The Iowa Hawkeyes are 5-0 for the first time since 2015 after a dominant 51-14 win over the Maryland Terrapins. It seems that just about everything was clicking for the Hawkeyes on Saturday as their defense held the Terrapins to just two touchdowns while forcing 6 interceptions. Even Iowa’s special teams got in on the action as they forced a fumble off of a kick return in the second half that would later result in an Iowa touchdown.
As for the Iowa offense, the score tells the story. In the first half of the game, Spencer Petras would light up the Maryland defense. Petras threw for one touchdown after a Maryland fumble and took matters into his own hands twice, rushing for two touchdowns with goal line dives over a slough of Iowa and Maryland bodies.
Later in the second half, just as the Terrapin’s defense had backed Iowa up to a 2nd and 22, Petras connected with Tyler Goodson in the middle of the field. Goodson, doing what he does best, turned on the jets and blew past Maryland defenders for a 67-yard touchdown catch. Petras would throw another touchdown before the night was over, running the score up to 51-14 after an Iowa field goal and a stray Maryland touchdown.
Goodson continues to be a powerhouse for the Iowa offense whether he is running or catching the ball. Agility, athleticism, and explosiveness come naturally to this running back and it will be interesting to see how he performs against Penn State on Saturday. Penn State is also coming into this match up as an undefeated team, setting the scene for a great battle between two strong competitors.
The Hawkeyes will host the Nittany Lions on Saturday, October 9th for a 4:00 PM ET game.
