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Iowa Football: Instant takeaways from 49-7 win over Michigan State

By Joe Kipp

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Spencer Petras #7 of the Iowa Hawkeyes calls a play in the huddle during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Spencer Petras #7 of the Iowa Hawkeyes calls a play in the huddle during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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The Iowa Football team defeated Michigan State 49-7. Instant analysis of the Hawkeyes’ first win of the 2020 season.

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz moved into fourth place all-time for most wins by a coach in Big Ten history (163) on Saturday. It was an all-around team win from the Hawkeyes, as they defeated Michigan State by a final score of 49-7.

Here are the instant takeaways from Iowa’s blowout victory:

  • This Iowa defense is extremely opportunistic. They’ve had at least two takeaways in every game this season. The Hawkeyes grabbed three interceptions against Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi in the first half.
  • After two disastrous games to start the season, Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz had a great day calling plays.
  • Spencer Petras is still thinking too much. The quarterback’s deficiencies were masked by an all-around team performance on Saturday. Petras wasn’t asked to do much, mainly because he didn’t need to. Iowa went up 35-0 at halftime thanks to three takeaways and a punt return for a touchdown.
  • Tyler Goodson is a special talent. He finally had his first multi-touchdown game of his career.and finished with his second career 100-yard rushing game. His explosiveness was on display on a 71-yard rush in the third quarter. Goodson is such a patient runner with incredible vision. He seems to find gaps that other running backs don’t. His spin move is lethal.
  • Iowa’s offensive line was really good today. Despite missing two starters (Coy Cronk, Kyler Schott), the Hawkeyes controlled the line of scrimmage all game, especially in the run game.
  • Brandon Smith is an NFL-caliber receiver. It seems like every game he comes down with at least one circus catch for a touchdown. His stature and style of play is very reminiscent of current Los Angeles Chargers receiver Mike Williams.
  • The Hawkeyes found a player in Charlie Jones. He returned a punt for a touchdown and had 105 return yards on five returns. The Hawkeyes had 121 punt return yards as a team all of last season.
  • Iowa’s pass-rush was on point today. Chauncey Gholston and Daviyon Nixon caused pressure all day long. Nixon is playing his way into a top 100 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • Tory Taylor might be the best punter in the country. Taylor punted six times for an average of 45.5 yards. Five of his punts landed inside the 20. He’s probably the frontrunner for the Ray Guy award, which is given to the nation’s best punter.

Iowa moves to 1-2 on the year and is scheduled to play Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 13 at TCF Bank Stadium. It was an impressive win for the Hawkeyes on Saturday, but they can’t lose focus heading into a big rivalry game next weekend.