Iowa defense dominates in convincing win over Maryland
The Maryland Terrapins came into Iowa City looking for their first conference win but they didn’t get it as the Iowa Hawkeyes defense led the way to remain undefeated.
Coming into this week undefeated, the No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes has continued to pull out quality wins week after week, looking to break into the top 10. Their matchup with a disappointing Maryland team this week gave them another chance to flex their strength as a potential Playoff contender.
With the nation’s eyes on the Hawkeyes, some teams cave under the pressure. Iowa did not, handily beating a team they needed to beat. They do not only stay undefeated now, but they also stay on top of their division. The Wisconsin Badgers, who they defeated earlier this season, are hoping to get lucky to get back in the division race.
Iowa took the lead in the first quarter following a 1-yard touchdown run by LeShun Daniels, Jr., and never looked back. They shut out the miserable Terrapins offense until the fourth quarter, leading by as much as 24 points.
Maryland tried to get back on their feet in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns, including a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown by William Likely, but Iowa held off any further attempts at a comeback.
Their defense has been the biggest piece to their success all year, especially their rush defense that only allowed one score entering this week.
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Not only did they get three interceptions (one being an 88-yard pick=six), but they also held Maryland to 3.6 yards per pass and only allowed the Terrapins to convert on one of their 10 third down attempts.
The Hawkeyes have been on a roll, and look to continue their success against another inferior team against Indiana.
They should be coming into Bloomington still ranked in top 10 as well as the Maryland Terrapins spend next weekend facing another difficult challenge in a home matchup with Wisconsin.