Tag: Hawkeyes

Sep 21, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

No. 3 Ohio State, dominant in second half this season, meets Iowa

Posted on | by Field Level Media

If Iowa hopes to upset No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday afternoon in Columbus, it would be wise for the Hawkeyes to get off to a good start.

While the Buckeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) have outscored opponents by an average of 42 points (48.8 to 6.8), they have been more vulnerable in the first half before making defensive adjustments.

The Buckeyes have a 91-3 scoring advantage after halftime after a combined 104-24 in the first two quarters.

Their yards allowed are just as dramatic. They gave up 186 in the first half to Marshall on Sept. 21 and 203 last Saturday in a 38-7 victory over Michigan State followed by second-half totals of 61 and 60, respectively.

“We want to get stops. We want to force three-and-outs,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We’re going to deal with the same thing this week. Those guys (Iowa) have made improvements in a lot of areas on offense, and I think they’re playing really well, so it’s another challenge for our defense.”

Iowa (3-1, 1-0) likely won’t be able to match the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense but will try to control the ball and take the crowd out of the game.

One of the keys will be Hamilton, Ohio native Kaleb Johnson. In a 31-14 win against Minnesota on Sept. 21, he rushed for a career-high 206 yards on a 9.8 yards-per-carry average with three touchdowns for his fourth straight 100-plus-yard game.

He is No. 2 nationally with 685 yards.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz knows the Buckeyes will be ready for Johnson.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge,” Ferentz said. “The holes are going to close quick.”

Johnson has 12 runs of 20 or more yards this season, including a 64-yarder, which likely will be of concern to the Buckeyes. But the Hawkeyes will face a stern defense that is second nationally in total defense (196.5 yards per game). The Hawkeyes are 18th (272.8).

Iowa will have to contain a multi-faceted Ohio State offense that features running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson — who have combined for 666 rushing yards and nine touchdowns — and a group of talented receivers led by freshman Jeremiah Smith (19 catches for 364 yards and five TDs).

“They are very balanced and talented at every position,” Ferentz said. “They’ve got really good players in all three phases, and I think are really deserving of their ranking. Certainly, they’ve had great production in all three phases, and they’re really well-coached in all three phases. So it’s kind of what you’d expect of a top-ranked team like that.”

Meanwhile, with so much reliance on the running game, Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara has been efficient. He was 11 for 19 for only 62 yards against Minnesota but did not have a turnover for a second straight game.

McNamara referenced Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions, who completed 18 of 18 passes vs. the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.

“There’s always going to be ups and downs in games,” McNamara said. “Other than basically Jared Goff, you can’t play a perfect game.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) and defensive lineman Yahya Black (94) celebrate with the Floyd of Rosedale trophy after the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson rushes for 206 yards, 3 TDs as Hawkeyes roll Minnesota

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Kaleb Johnson ran for a career-high 206 yards and three touchdowns, helping lead Iowa to a 31-14 win over Minnesota in Minneapolis on Saturday.

Jaziun Patterson added 66 rushing yards for the Hawkeyes (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten), who won the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy, given annually to the winner of the game. Cade McNamara completed 11 of 19 passes for just 62 yards, but Iowa won its ninth game in 10 contests against Minnesota.

The Golden Gophers (2-2, 0-1) led 14-7 before Iowa outscored them 24-0 in the second half. Max Brosmer completed 22 of 37 passes for 209 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Daniel Jackson hauled in nine passes for a game-high 112 yards for Minnesota.

Trailing by 7 points at halftime, Iowa’s five-play, 67-yard scoring drive on the opening possession of the second half was stamped with Johnson’s 15-yard score with 12:56 left.

After a Minnesota punt, McNamara found Reece Vander Zee for an 18-yard pickup on 3rd-and-6, advancing to the Iowa 49-yard line. Three plays later, Johnson reeled off his third touchdown of the game, a 40-yarder to give the Hawkeyes a 21-14 lead with 5:43 remaining in the third quarter.

Iowa added a field goal with 48 seconds left in the third, as Drew Stevens connected on a 46-yarder.

Following the Golden Gophers’ fourth straight punt, Johnson took a 33-yard run to the Minnesota 19-yard line on the first play of the fourth quarter. After advancing to the goal line, quarterback Brendan Sullivan replaced McNamara for the short-yardage attempt and extended the Iowa lead to 31-14 with a one-yard rushing score with 11:13 left in the game.

