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    • Iowa football puts on a complete performance against Washington
    Idaho

    Iowa football puts on a complete performance against Washington

    Madoc Meredith Posted on

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    IOWA CITY – After a disappointing loss in Columbus, Iowa football got back on track with a dominant 40-16 victory over Washington on Saturday.

    It was almost a victory as the Hawkeyes never trailed for a single second. It was Iowa’s most complete win of the season.

    It was also the 200th win of Kirk Ferentz’s tenure as head coach at Iowa.

    The Hawkeyes’ defense forced two takeaways. It also blocked a field goal. After missing his only kick of the season against Ohio State, Drew Stevens went a perfect 4-of-4 on Saturday.

    More: Leistikow’s thoughts on Iowa football’s win over Washington: A fitting No. 200 for Ferentz

    But there was also an insulting explosion. Rhys Dakin only punted twice. During one stretch, the Hawkeyes scored on seven consecutive possessions (either by a field goal or a touchdown).

    Iowa had another standout performance from running back Kaleb Johnson. The Hawkeyes defeated Washington on the ground 218-127. Johnson, who managed just 86 yards and a score against the Buckeyes, dominated on the ground.

    Washington had difficulty slowing him down as he scored three total touchdowns. Johnson had 21 carries for 166 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He also had three catches for 22 yards, including an 18-yard receiving touchdown.

    Saturday showed why Johnson is one of the best running backs in the country. It was his fifth game of the season in which he rushed for over 100 yards. It was also his fifth game this season with multiple touchdowns.

    More: Kaleb Johnson stats vs. Washington: Iowa Hawkeyes football RB dominates Huskies

    Quarterback Cade McNamara had a less than stellar performance against Ohio State, recording three turnovers in the second half. But Saturday was much better. He finished the game 8-14 passing for 108 yards with two touchdowns and zero turnovers.

    Saturday’s win improves Iowa’s mark to 4-2 on the season, including 2-1 in Big Ten play.

    Washington methodically marched down the field on its first offensive drive of the game. But the Hawkeyes didn’t break. After forcing a fourth down, Yahya Black blocked a field goal attempt to keep the Huskies off the field.

    Iowa continued that momentum. The Hawkeyes completed a nine-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. Johnson scored his first score of the day from 6 yards. Iowa took a 7-0 lead after Stevens’ extra point.

    Tied 7-7, Iowa got a big play from its defense midway through the second quarter. Defensive lineman Aaron Graves had a strip sack that was recovered by Max Llewellyn. The Hawkeyes were positioned deep in Washington territory but couldn’t get into the end zone. Stevens drilled a 37-yarder to give Iowa a 10-7 lead.

    After keeping Washington at bay, Kaden Wetjen started an Iowa drive with a 37-yard punt return, giving the Hawkeyes the lead at the Washington 35-yard line. Iowa turned that into a touchdown when McNamara hit Johnson out of the backfield for an 18-yard strike.

    Washington and Iowa traded field goals in the final minute of the first half.

    The first came when Washington converted a 35-yard field goal. It was a controversial moment, however, as several Iowa players seemed adamant that the field goal was no good. But the officials ruled the kick was good.

    Then Johnson hit a 53-yard run to put Iowa within field goal range. Stevens kicked his second field goal of the day, making it a two-possession game again.

    At halftime, Iowa led 20-10.

    But Iowa managed an even more decisive second half, outscoring Washington 20-6.

    Defensive back Jermari Harris recorded his third interception of the season, which led to Stevens’ third field goal of the game. Those were the only points of the third quarter.

    But Iowa rallied in the fourth quarter. Johnson got into the end zone again, giving Iowa a comfortable 30-10 lead. McNamara found receiver Dayton Howard for a 33-yard touchdown, the first of Howard’s career. Stevens hit a 51-yarder, his fourth field goal of the game.

    With less than three minutes left, Washington scored a touchdown in garbage time. But the outcome of the game was already clearly in Iowa’s favor.

    Despite the late Washington score, it was a stretch of dominance from Iowa that came away with an impressive win.

    Notable pieces

    Yahya Black blocked the field goal attempt.

    Kaleb Johnson’s first rushing touchdown of the game.

    Cade McNamara touchdown pass to Kaleb Johnson.

    Kaleb Johnson’s 53-yard rush late in the first half set up a Drew Stevens field goal.

    Cade McNamara touchdown pass to Dayton Howard.

    Next

    The Hawkeyes are on the road again. This time on October 19th against Michigan State.

    The Spartans (3-3), coming off a bye week, started the season 3-0 but have lost three straight, to Boston College, Ohio State and Oregon.

    Iowa and Michigan State have a common opponent so far this season – Ohio State. The Spartans fell to the Buckeyes 38-7 in East Lansing. Iowa lost to Ohio State 35-7 in Columbus.

    After the Michigan State matchup, Iowa gets two consecutive contests at Kinnick Stadium, starting with Northwestern and followed by Wisconsin.

    Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15contact us by email at [email protected]

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    Madoc Meredith
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