By: Mario Williams
It’s been a long nine-and-a-half month hiatus since the Iowa football team played on its home turf in Kinnick.
On the afternoon of Sept. 3, the long break came to an end on a solid note. The Hawkeyes picked up their first victory of the season against Miami (Ohio), 45-21.
Iowa’s 45 points scored were the most by a Hawkeye team in a season-opener since defeating Maine, 46-3, in 2008.
“We are certainly pleased to get the win,” Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said. “Wins are hard to come by, so we are happy about that. I think on the positive note, our players prepared well during the course of the week. It was our first game week, and I thought they did a good job doing the things they had to do during the week.”
Before Iowa’s offense got rolling, though, cornerback Desmond King returned a punt that landed him around the 10-yard line but was called back because of a targeting call against Josey Jewell.
Kirk on Josey Jewell's ejection: pic.twitter.com/u86qNaJ307
— Daily Iowan Pregame (@dipregame) September 3, 2016
After review, the Hawk linebacker was ejected from the game. Jack Hockaday then came in and stepped up in Jewell’s absence.
“Josey is the anchor of our defense, there’s no doubt about that,” defensive back Brandon Snyder said. “Whoever’s in the game has to be ready to go. There’s no excuse. I thought Jack did a great job, honestly. That’s tough especially coming behind Josey Jewell.”
While Jewell wasn’t present for the remainder of the game, the Hawks didn’t let it stop them from a fairly large victory.
Iowa came out hot, starting on its own 20-yard line. Its first scoring drive consisted of 6 plays and 80 yards.
C.J. post game. pic.twitter.com/Y2e9OuoNyN
— Daily Iowan Pregame (@dipregame) September 3, 2016
A 49-yard run by running back Akrum Wadley and a 33-yard grab by wide receiver Matt VandeBerg gave Iowa momentum starting the game.
Throughout the first half, Iowa’s offense kept rolling with much credit to Wadley, starting running back LeShun Daniels Jr., and starting quarterback C.J. Beathard.
Beathard finished the game with 192 yards passing.
The combo in Daniels and Wadley was a sight to see. Both backs have their talents, with Daniels as the bigger, grinding back and Wadley’s shifty moves.
Wadley, always personable: pic.twitter.com/bLchC8DKF2
— Daily Iowan Pregame (@dipregame) September 3, 2016
Daniels rushed 10 times for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was his fourth-career multi-touchdown game. Wadley rushed for 121 yards on 12 carries. He also scored 2 touchdowns.
“I think it’s really good for us,” Daniels said. “We both do different things extremely well, and I think it helps open up play calling, I think it helps Coach [Greg] Davis out a lot and getting players in position to be successful. We really just like going out there making plays.”
Little Kirk, talks about run defense, compliments the RedHawks. pic.twitter.com/RWt2w8CM3f
— Daily Iowan Pregame (@dipregame) September 3, 2016
The Hawks’ first win may only be a preview of what to expect this season, but their offense was solid, to say the least.
“There were some good things out there,” Ferentz said. “The turnover margin was good, and I liked the way our offense capitalized on the takeaways we did get … this is invaluable as far as them help moving them forward.”
Follow @Marioxwilliams for Iowa football news, updates, and analysis.