Halftime reactions: No. 5 Iowa leads Maryland, 34-7

The Hawkeyes scored 31 points in the second quarter to take control of this Friday night matchup.

Jerod Ringwald

Iowa defensive back Jack Koerner runs after intercepting a pass during a football game between Iowa and Maryland at Maryland Stadium on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. (Jerod Ringwald/The Daily Iowan)

Robert Read, Pregame Editor
October 1, 2021

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland led Iowa after the first 15 minutes of their Friday night matchup. After 30 minutes? That’s a different story.

The No. 5 Hawkeyes scored 31 points in the second quarter to take a 34-7 lead into halftime. Iowa’s defense forced five turnovers in the first half, including four interceptions of Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras has accounted for three touchdowns on the night (two QB sneaks, one eight-yard pass to Arland Bruce, who scored his first touchdown). Fullback Monte Pottebaum also scored a touchdown on a two-yard rush. Kicker Caleb Shudak is two-for-two on his kicks.

Here are reactions to the first half.

Bravo, Iowa defense (and way to take advantage, Hawkeye offense)

I’d imagine Phil Parker is at least pretty pleased right now.

Iowa’s defense forced Tagovailoa — the Big Ten leader in passing — to throw four first-half interceptions. Coming into the game, Tagovailoa had only thrown one pick. Riley Moss, Jack Koerner, Dane Belton, and Terry Roberts each recorded an interception. Oh, and Sebastian Castro forced a fumble on a kickoff, so make that five turnovers forced for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa’s offense turned four of those turnovers into points. Roberts’ interception is the only turnover Iowa hasn’t turned into points this year, and that’s because it happened right as the half ended.

This game is over.

– Robert Read, Pregame Editor

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