Many thought Iowa’s season would be defined early with it’s first two matchups with Indiana and in-state rival Iowa State. In the first of it’s two huge matchups, Iowa passed the opening act with flying colors as they dominated the 17th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers.
Kirk Ferentz’s Hawkeyes got after from the get go, as All-Big Ten running back Tyler Goodson took the 4th play from scrimmage 56 yards for a touchdown, sending Kinnick Stadium into a frenzy. Indiana’s first possession was marred with mistakes, and ended when a Michael Penix passes was tipped and picked off by Riley Moss, who returned it for a touchdown to make it 14-0 Iowa just a minute and a half into the game.
Iowa would add another touchdown in the second quarter on a 9-yard touchdown run by quarterback Spencer Petras to give Iowa a 21-3 lead. Indiana had the ball with under 2 minutes to go in the half, when Riley Moss struck again, jumping an errant Michael Penix pass and returning it for his second touchdown of the game, to give Iowa a 28-3 lead.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said: “I can’t say enough about the big plays, Riley Moss, couple of interceptions, Belton with an interception in front of our bench, really well done, Tyler Goodson popping that run. That was outstanding. So all that was good. Last but not least, great to be back in Kinnick and to have fans. I tell you, we were all feeling it down there.”
Dane Belton picked off Penix’s very next pass, and Caleb Shudak tacked on a field goal as time expired in the 1st half to give Iowa a 31-3 halftime lead. Each team would trade a field goal in the second half, giving Iowa a dominating 34-6 victory. Iowa will be 1-0 as they travel to Ames to take on #7 Iowa State on Saturday.