After the teams traded punts on the opening possessions, Brosmer was picked off by Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins at the Minnesota 38-yard line.

On the ensuing drive, Johnson’s 23-yard run was followed by his one-yard score, giving Iowa a 7-0 lead with 8:03 left in the first quarter.

From there, each team punted on three straight drives before Minnesota tied the game on Brosmer’s three-yard pass to Jameson Geers.

Following Iowa’s fifth punt of the first half, Brosmer led the Golden Gophers on an eight-play, 68-yard scoring drive, capped with an 11-yard passing touchdown from Brosmer to Elijah Spencer with 21 seconds left in the half. Minnesota held a 222-107 edge in total yards at the break, including Brosmer’s 165-16 passing yards advantage over McNamara.

–Field Level Media

Sep 14, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Deontae Craig (45) pressures Troy Trojans quarterback Matthew Caldwell (12) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa survives Troy upset scare

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The Iowa Hawkeyes survived a scare against the Troy Trojans Saturday in Iowa City, Iowa, defeating the Sun Belt Conference team 38-21.

Iowa (2-1) entered the second half down four points, after entering the game a 22 and ½-point favorite against Troy (0-3), but needed a second half turnover and strong running performance to defeat the Spartans.

Kaleb Johnson led the Hawkeyes on the ground with 173 yards and two touchdowns. The junior had two runs over 30 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter, putting Iowa ahead 31-21.

Devonte Ross paced the Trojans with 142 yards receiving and two touchdowns on five catches, adding a punt return score.

Brendan Sullivan, a transfer from Northwestern, gave Iowa its first lead of the second half with his only pass of the game. Entering the game on a redzone play, Sullivan sent a shovel pass to Addison Ostrenga for a touchdown.

The touchdown was Iowa’s only through the air, with Cade McNamara passing for 176 yards on 19 for 23 passing.

Then, with 2:30 remaining in the third quarter, Iowa added to its lead with a 28-yard pick six with Jermari Harris reading a pass from Matthew Caldwell and diving into the endzone to cap the return.

Iowa put the game away for good in the fourth quarter when Jaziun Patterson ran 39 yards for a touchdown putting the Hawkeyes up 38-21. Iowa outgained Troy 284-24 on the ground.

Troy gave the Big Ten squad a scare throughout the first three quarters of the game, thanks in part to the play of Ross.

In the second quarter, down 7-0, Ross caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Caldwell down the left sideline. Then, with one minute remaining in the first half, Ross scored on a 77-yard punt return to put the Trojans ahead 14-10 at halftime.

In the second half, Ross repeated his first half receiving prowess with a different quarterback. After Caldwell, who had 156 passing yards and a touchdown, threw his interception, the quarterback went to the bench in favor of Tucker Kilcrease. On the sophomore’s first pass, he found Ross for a 62-yard touchdown pass.

–Field Level Media

Iowa State’s Rocco Becht (3) hands off the ball to Abu Sama III (24) against Iowa during the CyHawk game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Last-second field goal lifts Iowa State over No. 21 Iowa

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Kyle Konrardy converted a 54-yard field goal Saturday with six seconds left, capping an Iowa State comeback from a 13-point halftime deficit as it defeated in-state rival No. 21 Iowa 20-19 in Iowa City.

The Cyclones (2-0) drove 42 yards in five plays after taking possession at their 22 with 34 seconds left. The big play was Rocco Becht’s 30-yard completion to Jaylin Noel that got Iowa State to the Hawkeyes’ 38. Two plays later, Konrardy hit the game-winner.

Becht was 23 of 35 for 272 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Noel caught five passes for 133 yards as the Cyclones outgained Iowa (1-1) 361-303.

Kaleb Johnson starred in defeat for the Hawkeyes, rushing for 187 yards and both of Iowa’s touchdowns on 25 carries. Quarterback Cade McNamara hit just 13 of 29 passes for 99 yards and tossed two interceptions.

Konrardy also hit a 46-yard field goal with 11:32 remaining to pull Iowa State within 19-17, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

Iowa controlled the first half, allowing no first downs and only 18 total yards in the first quarter while controlling the ball behind Johnson’s big runs.

