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Well look at that, Iowa won itself a football game. The Hawkeyes took down a struggling Minnesota team in unconvincing fashion, but there were actually some things to like about Iowa’s play!
The defense surrendered just 268 yards and didn’t allow Minnesota’s Mitch Leidner to complete anywhere near 50 percent of his passes, going 13-33 for 166 yards. Iowa held the ball for almost 10 more minutes than the Gophers, but that’s not to say the Hawkeye offense looked serviceable in any way.
Iowa racked up an unspectacular 322 yards on the ground and through the air, and C.J. looked pretty uncomfortable all day, going 17-32 for 142 yards and 2 interceptions. The running game was a vast improvement over weeks past with 179 yards on the ground, but 56 of those came on a long Akrum Wadley touchdown run that sealed it for Iowa.
The defense was nothing short of spectacular, but offensive play calling and the drops by receivers remain a huge issue. Iowa’s receivers had three drops on one drive alone. There’s a lot to like from this defense still, but the offense is still searching for an identity.
On to Purdue.