The Iowa football team took care of business in the most highly anticipated game of the year for the state of Iowa. Here are our three key matchup results.
The Iowa football team always looks forward to playing Iowa State, some even say it is the “Super Bowl” in the state of Iowa. The Hawks were able to steal the win in Ames, and ESPN College Gameday was their to witness it all. The win also gives Iowa its fifth straight CyHawk victory, bragging rights in the Hawkeye State for the next 364 days.
Let’s take a look at the three key matchups from the contest, and let’s just say not everything was in the Hawks favor.
Michael Ojemudia versus Deshaunte Jones
When the Hawks came into this game, Ojemudia was riding a two-game streak of having an interception. That two-game streak was brought to a halt and Iowa’s top defensive back was pretty quiet most of the game, although he did come away with five tackles.
On the other side of the ball, Deshaunte Jones was a completely different story. Jones not only had four catches for 31 yards, but he also threw for a 51-yard touchdown pass to La’Michael Pettway late in the first quarter. Although most of the production wasn’t against Ojemudia, Jones had a great day giving him the win in this one.
Winner of this matchup: Deshaunte Jones
Ihmir Smith-Marsette versus Anthony Johnson
Smith-Marsette was pretty much shut down Saturday evening against Iowa State. He was only able to come away with three catches for 46 yards and had zero touchdowns.
On the other side of the ball, Anthony Johnson was all over the field, coming away with eight total tackles, five of them were solo, one sack, and two tackles for loss.
Winner of this matchup: Anthony Johnson
Iowa’s Offensive Line versus Iowa State’s Defensive Line
You could say this week that the Hawkeyes offensive line wasn’t as good as they usually are. They failed to protect Nate Stanley for all four quarters and it nearly cost them a fifth straight CyHawk victory. Iowa’s lineman gave up two sacks and three QB hurries.
On defense, Iowa State stayed busy all game, giving the Iowa football team a run for their money you might say. ISU’s defensive line combined for 13 of the teams 82 total tackles, including, as I mentioned earlier, two sacks and three QB hurries.
Iowa State’s defensive line gives them all three matchup wins, but, the Iowa football team was still able to escape Jack Trice Stadium with a victory, 18-17.
Winner of this matchup: Iowa State’s Defensive Line
Yes, The Iowa Hawkeyes narrowly escaped an upset in Ames, but a win is a win and Iowa moves to 3-0 overall and (1-0 Big Ten). In two weeks, the Hawks will take on Middle Tennessee State inside Kinnick Stadium for their final non-conference game before kicking off official conference play.
Tune in next week for the top three matchups against the Blue Raiders.