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Final score: Iowa 31 North Texas 14
Quick recap
Iowa had a lot more trouble with North Texas than it probably should have, but the Hawkeyes hit the accelerator in the fourth quarter and wore down the Mean Green.
The win didn’t come without a price, though. Running backs Akrum Wadley and James Butler left the game early with injuries — the severity of which is still unknown. That’s somewhat concerning moving forward considering a game against Penn State looms next weekend.
Iowa’s offense was balanced and effective, rushing for 258 yards and adding 196 through the air. Nate Stanley wasn’t as brilliant as he was a week ago against the Cyclones but he was mistake-free, completing 16-of-27 passes for 196 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Key play: Noah Fant drags defenders into the end zone to give Iowa a 17-14 lead
Fant’s 23-yard touchdown reception — while dragging a few North Texas defenders — was the first sign that the Mean Green were starting to get a bit fatigued. It also gave the Hawkeyes their first lead of the second half.
After Fant’s touchdown, Iowa started to pull away and eventually was able to make this a three-score game.
Stat of the game: third down conversions
It’s awfully hard to win a football game if you can’t convert on third down. North Texas was 0-for-6 while Iowa converted on 11-of-18 attempts. That makes a huge difference in a game, especially on the defense.
North Texas had some big plays and did some nice things offensively, but ultimately couldn’t keep that unit on the field long enough to create serious momentum.
What it means
Iowa gets through non-conference play unscathed and avoided an embarrassing home loss. And after some questionable performances from B1G West teams (Nebraska, Illinois), the Hawkeyes appear to be one of the top teams in the division.
But the Hawkeyes will be tested immediately, hosting Penn State in Kinnick Stadium under the lights.
That game is huge for both programs, especially considering the upset Iowa pulled off against Michigan last year. The big question heading into next week is the health of Wadley and Butler.
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