It looks like for another year the state of Iowa will be the Hawkeye state. Stats may show a different story for this game, but Iowa won 27 to 17. Iowa Hawkeyes jumped all the way to number 5th in the AP polls and Iowa State Cyclones dropped to 14th
Iowa donimated on defense
Iowa’s defense had another dominant performance this game. They had 3 interceptions in week 1 and now they had 3 interceptions this week and even a force fumble that they recovered. That forced fumble that was recovered was also returned for a touchdown by Jack Campbell. Matt Hankins had an amazing game with having two interceptions for 41 total yards. The other interception was by Seth Benson. They did let up 339 yards and 21 first downs but the 4 turnovers did not help Iowa State. They also only allowed 10 points in the first half and the last 7 points were scored in the last 4 minutes of the game.
Iowa State’s Defense
The defense for Iowa State did have a good game but their offense lost them the game. Their defense only allowed 173 total yards and only 67 rushing yards. They also only let up 11 first downs and held them to only four third-down conversions in 15 tries. Iowa only had 1 scoring drive that was over 50 yards, and it was 10 plays for 71 yards. The interceptions allowed them to have great field position. The Cyclones defense held their opponent to only field goals in the second half and the only touchdown for them was not even because of the defense.
Bad Offense all around
The offense might be the one downfall to both teams. Iowa’s defense will not be able to carry the team every game. With facing Penn State week 6 and Wisconsin week 9 their offense needs to figure out how to score. Those teams will not be easy to beat unless they have an offense. Iowa State needs to figure out how to not turn the ball over. Their offense had almost double the total yards as Iowa, but the four turnovers did not make it easy on the defense. The good thing for Iowa State is that they do not play in the big ten because the biggest test that they have the rest of this season is their week 12 match-up against Oklahoma. Their offense must be able to not turn the ball over.
Final Thoughts
With this win, the Hawkeyes have a great chance of making the College Football Playoffs. They look good even without having much offense during the game. If their defense keeps up the great play, then they will be unstoppable. The Cyclones do not look like they have a quarterback that could carry the offense to win. Their starter had three interceptions which don’t help the team out.
The Hawkeyes at home against Kent State next week.
The Cyclones are away at UNLV next week.
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