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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Iowa football demolishes Washington, 40-16, behind strong running game and timely defense

Kaleb Johnson ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns, while the Hawkeye defense forced two turnovers.
Brad Schultz, Assistant Sports Editor
October 12, 2024
Isabella Tisdale
Iowa running back Kamari Moulton is tackled by Washington defensive back Ephesians Prysock during a football game between Iowa and Washington at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024.

Following a disappointing loss to Ohio State last weekend, the Iowa football team bounced back with a 40-16 victory over Washington in their Big Ten home opener on Saturday in front of a capacity crowd of over 69,000 fans at Kinnick Stadium.

Iowa improves to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play, while Washington drops to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in league play.

Third-year running back Kaleb Johnson led the way with 166 yards and three total touchdowns on 21 carries of work. Johnson now has 13 touchdowns on the season and has the second-most yards of any running back in college football behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.

Longtime head coach Kirk Ferentz earned his 200th triumph with Iowa, and was recognized on the video board near the end of the fourth quarter. Ferentz has posted a 200-121 record in 26 seasons with the Hawkeyes, and is currently six wins away from becoming the winningest coach in Big Ten history.

“You have to be lucky,” Ferentz said after the game. “You have to be in the right place. First of all, you have to get a lot of good people. That’s coaching staff and support staff. A lot of people are involved in this. And I’ve worked with great coaches my entire group, and lucky wherever I’ve been.”

“I just think that it’s a testament to how he’s working, obviously, just the testament to the Iowa athletics program to keep him around, just seeing that going with him was the best choice,” fifth-year linebacker Jay Higgins added.

Following an Iowa punt to open the game, Washington responded with a 14 play, 73-yard drive down to the Hawkeye 15-yard line, but kicker Grady Gross’ 32-yard field goal try was blocked by defensive lineman Yahya Black, shifting the momentum right back to Iowa.

The Hawkeyes took advantage of the gift, and methodically drove 80 yards down the field and topped off the drive with a six yard touchdown scamper from running back Kaleb Johnson, his 11th of the season.

On the ensuing Husky drive, quarterback Will Rogers navigated his way through a clean pocket and lofted a pretty touchdown pass to wide receiver Denzel Boston in the corner of the end zone on second-and-goal, tying the game at seven midway through the first half. The play capped off a 14 play, 75-yard touchdown drive for the Huskies.

Following an Iowa three-and-out, Rogers was sacked by defensive end Aaron Graves and fumbled the football. Max Llewellyn pounced on it for the Hawkeyes, setting the offense up deep in Washington territory.

But Iowa couldn’t muster a single yard of offense and was forced to settle for a field goal attempt, which Drew Stevens nailed from 37 yards out to give the Hawkeyes a 10-7 advantage.

Washington’s offense couldn’t get anything going on its next drive, and Kaden Wetjen returned the bouncing punt down to the Husky 35-yard line. Iowa took advantage of the short field with a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cade McNamara to Johnson. Washington brought a blitz on the play, but McNamara was able to find Johnson wide open in the flat for the score.

It marked McNamara’s first touchdown pass against a Power Four conference team since the 2021 Big Ten Championship Game against Iowa, when McNamara was a member of the Michigan Wolverines.

“I mean, whenever I can add a couple touchdowns and no turnovers, I’m just doing everything I can to help the team win,” McNamara said.

Washington responded with a drive deep into Iowa territory, but the Hawkeye defense held its ground and forced a field goal attempt. Gross, who missed one earlier in the game, appeared to have missed another chip shot from 35, but the officials ruled the kick went over the upright for a good field goal, slicing the Iowa down to seven.

The Hawkeyes looked to simply run out the clock on their next possession, but Johnson broke a 53-yard run all the way down to the Husky 36, putting Iowa in field goal range. Stevens knocked in a 46-yarder to give Iowa a 20-10 lead heading into the break.

Washington continued to run the same game plan to open up the second half, exploiting holes in the Iowa secondary and driving into Hawkeye territory yet again. On third down, Rogers was intercepted by cornerback Jermari Harris, who stepped in front of the pass. Harris returned the ball near midfield, giving Iowa excellent field position.

The pass was intended for Boston, the leading receiver, and Harris was ready for him this time. Harris said that he “saw the same route earlier in the game” and anticipated it.

Facing a third down and 10, McNamara found wide receiver Seth Andersen wide open over the middle for a 27-yard gain, marking Andersen’s first reception of the year after struggling with injuries throughout the season. An unnecessary roughness penalty by Washington moved the ball inside the Husky 15.

But the drive stalled out, and Iowa was forced to settle for a field goal. Stevens drained the 25-yard attempt to give his squad a 23-10 lead.

Washington marched down to the Hawkeye 39 on its next possession, but wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter couldn’t get his foot down in bounds on fourth down, and the Huskies turned it over on downs.

Up 13, Iowa looked for the kill shot, and got it with an eight-yard touchdown run from Johnson, his second rushing touchdown and third total score of the game.

“I always say I just go back to staying focused and keep on going straight, because we’ve still got more games to go, so I’ll focus now just on Michigan State,” Johnson said.

“He’s been great,” Ferentz added. “He’s super great. I’m not surprised, because I see him that way every day.”

 

After Washington failed to convert on fourth down, McNamara found freshman wideout Dayton Howard all alone over the middle for a 33-yard score to give Iowa a commanding 37-10 edge.

It marked Howard’s first reception and touchdown of his young career, and he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after jubilantly spiking the ball into the turf.

Ferentz credited Howard and the rest of the receivers for working hard and showing major growth this season.

“We think he’s [Howard] a good prospect, and I think it’s kind of reflective of our whole group with the receivers right now,” Ferentz said. “Reese has done a good job. You have Dayton. You got your two young guys that are playing a ton right now. If they’re doing a good job and improving their practice, we just been better, certainly, and [Jacob] Gill has been doing a good job too.”

The Hawkeyes coasted from there, earning their fourth win of the season.

“Really, really pleased with the way the guys prepared, the way they kept focused on things that were important,” Ferentz said. “And certainly today, showed up and competed for 60 [minutes]. It wasn’t perfect, but was really good effort by everybody.”

Injury Updates 

Iowa has been a fairly healthy squad this season, but Ferentz mentioned after the game that guard  Beau Stephens and fullback Hayden Large are both battling “minor injuries.” Ferentz expects both to return next weekend against Michigan State.

Up Next 

The 4-2 Hawkeyes will travel to East Lansing, Michigan, to take on Michigan State on Oct. 19. The Spartans are 3-3 on the season and 1-2 in Big Ten play. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.

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