The Hawkeyes initiated scoring on their second possession, cashing in a 43-yard field after a short jump. Johnson covered the final 27 yards for a 7-0 lead at the 6:29 mark of the first quarter.

Iowa nudged the lead to 13-0 at halftime as Drew Stevens converted second-quarter field goals of 23 and 21 yards. The Hawkeyes failed to get six points on the first field goals after getting possession at the Iowa State 12, then drove 77 yards before the next scoring drive stalled out at the 4.

Trailing 13-0 at halftime, the Cyclones cranked up their offense in the second half. Becht got them on the board via a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Higgins, then answered Johnson’s 3-yard scoring jaunt by connecting with Noel for a 75-yard touchdown at the 4:31 mark of the third quarter.

–Field Level Media

Iowa’s Cade McNamara (12) looks to throw during Kids Day at Kinnick Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa QB Cade McNamara ready for opener vs. Illinois State

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A wobbly fall camp and rustiness from last season’s knee injury didn’t prevent Cade McNamara from winning Iowa’s starting quarterback job.

McNamara will play his first game in 11 months on Saturday when the No. 25 Hawkeyes face FCS program Illinois State at Iowa City, Iowa.

McNamara tore the ACL in his left knee last Sept. 30 against Michigan State. He was cleared to resume football activities in June and held off a challenge from Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan in fall camp.

“It’s been a long time,” McNamara told reporters on Tuesday. “I’ve been really anticipating this, really ever since surgery. I’ve been working for this week and just putting my body and my mind in the best position to help out the team.”

McNamara passed for 505 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions last season prior to the injury.

McNamara played for Michigan from 2020-22 prior to transferring to Iowa.

However, Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz jumped the gun in seeking McNamara’s services and contacted him prior to the quarterback entering the transfer portal. That led to an NCAA violation and one-game suspension that Ferentz will serve on Saturday.

Assistant head coach Seth Wallace will serve as Iowa’s head coach.

It will be the first time someone other than College Hall of Famer Hayden Fry or Ferentz has coached the Hawkeyes since Nov. 25, 1978, at Michigan State.

“We have a good leadership group here, and they’ll do great,” said Ferentz, in his 26th season as the Iowa head coach. “There’s going to be some challenges, there’s no question about that.”

Receivers coach Jon Budmayr also is suspended for the opener due to the violation.

McNamara chose not to discuss what happened during his session with reporters.

“I’m not going to comment (on the) NCAA review or anything,” McNamara said. “But this team really loves Coach Ferentz and we’re going to rally behind him.

“Coach Wallace is an awesome dude. Everyone is just focused on doing the best that we can to prepare for this week.”

One player the Hawkeyes expect great play from is national defensive player of the year candidate Jay Higgins, the linebacker who led the nation with 171 tackles during last season’s 10-4 campaign. That tied the school mark set by Andre Jackson in 1972.

Illinois State didn’t play an FBS opponent last season while going 6-5.

The Redbirds haven’t named a starting quarterback for the opener and coach Brock Spack indicated that both Tommy Rittenhouse and Jake Rubley will play against the Hawkeyes. Rubley is the son of former NFL quarterback T.J. Rubley.

Rittenhouse started five games over the past two seasons while the now-departed Zack Annexstad was out with injuries. He passed for 684 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions and also had four rushing scores.

Rubley is a transfer from Kansas State. He got into six games over the past two seasons for the Wildcats and completed five of six passes.

“Once we get in game scenarios, the guy with the hot hand will probably play more,” Spack said. “Both guys are doing a great job and playing really well.”

Illinois State returns star receiver Daniel Sobkowicz, who had 68 catches for 933 yards and 10 scoring receptions last year. Also back is running back Mason King, who had 980 yards and 14 scores last season while known as Mason Blakemore.

Defensively, safety Keondre Jackson is the leading returning tackler (76). Linebacker Amir Abdullah had a team-best 9.5 sacks last season.

In the only previous meeting, Iowa posted a 31-14 home win over the Redbirds in 2015.

–Field Level Media

Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz talks to the team following the Kids Day at Kinnick scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, assistant suspended one game

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Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr were suspended for one game for violations tied to the recruitment and transfer of a player, the university confirmed Thursday.

The university did not name the player, but multiple outlets identified quarterback Cade McNamara, a Michigan transfer, as the subject of the NCAA inquiry that Ferentz said was his “first potential Level II violation.”

