While it was anything but pretty, the Iowa football team opened its season with a 34-7 victory over FCS Albany.
It was a slow start for the Hawkeyes, who scored just three points on their first three offensive drives, and even trailed Albany 7-3 halfway through the second quarter. Excluding one play before the end of the first half, Iowa scored on five straight possessions, including four touchdowns. While the passing offense wasn’t great, the running game rushed for over 300 yards as the Hawkeyes dominated in the trenches.
Even on a night without many big plays for the Iowa offense and no turnovers forced by the Hawkeye defense, there were still some fun highlights from the season-opening win over Albany. Let’s take a look at the top five plays from Iowa’s 34-7 win on Saturday night.
5. Sam Phillips’ 46-yard punt return
While Iowa didn’t get Sam Phillips involved on offense much, he showed why he’s a guy who needs the ball in his hands with a big punt return late in the game. Following a 75-yard punt, Phillips picked it up inside his own 10-yard line and took it 46 yards. Hopefully, we see more of him on offense next week.
4. Mark Gronowski’s first rushing TD as a Hawkeye
It was great to see what Mark Gronowski can do with his legs as he took it himself for Iowa’s third touchdown of the night. While his night ended prematurely with cramps, he showed what he can do rushing the ball. Now we’ll see if the passing game can improve.
3. Aaron Graves brings the boom
The Hawkeyes got a lot of pressure all night long, but didn’t finish many plays with sacks. One of two sacks on the night came from Aaron Graves when he absolutely leveled Albany QB Jack Shields. Look for that defensive line to make some plays next week.
2. Mark Gronowski’s first career passing TD at Iowa
The only highlight of the night for the passing game came on a 4th and goal late in the first half, when Mark Gronowski threw his first Iowa passing touchdown to Kaden Wetjen. It was the first receiving touchdown for Wetjen. The passing game needs to be better if Iowa wants to bring home the Cy-Hawk trophy next week.
1. Drew Stevens’ career-long 55-yard FG
This is Iowa, of course, the best play of the night was on special teams! A career-long 55-yard field goal from Drew Stevens is a good sign for the Hawkeyes and their ability to cap off drives with points. A special accomplishment for Stevens.
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