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Rapid reaction: Iowa’s defense continues to dominate as Hawkeyes thump Terps
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A disastrous kickoff return in the early portion of the second quarter may have completely altered the complexity of Friday night’s game in College Park. When Dontay Demus Jr. left the game with a gruesome injury, so too did Maryland’s chances of beating No. 5 Iowa.
The Hawkeyes scored a touchdown on a 1-yard sneak from quarterback Spencer Petras to open the second quarter, taking a 10-7 lead over the Terrapins. On the ensuing kickoff, Demus attempted to escape an Iowa tackler, resulting in his leg twisting in an awkward and gruesome manner.
Before Demus hit the turf, the ball popped loose and Iowa recovered. The Maryland wide receiver had to be carted off the field, Iowa scored two plays later and Mike Locksley’s team ultimately unraveled.
That one kickoff was a turning point for multiple reasons.
Iowa’s second quarter only got better after taking that 17-7 lead. The Hawkeyes forced 4 turnovers in that 15-minute span, 3 of which were interceptions off Taulia Tagovailoa. All of those turnovers then translated into points, as Brian Ferentz’s offense scored 4 touchdowns, knocked down a field goal and outscored Maryland 31-0 in the quarter.
Per Iowa’s Twitter account, it was the most productive quarter the team enjoyed since a 2002 game against Akron, when the Hawkeyes scored 37 points in the first quarter.
At the end of the game, Iowa’s defense forced 7 turnovers — including 6 interceptions — and Maryland committed 10 penalties for 86 yards. The end result was a lopsided 51-14 victory for the Hawkeyes, pushing Kirk Ferentz’s fifth-ranked squad to 5-0.
Maryland drops to 4-1.
What was most impressive about Iowa’s lopsided victory was the limited offensive production needed out of the Hawkeyes through most of the game. In that 31-point second quarter, Iowa totaled just 128 yards (although it did accumulate 58 yards in the first quarter on the first touchdown drive to open the second period).
Iowa’s defense and special teams play was consistently winning the turnover and field position battle, as it’s done all season long. While the offense was efficient, and explosive at times, it didn’t have to consistently put together 75-yard drives to get points.
That’s not to say Iowa’s offensive players didn’t perform well. Petras completed 21-of-30 passes for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions and also accounted for 2 rushing scores. Tyler Goodson had 151 all-purpose yards and a touchdown on a 67-yard reception.
Ivory Kelly-Martin rushed for over 60 yards. Sam LaPorta, Charlie Jones and Arland Bruce IV all had over 30 receiving yards. A lot of offensive playmakers stepped up.
But interceptions from Riley Moss, Jack Koerner, Dane Belton, Terry Roberts and Kaevon Merriweather certainly aided in the effort. The defensive line consistently getting pressure on Tagovailoa was a factor. Holding Maryland’s rushing attack to just 97 yards made a difference.
Five weeks into the season, Iowa’s defense continues to answer the call. As much criticism as the offense has faced, it capitalized on opportunities on Friday night in College Park.
If that continues to be the case for the next seven games — and there’s been no indication it won’t be — Iowa is a front-runner to claim a B1G title and a grab one of the coveted College Football Playoff spots.
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