Grading Iowa’s performance against Iowa State
Iowa relied on its special teams in its game against Iowa State, but that was enough to get the win.
Iowa kicker Keith Duncan makes a practice kick during a football game between Iowa and Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
September 15, 2019
Offense: B-
Iowa’s offense wasn’t bad against Iowa State, but it wasn’t great. The Hawkeyes gained 201 yards through the air and 112 on the ground.
But the offense couldn’t finish drives. It scored only one touchdown all game and had to settle for field goals four times.
In the end, quarterback Nate Stanley did what he needed to do to manage the game, so it worked out for Iowa.
Defense: B
The Hawkeye defense held the Cyclones to 17 points but allowed 418 yards of total offense.
Iowa State took advantage of Iowa’s injuries in the secondary by throwing for 372 yards, including a 51-yard double pass that went for a touchdown in the first quarter.
Iowa also came up with a much-needed turnover when Geno Stone forced Brock Purdy to fumble on the Hawkeyes’ 30-yard line. A touchdown would have extended Iowa State’s lead to 14-3 before halftime, but Iowa kept itself in the game.
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Special Teams: A+
It’s no secret that Iowa won the game with special teams.
The Hawkeyes needed every one of Keith Duncan’s three field goals to keep the Hawkeyes within striking distance and his fourth to take the lead.
Michael Sleep-Dalton punted the ball five times for 236 yards — an average of 47.2 yards per boot. One of them went inside Iowa State’s 20-yard line, and two traveled at least 50 yards.
Add Devonte Young’s fumble recovery on a muffed punt to secure the game, and it was an incredible day for Hawkeye special teams.
