The Hawkeyes had one non conference challenge left as the Mean Green of North Texas invaded Kinnick Stadium. Iowa already sitting at 3-0 and Wisconsin looming could have easily taken North Texas for granted. On Saturday they played with the same focus and intensity we've seen all season. There were a few things that really stood out in the Iowa 62 to 16 blowout victory.
First of all when you play a team that you should blowout the key is to get off to a fast start. Iowa did exactly that taking their first 2 drives and marching right down the field to go up 14 to 0. One thing we've seen in the past is Iowa wouldn't always have the go for the kill mindset. They absolutely went for it against North Texas. CJ Beathard started the game 15 for 15 including two long TD passes to Tevaun Smith and George Kittle. Iowa continued to show a diverse rushing attack running lead draws, counters and dives in addition to the classic stretch play. Jordan Canzeri rushed for 122 yards and 4 TDs. During the first two drives the offensive line was dominant opening up huge holes for the backs and giving Beathard all day to throw. This offense continues to improve and we finally got a chance to see what Tevaun Smith can bring to the table. Smith had 4 catches for 115 yards including an 81 yard TD reception. Another guy I had high hopes for coming into the season was George Kittle he's too big to be covered by a corner and too fast for linebackers. George had a some nice catches including a long TD reception. Beathard was almost perfect going 18 for 21 for 278 yards 2 TD's. Iowa faced some adversity in a couple of situations Saturday.
The Reverse play went about as bad as one can go. When Derrick Mitchell received a late pitch then his pitch was late setting up a Mean Green touchdown. The other score North Texas had came before this play when Jordan Canzeri fumbled for the second time this season, now I'm not concerned yet but that is two fumbles one in the Iowa State game and now vs North Texas. Without these two turnovers the game could have been even further apart at halftime. The thing I liked was once North Texas scored it was only 28 to 13, this game had the feel that they might be able to hang around. Iowa immediately killed that thought as they marched 80 yards in 12 plays to extend the lead back to 35 to 13 at Halftime.
The Second half North Texas found some running room to the outside. I think this was a case of letting up for just a little bit. You have to give the Mean Green credit they came out of the locker room and marched right down the field to kick a field goal. At times it looked like North Texas would score a TD but Iowa came up with the big plays to hold them to a FG. The Iowa secondary was a little banged up as Miles Taylor barely played and Greg Maybin left in the second quarter. The injuries don't appear to be serious so they should both be ready to go vs Wisconsin. There were two plays in the second half that turned this game upside down. North Texas was driving after just kicking a field goal and their offense was starting to find a rhythm. Drew Ott came up big for the Hawks rushing pass the left tackle and knocking the ball out of McNaulty's hands and Bazata recovered for Iowa. Iowa went 12 plays for 50 yards to put the game away at 42 to 16. So like most in the stadium I kind of thought that would be about all the points Iowa would put up. The very next possession Josey Jewel intercepted McNaulty and ran it back for a TD.
It was good to see some of the backups get into the game. We finally got a chance to see Derrick Mitchell in the backfield he's been battling a high ankle sprain. Both Mitchell and Wadley looked pretty good as Iowa ran the ball right down the field scoring another TD. The Final icing on the cake came when Bo Bower intercepted a pass and returned it 80 yards for a TD. One other thing that was great to see Saturday was Desmond King is beginning to look like a weapon in the return game. He had 170 yards in returns and was very close to breaking one for 6. I think we will see King take one back for a TD this year.
Now I'm not saying North Texas is a good Football team but how many times have we seen a directional school come into Kinnick Stadium with a chance to win in the 4th quarter. Last year we had to rally to beat Ball State and UNI. This Iowa team has been dominating the teams they supposed to. Now its time for Conference play as Iowa starts of at Wisconsin. I'll have a preview for that in the next couple days.
Thanks For Reading
Go Hawks.
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