The Hawkeyes open the 2024 season at home against Illinois State on Aug. 31. The suspension takes effect at 12:01 a.m. that day and lasts for 24 hours. Ferentz and Budmayr will be allowed to participate in all team activities before and after that window.

Assistant head coach Seth Wallace will serve as the interim coach in the opener.

Ferentz has been Iowa’s head coach since 1999 and is the longest-tenured coach in the FBS.

“I tell our players we abide by the rules, and in this specific case I did not do that,” Ferentz, 69, told reporters Thursday. “I made a mistake during the recruiting process. I want to apologize to our players, coaching staff, university leadership and our incredible fans.

“Twenty-six years as a head coach, this is first potential Level II violation that I’ve had. That won’t happen again.”

Ferentz has a 196-119 record at Iowa, a record number of wins for an Iowa coach. He ranks third al time in the Big Ten for conference wins (122).

The self-imposed punishment came after discussion with the NCAA and also includes the loss of one week of off-campus recruiting.

“Coach Ferentz and I made the decision to self-impose the penalties, allowing the program to move forward without distraction,” athletic director Beth Goetz said. “I appreciate the accountability demonstrated and we will continue to fully cooperate with the NCAA through this process. I have confidence in Coach Ferentz and his leadership, and we look forward to turning our focus to the opening game and exciting season that lies ahead.”

Ferentz said the player, unnamed by Iowa, is not subject to any penalties and remains eligible.

McNamara transferred from Michigan to Iowa in December 2022, and the university statement Thursday said the recruiting violation occurred in late 2022 with communication between a player and his family before he entered the transfer portal.

Michigan’s starting quarterback in 2021, McNamara was named offensive captain to begin the 2022 season with the Wolverines.

He was named the Wolverines’ starting quarterback, but a season-ending knee injury Sept. 17 cleared the path for J.J. McCarthy to guide Michigan back to the College Football Playoff.

McNamara led Michigan to its first College Football Playoff appearance in 2021, bringing a Big Ten title to Ann Arbor for the first time since 2004. Michigan was 12-2.

Budmayr is a former Big Ten quarterback — at Wisconsin — before he served on the Badgers’ coaching staff. He was an offensive analyst for the Hawkeyes in 2022 and special assistant to Ferentz in 2023.

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa DB Cooper DeJean headed to NFL draft

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All-American defensive back Cooper DeJean is entering the 2024 NFL Draft, he announced Thursday, after three years playing for Iowa and its stellar defense.

“These past 3 years have been filled with memories that will last a lifetime,” DeJean wrote in part on X, formerly Twitter. “Putting on the black and gold and playing in Kinnick Stadium has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and it has been everything I expected and more.

“… Thank you Hawkeye Nation for your continued support. It has been so much fun to play in front of the best fans in the country each and every week.”

DeJean, a potential first-round pick, played in 10 games for Iowa in 2023 before a practice injury in November, reportedly a broken leg, cut short his season. After having five interceptions in 2022 and returning three for touchdowns, DeJean added two picks, five pass breakups and 41 tackles in 2023.

DeJean also returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown in Iowa’s 26-16 win over Michigan State in October.

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes assistant coach Brian Ferentz reacts with linebacker Jay Higgins (34) as he returns to the sideline during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa AD says OC Brian Ferentz won’t return in 2024

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Brian Ferentz will finish the season as Iowa’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach but will not return next season, interim athletic director Beth Goetz announced Monday.

Ferentz, the son of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, has been with the program since 2012 and has served as offensive coordinator since 2017.

Due to an underperforming offense in recent years, Iowa had Ferentz sign an amended contract for this season with a slight pay cut coupled with performance-based incentives. Specifically, he needed the Hawkeyes to average at least 25 points per game after they posted just 17.7 ppg in 2022.

Through eight games this season, Iowa is 6-2 (3-2 Big Ten), but the Hawkeyes have scored just 19.5 points per contest. That includes 14.2 points per game in conference play — a number boosted by a punt return touchdown against Michigan State and a safety against Wisconsin.

“Anyone who loves Iowa football recognizes both the success and challenges that have brought attention to our program this season,” Goetz said in a statement. “Our struggles on offense coupled with the offensive coordinator’s contract make this a unique situation.

