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Rapid Reaction: Iowa uses suffocating second-half performance on defense to take down Colorado State
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Final Score: Colorado State 14, Iowa 24
Brief Recap: Well, Iowa found itself in a much closer than expected battle from visiting Colorado State. In fact, the Hawkeyes trailed heading into halftime by a score of 14-7. That first half swung when the Rams went on a 14-0 run, fueled by an interception from Spencer Petras. The interception swung field position with the first half winding down and gave Colorado State the unexpected lead.
Fortunately, Iowa woke up in the third quarter. A fumble recovery by the Hawkeye defense fueled a quick 14-point quarter with Iowa retaking the lead. The Hawkeyes would add a field goal early in the fourth quarter that provided enough cushion for the time to grind out a win.
Key Player: Despite his first-half interception, Petras proved to be the key player for the Hawkeyes, though the game once again swung on the complete performance by the defense. The rushing attack of Iowa was surprisingly stagnant in Week 4, and it was the arm of Petras that provided the key moments. He threw one early touchdown and added another in the third quarter to Sam LaPorta. Another deep completion to Nico Ragaini set up the field goal early in the fourth quarter. Petras finished 15-for-23 passing with 224 yards, 2 TDs, and the interception.
Key Moment: In the third quarter, the Hawkeye defense forced a fumble that was recovered by Jack Campbell on the Colorado State six-yard line. That turnover started Iowa’s string of 17-unanswered points that gave the team the lead and some breathing room.
Key Stat: 2, penalties called on the Hawkeyes. Iowa was not always sharp on offense, but the team managed to play a clean game on both sides of the ball.
What it means moving forward: After 2 impressive wins to start the season, Iowa has now registered back-to-back gut-check wins against Kent State and Colorado State. 4-0 is the best place to be, but it’s time for Iowa to regroup and refocus for B1G play. A hot Maryland squad is next before an expected top-10 battle against Penn State.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.