Iowa Football: 3 takeaways from blowout victory over Michigan State

3. Iowa defense completely shut down Michigan State

Michigan State’s quarterback Rocky Lombardi came into the game have thrown for over 640 yards with six touchdown passes and only two interceptions. However, the Iowa defense completely shut down the Spartan passing game forcing three interceptions and not allowing any touchdowns.

The Hawkeye defense also smothered the Michigan State run game and in total, allowed zero points in the first half. The Iowa defense also scored when Moss intercepted a pass and returned it for a Hawkeye touchdown.

Iowa would end up giving up a touchdown to start the second half but other than that, they did an outstanding job.

2. Iowa’s run game was too much for Spartans front-seven

From the start of the game, Iowa was able to run the ball at will with Michigan State having no answers for the Hawkeye running backs’ ability to get up the field. Iowa running back Tyler Goodson in the first half had two touchdown runs.

In the third quarter, Goodson broke a long run for 71 yards that lead to another Hawkeye touchdown. Goodson would end up rushing for over 100 yards for the day.

Fellow Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent also found the end zone on a two-yard touchdown run. He also would score on a six-yard run in the fourth quarter.

1. Iowa’s special teams played well, especially the punt return unit

Hawkeye punt returner Charlie Jones in the first half alone had three punt returns for 98 total yards. However, his most impactful return was when he took a punt and ran 54 yards for the touchdown. Jones would end up with over 100 yards in return yards for the day.

Iowa punter Tory Taylor did very well giving the Michigan State offense poor field position all game. His longest punt of the game was a 61-yard one and he helped the Iowa defense by not giving the Spartans decent field position throughout the game. Taylor had over 320 plus punting yards on the game as well.

Overall, Iowa didn’t dominate the second half of the game but they didn’t need to. The Hawkeyes play at Minnesota next week.