Kinnick Diaries: Iowa vs. Utah State Aggies Week 1 live blog

Hawkeye Nation, it is officially game day!

For months we have all been waiting on this day to come. Football is back baby! It’s Week 1, with the Iowa Hawkeyes kicking it off on FS1 against the Utah State Aggies.

Live from Kinnick Stadium, Michigan transfer quarterback Cade McNamara looks to lead Iowa to a big start to their 2023 campaign. Both McNamara and the Hawkeyes are looking to return to the Big Ten championship game, where they previously met on opposite sides back in 2021.

Follow along below with our live blog, chronicling all of the action happening in real-time at Kinnick Stadium. Remember to refresh the page to keep the updates rolling in.

Iowa wins 24-14

That will do it! Iowa opens the season with a 24-14 win. The scoreline makes this game seem like it was a lot closer. Iowa was pretty much in control throughout this contest, and only allowed a touchdown once the reserves came in. Definitely some kinks to work out for when they play tougher competition, but we’ve certainly seen worse starts from this team.

Iowa State next week!

Utah State on the board

Utah State finally scores a touchdown in garbage time. They complete the two-point conversion to make it a 24-14 ball game with a minute and a half left to play.

Iowa recovers the onside kick to all but seal this game.

Deacon Hill is welcomed to Iowa Football

Deacon Hill is already for the Iowa brand. He looks the part, showed off the arm, and, unfortunately, led the Hawkeyes to a three-and-out. That gives the true MVP Tory Taylor a chance to shine though. Gotta make up for scoring early in the game.

Iowa forces a quick three-and-out

Right after the score, Iowa’s defense forces an immediate three and out. Great pressure by Joe Evans on third down! That’s more like it folks!

And now, it’s Deacon Hill time in Iowa City!

Kaleb Johnson scores to make it 24-6

Big drive by the Hawkeyes, aided by some massive plays. Luke Lachey carried the drive, with two huge receptions on third down. Kaden Wetjen made an appearance on a jet sweep, taking Iowa down to the four-yard line. He may have scored, but they ruled him out.

Never the matter, Kaleb Johnson punched it in for his first touchdown of the year! Iowa now leads 24-6. Crowd is definitely back into it now! In case you were wondering, they did elect to kick the extra point rather than go for it to achieve the target mark of 25 points.

Hey! Another punt!

Utah State was forced to punt at the end of the third quarter after a great tackle by Sebastian Castro. He took on three players to come up with the stop.

A bit of a heart-stopping moment as Iowa fumbled on the punt return, but they recovered. 17-6 heading into the final quarter.

Another punt for Iowa

Another punt for Iowa, the offense has been completely out of it after a great start. 17 points against Utah State is not ideal.

Big Dejean tackle leads to a punt

Cooper DeJean has had a relatively quiet game so far, doing his job in coverage. The cornerback just had a great tackle on third down to force a Utah State punt. Now this is truly turning into an Iowa football game.

Iowa punts on their first second half possession

Not a great possession for the Hawkeyes there. Got a first down but the passing attack has lagged behind after a big start.

Iowa needs to get their punt protection settled. A low snap almost results in another blocked punt.

Utah State opens the second half with a field goal

A good stand by the Hawkeyes defense holds Utah State to three to start the half.

Iowa settles for three before halftime

Probably the most disappointing three points of the season Iowa will have this year. They had three clear chances at the end zone that resulted in drops. Good drive from McNamara though who threw a great fade to Ragaini in the end zone, and he did will to go through his progressions and find open targets.

Still, only a field goal to show. 17-3 Iowa up on top heading into the end of the half! Not the worst half, the offense sputtered a bit after a hot start, but that last drive showed what they are capable of. McNamara is giving this offense so much more life, and the defense is a typical Phil Parker unit.

Interception! Xavier Nwankpa makes his presence known!

Xavier Nwankpa gets his first interception of the year! What a play by the former five-star safety! Playing centerfield, the throw was a bit late, and Nwankpa dove in and took it away. Get used to seeing big plays by Nwankpa in black and gold!

Iowa's offense starting to stall in the second

Alright, trying not to get worried but the Iowa offense has completely started to stall. Wonder if they try and lean back on the run next drive. Starting to look more like a first-week team now.

Also, beauty of a punt by Taylor. Still 14-3 Iowa in the second quarter.

Utah State punts it right back

The Aggies started to mount a bit of a drive, but a bad drop on third down stopped all of their momentum. The games starting to settle down a bit after a fiery start.

Tory Taylor is still amazing

Tory Taylor’s first punt of the year was blocked! Somehow, though, it still traveled 37 yards. Simply incredible.

Jay Higgins already showing out.

Utah State held to three. 14-3 Iowa in the second quarter.

Utah State finally sustains their first real drive of the game, though Iowa had multiple near-interceptions. A crucial Deontae Craig sack helps hold the Aggies to a field goal. 14-3 lead for the Hawkeyes now in the second quarter.

Iowa almost gaining a turnover before the end of the first.

Two straight plays Iowa almost created their first turnover on defense. Cooper DeJean nearly intercepted a pass that bounced off the receiver’s hands. That would have been six. Deshaun Lee then intercepts the next pass, but it is negated by an offsides penalty.

End of quarter number one and it’s Iowa on top 14-0. Time for the best tradition in sports.

Iowa stopped on fourth-and-short

Utah State finally gets a stop. Iowa went for it again on fourth-and-short, but the run was stuffed. Unfortunate but love the aggressiveness from Kirk there. Your defense is doing its thing, the offense is rolling. Why not try and go for a knockout punch? Just didn’t work this time. Still 14-0 Iowa on top late in the first quarter.

Another quick three-and-out for Utah State.

Utah State might want to reconsider this whole up-tempo thing. They are getting swarmed by an energized Hawkeye defense, and they have to punt right away. 46-second possession.

TOUCHDOWN! Erick All scores in his debut!

Yes Iowa fans, you did just watch that. Not only did Iowa go for it on fourth-and-goal, they threw ANOTHER passing touchdown. Cade McNamara finds his former Michigan teammate Erick All for the score! Welcome to Iowa City boys!

14-0 Iowa in the first quarter.

Immediate three-and-out for Utah State.

Iowa’s defense immediately responds to the early score with a quick three-and-out. The defense already swarming to the football, Jay Higgins showing up early with a big tackle on third down.

TOUCHDOWN! Seth Anderson receiving touchdown! 7-0 Hawkeyes!

TRANSFER TO TRANSFER!

Second play of the game, the Hawkeyes are already on the board! Great protection, McNamara finds a wide-open Seth Anderson in the end zone. The vibes are IMMACULATE in Iowa City!

7-0 good guys!

Kaleb Johnson kicks it off with a big return!!

HOW ABOUT THAT START!

Kaleb Johnson starts the season off with a HUGE kick return! Iowa already in enemy territory early on!

Cade McNamara expected to play.

The big news ahead of game time is regarding starting quarterback Cade McNamara’s status. Officially questionable heading into Saturday, McNamara has been working his way back after a non-contact injury that he sustained in Kids’ Day at Kinnick. Cade is practicing ahead of game time and is fully expected to play today against Utah State.

On the other side of the ball, cornerback Jermari Harris is listed as out for today’s contest.

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Story originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire