Just win: 5 takeaways from the Iowa Hawkeyes’ Week 1 win over Utah State

Just win baby, win.

The Iowa Hawkeyes didn’t do anything overly sexy today, but, then again, they didn’t need to. If something is working, why change it? The Hawkeyes trusted their defense, got a few explosive plays at times, and didn’t turn the football over. It is a recipe for success.

Cade McNamara showed he can give this Iowa offense things that they haven’t had the past few seasons. He can make the smart throw and convert third downs. With the way Iowa wants to play, efficient days like today are what will get the job done.

The defense did its thing. Aside from a mop-up duty touchdown scored late by the Utah State Aggies, the Hawkeyes allowed just two field goals while the game was still a contest.

A win is a win and the Iowa Hawkeyes got contributions from all over but also have some things to work on. Here are five takeaways from the Hawkeyes’ season-opening win.

Transfer portal paid off early

The transfer portal additions showed up for Iowa and they did so early. Seth Anderson reeled in a 36-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the day and Erick All hauled in a fourth-down conversion for a touchdown for the Hawkeyes’ second score.

Both obviously came from Cade McNamara. There was anticipation and hype for what these new faces could do and it didn’t take long for them to make their presence felt.

Xavier Nwankpa is embracing the hype

Xavier Nwankpa is the real deal. The interception the Hawkeye safety reeled in was reminiscent of Ed Reed back in the day playing the center fielder type of role. Nwankpa read the eyes of Utah State’s Cooper Legas and timed his jump perfectly.

The highly-anticipated breakout star for the Iowa secondary delivered with this play and showed his sky-high potential.

The offensive line was up and down

Let me start by saying that the rushes from Kaden Wetjen were a very welcome surprise. He showed some real speed and playmaking ability on jet sweeps getting to the edge.

Unfortunately, the rest of the ground game struggled. Remove Wetjen’s rushes, Iowa averaged under four yards per carry. That isn’t going to get it done against Big Ten schools as the season progresses.

While the ground game struggled, the offensive line deserves praise for the time they gave Cade McNamara in the passing game. At times, it felt like McNamara could sit back there and survey the entire field with ease. The opening touchdown to Seth Anderson was simply a fantastic job of pass protection.

The Iowa defense doesn't miss tackles

To be honest, Iowa’s defense felt like they played average today compared to what we have become accustomed to and that is incredible to say because they were still lights out. After Iowa went up 24-6 in the fourth quarter, the defense had allowed just six points and 207 yards while the game was within reach.

The thing that stood out about this defense was the tackling. Utah State tried to spread out Iowa with a numbers game and using the entire width of the field. It didn’t matter. Iowa’s defense consistently made one-on-one tackles in the open field. Sebastian Castro stood out as a star and is someone Hawkeye fans should be on the lookout for.

Cade McNamara was incredibly efficient

Cade McNamara didn’t have to be a gunslinger today and he likely won’t ever need to be. That is perfectly fine. He was an above-average game manager today and that is all he needs to be.

McNamara finished the day 17-of-30 passing for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Truth be told, there were more than one dropped pass that would have been touchdowns.  Those makeables would have put McNamara above 200 passing yards and three touchdowns.

McNamara leaned on Luke Lachey, who had seven catches for 73 yards, to convert third downs and keep things moving when they desperately needed it.

He was efficient, didn’t turn the ball over, and did what he needed to do.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Hawkeyes Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Story originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire