Oct 122 min read

Washington a No-Show Against Iowa in Iowa City

Kaleb Johnson | RB Iowa — © Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Simply put, the Iowa Hawkeyes (4-2, 2-1) played a cleaner football game on Oct. 12, winning 40-16 against the Washington Huskies (4-3, 2-2) in Iowa City, Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. It seemed early on that it was an even match between the two teams, but then the Iowa defense showed up and showed out in the second half.

After Washington’s Grady Gross had his 32-yard field goal blocked by Yahya Black, the first quarter was nearing its end. Iowa then took the ball and rode Kaleb Johnson down the field for a touchdown. Washington would answer right back with a touchdown drive of its own as Will Rogers found Denzel Boston to tie the game up at 7-7 in the second quarter.

Aaron Graves | DL Iowa — © Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Iowa Takes Over

The difference in the game came with 6:10 left in the first half when Rogers was sacked by Aaron Graves. The ball was fumbled and recovered by Max Llewlynn in the Huskies’ territory. Even though Iowa would only take a 10-7 lead, the play appeared to set the tone for the Hawkeyes' defense. The following drive, it was all Kaleb Johnson again. He had two carries for 9 yards and then doubled up that yardage with an 18-yard TD reception to give Iowa a 17-7 lead and the Hawkeyes kept piling on while the Huskies were playing catch up.

Best RB in the Country?

Washington had a chance trailing 23-10 late in the third quarter but Rogers took a sack on third-and-7. Then head coach Jedd Fisch wanted to be risky and go for it sensing the moment. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t get it. Once again, just like clockwork, it was time for Johnson to do what he does best and put the game away with an 8-yard touchdown run to make it 30-10. Is there anything this kid can't do?

Eastern Struggles

After a huge upset at home against then-No. 12 Michigan, it seemed like Washington could break the spell that’s currently put on the new Big Ten teams. Oregon, Washington, USC and UCLA are now a collective 0-5 (at the time this article was written) on the road out East against their new Big Ten foes.