USC Football: 3 takeaways from blowout loss to Iowa in Holiday Bowl

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Chauncey Golston #57 of the Iowa Hawkeyes chases Kedon Slovis #9 of the USC Trojans during the first half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes motions to the defense of the USC Trojans during the first half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

3. Iowa saved its best for last

Iowa’s offense was on fire tonight getting contributions from many different playmakers with Ihmir Smith-Marsette being the main one putting on an electric three-touchdown performance.

The offensive line also did an outstanding job controlling the line of scrimmage as they were able to convert in many short yardage situations. Nate Stanley rebounded nicely from a poor game against Nebraska by putting up 213 yards and two touchdowns against USC. He did a nice job keeping drives alive going 4-for-7 with 30 yards and a touchdown on third down.

To put things into perspective, Iowa did not punt in this game until there was 2:29 remaining in the third quarter.

The defense did its job as well rebounding from the tough start to create three turnovers late in the game. All in all it was a very complete performance by this Hawkeye team, but the offense led the way and put on a show.

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