THAT'S how you start a season!
The No. 22 Hawkeyes came in with multiple questions and high expectations, and they exceeded them, and then some, against a clearly overmatched Northern Illinois squad. The defense was in mid-season form, asserting its dominance over the Huskies all afternoon, holding them to 120 total yards and seven first downs. Most of those yards and first downs came in the second half in garbage time. Iowa dominated in all three phases of the game, but a rare feat propelled them to a victory.
Iowa's unique offensive explosion carried the Hawkeyes to a commanding win
The defense showed why they will always be formidable under Phil Parker, stifling the NIU offense and holding them to 3-15 on third down. The most important stat for the Iowa defense was the zero they put up on the scoreboard, and the performance will definitely give them momentum heading into the Cy-Hawk rivalry game in week two. While most everyone expects the Iowa defense to show up every game, that is traditionally not the case for the offense. Against Northern Illinois, the unit flipped the script and, hopefully, gave us a small glimpse of what they can do.
Everything was clicking for the offense, even utilizing a two-quarterback system during the first half. Hank Brown started the game and played well, finishing with 129 yards and a touchdown pass in the first half before sitting the entire second half. Jeremy Hecklinski also showed some moments of brilliance, but Brown definitely won the day. Even third-string quarterback Jimmy Sullivan got some burn in the fourth quarter. All three quarterbacks combined for 218 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, completing 53 percent of their passes.
The two biggest stars of the offense were easily Kamari Moulton and transfer wide receiver Tony Diaz, who were a dynamic one-two punch as the offense combined for 507 total yards, the most they have put up in a game since 2019, and the most ever under offensive coordinator Tim Lester. It was an amazing all-around performance, and all Hawkeye fans are ready for a more consistent offense.
Kamari Moulton put up one of his best performances in a Hawkeye uniform
Moulton has been a key contributor for the past few seasons, taking the reins as the starting running back last season. If it hadn't been for a few injuries, Moulton would have easily had the chance to surpass the 1,000-yard plateau. Now fully healthy and leading the running back group once again, Moulton put on a clinic in game one. Even if Moulton would've sat after the first quarter, he still would've had a stellar game.
He finished the game with 183 rushing yards on 11 carries and two rushing touchdowns, pacing the Iowa backfield. He showed tremendous strength between the tackles and great speed in the open field, and NIU had no answer for him all game. The offensive line was a big part of the running game's success, creating massive holes for the running game, and that is exactly what Iowa needs. With three "new" starters, it was great to see them create such massive holes in the running game and give all three quarterbacks tons of time in the passing game.
Kirk Ferentz said postgame that Moulton "was the best" they have seen him, and his 183 rushing yards are the most for an Iowa player in a season opener since Tavian Banks put up 203 in 1997. Get ready for a breakout campaign!
Tony Diaz is going to be a PROBLEM all season
Hawkeye fans don't often get excited about the passing attack, but Tony Diaz has given us a reason to. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley transfer was the talk of the offseason with his highlight-reel catches and big personality, and he showed why in week one. Iowa's passing game traditionally features the tight ends, with the wide receivers taking a back seat. While DJ Vonnahme had a solid game against NIU, Diaz was easily the best and most-targeted receiver on the offense. Diaz was targeted 13 times and showcased his versatility.
He finished the game with 84 receiving yards and a touchdown catch, and caught passes in all areas of the field. He caught passes on deep routes, WR screens, crossing routes, and everything in between, showing how much faith the offense and offensive coordinator Tim Lester had in him. It was only one game against an inferior opponent, but this is what everyone expected when Diaz turned down multiple SEC offers to come to Iowa, and he showed that he is the real deal. If the offense can get consistent quarterback play, Diaz is going to be a major weapon for the offense
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