Hawkeyes take down Cyclones, 13-3

It’s a Hawkeye state after Iowa’s 13-3 victory over Iowa State.

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Nick Rohlman

Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent carries the ball during Iowa’s game against Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, September 8, 2018. The score is tied at the half 3-3.

Lucy Rohden

Adam Hensley, Pregame Editor

For the fourth year in a row, Iowa took down Iowa State, this time knocking off the Cyclones, 13-3, in a defensive showdown in Kinnick on Sept. 8.

Iowa’s defense held the Cyclones to 188 yards in the game, silencing Iowa State after it settled for a field goal on its opening, 60-plus-yard drive.

Iowa State had a chance to add points late in the fourth quarter, but a strip-sack from A.J. Epenesa effectively ended any hope the Cyclones had for a comeback.

The Hawkeyes tallied 4 sacks against the Cyclones, and thanks to a variety of blitz schemes, Iowa kept Iowa State guessing in pass protection.

Meanwhile, Iowa’s offense remained relatively quiet for most of the game.

The offense came to life in the fourth quarter when quarterback Nate Stanley hit receiver Brandon Smith for a 30-yard gain. That set up running back Mekhi Sargent for a 2-yard score to put the Hawkeyes ahead for good.

The Hawkeyes will now turn their attention to Northern Iowa, which will make its way to Kinnick on Sept. 15.

Iowa State will host Oklahoma that same day.