Iowa’s report card against Penn State
Iowa’s offense struggled for most of the game, but its special teams was excellent.
Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson trips trying to catch up to an overthrown pass during Iowa’s game against Penn State at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. The Nittany Lions defeated the Hawkeyes 30-24.
October 29, 2018
Offense C-
Iowa did not score a touchdown on offense. That is not ideal.
Quarterback Nate Stanley looked nothing like the signal caller who tossed 10 touchdowns over a two-game span just a few weeks ago. Aside from Iowa’s frantic do-or-die drives on its final possessions, the offense failed to move the ball — and with good field position almost every time, too.
Tailback Mekhi Sargent was the only bright spot. He almost hit the century mark on the ground, and he turned out to be Iowa’s offensive spark.
Defense B
Death, taxes, and Trace McSorley beating the Iowa defense. In his third time taking down the Hawkeyes, the Penn State quarterback didn’t have his best game — Iowa was actually able to contain him — but he made plays when he needed to, especially with his feet.
Iowa’s run defense held Penn State to fewer than 100 yards, the sixth time the Hawkeyes have done so this season.
Geno Stone also scored on a Pick-6. Not bad at all.
Special Teams A-
Well, Colton Rastetter threw a touchdown pass. He has more touchdown passes than Stanley does over the past two games.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette had 103 kick-return yards on 3 returns, including a 49-yarder to set Iowa up with excellent field position.
Despite rain conditions, kicker Miguel Recinos was a perfect 2-for-2 on Saturday.
The only thing keeping the special-team group from an A is Penn State’s 67-yard kick return.
