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Rapid Reaction: Hawkeyes overcome late deficit, stun Iowa State in thrilling OT win
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Final score: Iowa 44 Iowa State 41
Quick analysis
An absolute thriller in the second week of the season.
Iowa looked like it had been beat on several occasions on Saturday afternoon. The Hawkeyes trailed by 10 with 6:30 left in the fourth quarter. After Iowa eventually tied it up, Cyclones quarterback Jacob Park connected with Hakeem Butler for a 74-yard TD pass to go back on top.
But the Hawkeyes kept fighting. And ultimately, after forcing overtime on an incredible play from Akrum Wadley, Iowa prevailed to claim its third-straight win over its in-state rival.
Credit Iowa quarterback Nathan Stanley, who threw for 333 yards and five touchdowns without an interception in his first Cy-Hawk game. It was an incredible performance for a young starter.
Key play: Arkum Wadley ties the game at 38 with a 46-yard TD reception
Akrum Wadley is one of the most dangerous players in college football. He proved that late in the game against Iowa State.
What was suppose to be a short pass for a few yards turned into a game-tying touchdown as Wadley zigged and zagged past defenders all the way to the end zone with 1:09 left in the game. His touchdown sent the contest to overtime, where Iowa eventually prevailed.
That’s a play you’ll see replayed all weekend long.
Stat of the game: 333 yards, 5 touchdowns, no interceptions for Nathan Stanley
Stanley wasn’t suppose to be the focal point of the offense. This was going to be the Wadley-James Butler show. But Stanley played as well as anyone expected in the first major game of his career.
He finished the day completing 27-of-41 passes for 333 yards and five touchdowns. Most importantly though, he didn’t throw a single interception in the game.
Stanley was certainly a difference-maker in this one.
What it means
After stomping Wyoming and posting an incredible come-from-behind win on the road, Iowa suddenly looks like a contender in the West.
The Hawkeyes still have some things to improve on, but with a strong offensive line, one of the top running backs in the B1G and a quarterback who doesn’t get rattled, this is a team that can make some noise in the B1G.
Hawkeye fans could probably care less about the future right now, though. This is one they’ll enjoy all weekend long.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB