has started to show his strength and skill and prove to people why he is regarding as a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.  O’Neal had his hands full today as Epenesa managed to create tons of pressure in the backfield and causing Rutgers QB(s)  to get rid of the ball quickly.  Epenesa finished with three total tackles, one solo, a sack, a tackle for loss and four QB hurries (the most hurries to the QB on the team).

Winner of this matchup: AJ Epenesa 

Rutgers WRs vs Iowa DBs

The second matchup we watched for was Rutgers wide receivers against Iowa’s defensive backs. We didn’t notice a lot out of Matt Hankins and Ojemudia, although Ojemudia did come away with another interception, making it his second straight game with a pick.

On the other hand, Geno Stone was all over the field, finishing with four tackles.  Although Iowa’s DBs didn’t show a lot on the stat sheet, if you take a look at Rutgers total receiving yards, you could say the Hawks did their job. The Scarlet Knights only managed 41 total receiving yards, which means Rutgers QBs McLane Carter and Artur Sitkowski each only passed for around 20 yards.  I’d say Hawkeye DBs did a great job in taking care of the Rutgers passing game.

Winner of this matchup: Iowa DBs

Damon Hayes vs Ihmir Smith-Marsette/Brandon Smith 

The final matchup of the contest featured Rutgers DB Damon Hayes against the Iowa football team’s receiver(s). I initially thought Hayes would be lined up on Ihmir Smith-Marsette, but he actually covered Brandon Smith and dealt with Tyrone Tracy Jr for a bit.

Smith-Marsette did turn in magnificent game with 4 catches for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns though. Against Hayes, Smith was fairly quiet, but that doesn’t mean Hayes did his job. He received two pass interference penalties, and it could have been more considering he was grabbing and holding all day.

Because of how well the Iowa wide receivers did collectively, and how poorly Hayes played the ball in today’s contest, the Iowa football team’s wide receivers get the nod on this one.

Winner of this matchup: Ihmir Smith-Marsette/Brandon Smith

Next. Post game recap of Iowa vs Rutgers. dark

These were my top three matchups for today’s game against Rutgers, The Hawks I’d say faired well on each one as they controlled the entire game and move to 2-0 (1-0 Big Ten).

Next week the Hawkeyes look to take on in-state rival Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, we will take a peek at a few important matchups in this contest later next week.