Report card: How did Iowa hold up against Iowa State?
The Hawkeyes snagged the 13-3 win, proving for the fourth year in a row, Iowa is the Hawkeye State. Looking back at Iowa’s performance against Iowa State, the grades are in.
Iowa Tight End Noah Fant runs after a catch during Iowa’s game against Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. The Hawkeyes defeated the Cyclones 13-3.
September 10, 2018
Offense: C
Iowa’s offense didn’t put up the points or yardage it did against Northern Illinois, but when it mattered, the Hawkeyes delivered.
Quarterback Nate Stanley struggled for most of the game to hit receivers in stride, but you have to give credit where it’s due: His 30-yard strike to Brandon Smith was on the money, and Mekhi Sargent punched it in seconds later for the game’s lone touchdown.
While the running game didn’t have any explosive plays, as it did the week before, it was consistent. Iowa still enters Week 3 averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.
Defense: A+
Well, holding Iowa State to just 3 points has to be good for something, right? Iowa’s defensive line stole the show — that’s obvious. But the Hawkeye secondary shut down a typically wide-open passing game.
Aside from one play on the Cyclones’ opening drive, the Hawkeyes allowed no big plays. That’s what it had to do.
A.J. Epenesa is going to be one monster of a player when his Hawkeye career is said and done. His 2 sacks paved the way for Iowa’s disruptive line.
Special Teams: C+
Didn’t think we’d be saying this, but so far through two games, Hawkeye punter Colten Rastetter has been the best part of special teams. Against the Cyclones, he averaged 42.2 yards per punt, and he boomed a 51-yarder. Three of his four punts landed inside the Iowa State 20-yard line.
Kicker Miguel Recinos, however, had an off day, missing two of his four attempts — a 38-yarder and a 50-yarder. He did make a 31-yard kick and a 48-yard kick, though.
