Report Card: Grading the Iowa Hawkeyes’ pivotal, late-season win over Minnesota
It was a classic Iowa win, the offense doing just enough to not mess up a masterclass by the fantastic defense and special teams. It might seem silly, but we’ll take it!
Despite the cold, Iowa really had to sweat this game out, winning on a late game Drew Sanders field goal. It wasn’t pretty, but Iowa has now won eight straight against the Gophers. More importantly, they control their own path back to the Big Ten Championship. Beat Nebraska next week, and they punch their ticket. It’s as simple as that. Win or go home.
You take wins however they come, especially on the road in the wintery conditions of Minnesota. With a pig on the line, as well as their season, Iowa played their style of football to a 13-10 win. Here are some grades from a very Hawkeye victory.
Brian Ferentz: C
It was a very interestingly called game for Brian Ferentz. The first quarter was probably his best bit of play calling all season. Iowa’s offense was moving the ball, he was getting Sam LaPorta involved. Unfortunately there was a large sea of meh after that where the Hawkeyes couldn’t do anything.
The Tight Ends: A
Iowa wins when they get their tight ends involved. That is tight ends multiple now. We already know about Sam LaPorta, he’s been the best tight end in the conference for a good two years now. Luke Lachey also made a big impact yesterday, stepping up in LaPorta’s absence with five catches for 77 yards.
Cooper DeJean: A+
What more can be said about DeJean. He’s impressed pretty much every game this year, and his chase down tackle on Mo Ibrahim quite literally saved the game. Without it, Minnesota most likely wins this game. As usual, he made some really nice returns on special teams. With Iowa’s offense the way it is, getting any yardage you can before they take the field is extremely vital.
The Kickers: A
Iowa special teams has been special all year now. Punter Tory Taylor builds his case every week as the best punter in the nation, with four of his five punts against Minnesota downed inside the opponent’s 20.
Drew Stevens, despite what they said on commentary, was a perfect two-for-two on field goals, hitting the game winning 21 yard field goal. Making every kick he was asked to make, can’t ask for much more from the freshman kicker.
Iowa's Pass Defense: A+
I mean, what other grade could they get? While they run defense was a little more suspect, more of a D+/C- performance against one of the best running backs in the nation (there’s a bonus grade for you), the passing defense was as good as you can ask a unit. Athan Kaliakmanis only threw for 87 yards, and Jack Campbell’s interception should’ve been a pick six. That was just a wrong call. Just another dominant performance by one of the best units in the country.