“After conversations with head coach Kirk Ferentz, coach Brian Ferentz and President (Barbara) Wilson, I informed Brian that our intention is for him to be with us through the bowl game, but this is his last season with the program. Making this known today is in the best interest of the program and its loyal fans; it provides clarity during this pivotal time in the schedule.”

Goetz, who came to Iowa in 2022 and rose to interim athletic director this past August, wrote it is “not (her) practice” to get involved with assistant coach personnel decisions.

“Our priority is to put all our student-athletes in the best position to have both short-term and long-term success, on and off the field,” Goetz said. “Our football team has a group of outstanding young men and talented athletes, who at 6-2, have a lot to play for.”

The Hawkeyes brought in quarterback Cade McNamara as a transfer from Big Ten rival Michigan, but McNamara suffered an ACL tear in the fifth game of the season against Michigan State. Deacon Hill has manned the position since then, completing 37.8 percent of his passes for 427 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Kirk Ferentz, 68, has led the Hawkeyes since 1999. After last season, he danced around pointed questions about what made his son a good offensive coordinator, though admitting that the offense in 2022 was “not good enough.”

–Field Level Media

Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) jumps on a fumble by Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill (10) at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Iowa City.

Minnesota upsets No. 24 Iowa after late TD nullified

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Dragan Kesich connected on four field goals and Tyler Nubin and Devon Williams each contributed a sack and forced fumble to help visiting Minnesota edge No. 24 Iowa 12-10 on Saturday in Iowa City.

Minnesota (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) snapped an eight-game losing streak in the Floyd of Rosedale trophy series in a contest that featured 18 combined punts — and a would-be punt return touchdown in the final two minutes that was nullified.

Iowa’s Cooper DeJean appeared to return a punt 54 yards for a touchdown that would have put the hosts ahead 16-12. DeJean allowed the ball to bounce before receiving the punt near the Minnesota sideline, then made multiple defenders miss before cutting back across the field.

A replay review, however, showed that DeJean waved his left hand, a gesture deemed an invalid fair catch signal. The ball was ruled dead at the spot of recovery, and Minnesota’s Justin Walley intercepted Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill three plays later.

Hill rushed for a touchdown late in the second quarter and Drew Stevens connected on a 23-yard field goal for Iowa (6-2, 3-2).

The Golden Gophers outgained the Hawkeyes 239-127. Iowa had just two yards on seven second-half possessions.

Kesich hit from 43, 44 and 28 yards earlier in the game. He kicked a go-ahead 31-yard field goal with 8:33 to play. A 39-yard connection between quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and Daniel Jackson on a deep crossing route set up the score.

Jackson had seven receptions for 101 yards, as Kaliakmanis was 10-for-25 passing for 126 yards. Darius Taylor gained 59 yards on 16 carries.

Hill went 10-for-28 passing for 116 yards and an interception. Diante Vines had three catches for 62 yards for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa took a 10-3 lead into halftime. Hill capped a six-play, 46-yard drive with a 1-yard scoring run with 49 seconds left in the second quarter. Minnesota committed four penalties on the possession.

Hawkeyes linebacker Karson Sharar was ejected for targeting moments later. Officials ruled that Sharar led with the crown of his helmet when he tackled Golden Gophers kick returner Quentin Redding.

–Field Level Media

Oct 7, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Erick All (83) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Deacon Hill (not pictured) as Purdue Boilermakers Markevious Brown (1) defends during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa loses TE Erick All to season-ending injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Iowa playmakers are dropping at an alarming rate, with the latest hit coming Tuesday.

Hawkeyes tight end Erick All is done for the 2023 season because of a knee injury he suffered Saturday in the first quarter at Wisconsin, head coach Kirk Ferentz confirmed Tuesday.

“His season is over. It’s really unfortunate. Such a positive, hardworking guy,” Ferentz said.

All leads the Hawkeyes with 21 receptions. He’s also the team’s leader in receiving yards (299) and touchdowns (three).

The Hawkeyes move forward without All, a graduate transfer from Michigan with 75 career receptions for 864 yards, without knowing precisely how he’ll be replaced. Tight end Addison Ostrenga hasn’t since Sept. 16 due to injury.

All joins a group of injured offensive players for the Hawkeyes highlighted by tight end Luke Lachey (broken ankle) and quarterback Cade McNamara (torn ACL).

–Field Level Media