The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

HALFTIME: Iowa 20, No. 17 Nebraska 3

Iowa+defensive+back+Desmond+King+reacts+to+his+interception+during+the+Iowa-Illinois+game+in+Memorial+Stadium+in+Champaign+on+Saturday%2C+Nov.+19%2C+2016.+The+Hawkeyes+defeated+the+Fighting+Illini%2C+28-0.+%28The+Daily+Iowan%2FMargaret+Kispert%29
Iowa defensive back Desmond King reacts to his interception during the Iowa-Illinois game in Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. The Hawkeyes defeated the Fighting Illini, 28-0. (The Daily Iowan/Margaret Kispert)

By Jordan Hansen

Well, that’s one strange way to start a game.

Iowa blazed out to a 13-0 lead and hasn’t really looked back since. There’s been a whole bunch of things that have gone right for the Hawkeyes, but the biggest is the running game, which has gained 187 yards on the ground. LeShun Daniels Jr. has 11 carries for 97 yards, and Akrum Wadley has 6 carries for 89 yards.

That’s, uh, pretty good.

Meanwhile, Nebraska has 143 yards total , and Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong looks like he’s running in quicksand. He’s been able to make a few plays, but there have been some brutally bad throws. His wide receivers have even got separation several times — Iowa is missing corners, and there’s some opportunity there, but the Cornhuskers simply can’t seem to take advantage.

But then again, that might be because Hawkeye defensive coordinator is dialing up all sorts of pressure and frustrating Armstrong to no end. He’s just off today and the Iowa defense is making him pay. Middle linebacker Josey Jewell is having a field day, while defensive tackle is playing well when he’s not getting into the Nebraska offensive-line’s faces.

There’s lots of good things going for Iowa today. Let’s see if it carries over to the second half.

A few stats, for your pleasure:

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