Iowa (7-4, 5-3 Big Ten) responded out of their Week 12 bye with a sound 29-13 victory on Saturday over Maryland (4-7, 1-7 Big Ten) from SECU Stadium in College Park, M.D.
The Hawkeyes generated 344 yards of offense against the Terrapins, including plenty of success via the run game. On the ground, Iowa ran 58 times for a total of 288 yards and two touchdowns.
While not utilized as much, the passing game from redshirt sophomore Jackson Stratton was efficient by finishing 10-of-14 for 76 yards.
Defensively, Iowa returned to their stingy style of play. The Hawkeyes held pass-happy Maryland to a season-low 129 passing yards and tallied two interceptions. The Hawkeyes’ pressure throughout the game also forced seven tackles for loss and three sacks.
As the Hawkeyes return home from Maryland, here are the three stars that helped guide Iowa to another win.
Jackson Stratton
Statton, while not heavily relied on for offensive production, had an effective day through the air, completing 10-of-14 passes for a total of 76 yards. Stratton avoided Maryland pressure throughout the contest by taking only one sack.
Given the precarious quarterback situation that the Hawkeyes have found themselves in lately due to injuries, having a safe and consistent game out of the signal-caller is very much appreciated.
Kaleb Johnson
Junior running back Kaleb Johnson had a monstrous game on Saturday, carrying the ball 35 times from scrimmage for 164 yards and a touchdown. While serving a minuscule role in the receiving portion of the stat sheet, Johnson also caught one pass for six yards.
Johnson’s bell-cow role in the backfield allowed the Hawkeyes to put together long first-half drives and possess the ball for a total of 37:41 of game time.
Johnson’s performance elevates his impressive season rushing total to 1,492 yards and 21 touchdowns on 223 carries for an average of 6.7 yards per play. Johnson’s touchdown against Maryland set the new Iowa single-season rushing touchdowns record.
Iowa Defense
The Hawkeyes’ defense returned to their typical form by putting a stranglehold on the Maryland offensive attack for much of the day, surrendering 227 yards and forcing two interceptions.
Highlighting Iowa’s defensive showing were the performances of fifth-year linebacker Jay Higgins and fifth-year defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett.
Higgins led the defense with eight total tackles (four solo), one pass deflection, and an interception. Meanwhile, Hurkett had a dominant performance on the defensive line with six total tackles (four solo), two sacks, and three tackles for loss.
Considering the Hawkeyes’ poor performance against UCLA in Week 11, the dominant showing from Iowa on Saturday was a pleasant sight.
Iowa finishes the regular season with a rivalry matchup on Friday, Nov. 29, against Nebraska (6-5, 3-5 Big Ten) in the Pioneer Heroes Game from Kinnick Stadium.
Game time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (CT) and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. The game will also be available on air from the Hawkeyes Radio Network.
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