Things are starting to get interesting in Iowa City. After the loss at Minnesota, the Hawkeyes have run off three wins in a row, outscoring opponents 82-17. The defense that is the backbone of the team dominated Purdue in Iowa’s 28-7 win. With two teams ahead of them in the playoff rankings losing today, Iowa just needs to keep winning to stay in the mix for the college football playoffs.
The Hawkeyes totaled 434 yards of offense and 26 first downs while holding the Boilermakers to 303 yards and 16 first downs. Iowa rushed for 246 yards, converted 10-of-15 third-down attempts and held Purdue to a season-low seven points.
The Hawkeyes got a win, which is always the most important thing. The defense showed out, and the offense was good. Another great performance for the run game and Hank Brown looking confident are both awesome to put on tape for the College Football Playoff committee. But, Iowa did leave a few opportunities on the table. Kaden Buhr had one field goal blocked and missed two others from beyond 50 yards. Poor second half execution on a couple drives kept the score from being even more lopsided, but they secured a win to keep their momentum strong.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz was happy with his team’s performance, “Obviously, really happy for our players, happy to get the win. Thought it was a really good performance by our guys. Certainly, there are some things to clean up, but talk about November football, it’s an important time for every football team, at least in college football.
And it really just comes down to having good preparation. The players have had a great attitude in preparing. It’s a little bit different than it is earlier in the season from a physical standpoint. Coaches obviously have to give the guys a great plan, and then most importantly, you got to show up and play. I think our guys have done a really good job of that. So happy for them and proud of them that way.
Offensively, started out, a couple of touchdown drives on two out of our first three possessions. Certainly good to see. They came back and got a score, and then we responded with that two-minute drive right before the halftime, and obviously Braden Jackson, he’s done a great job all season long and big spark play there right before the half.
