The Iowa Hawkeyes were back in action today, finally. There has been much anticipation leading into this game, this season, really. Tory Taylor is off to the Bears, but a new Aussie is in town. The coach’s son (Brian Ferentz) is gone as the Offensive Coordinator, thank you sweet baby Jesus! Cade McNamara is back healthy. Oh, and will Iowa continue to be INT University!

Seth Wallace was acting head coach today with Kirk Ferentz serving a 1 game suspension. However, we got the answer to the defensive questions very early in this game. They came out firing in mid season form and recorded a interception and forced fumble/fumble recovery in the first quarter! They continued the dominance through the entirety of the game, recording 4 sacks, to go along with the early turnovers and a late fumble recovery. They dominated start to finish.

Cade McNamara and the Iowa offense got off to a pretty slow start, it continued for the whole first half. At one point, they showed a string of “highlights” that was just a montage of incomplete passes from McNamara. The Hawkeyes went into halftime up 6-0 on 2 Drew Stevens FGs. I’m going to plug the theory that he was showed that during half time. McNamara and the offense came out firing on all cylinders in the second half. 2 drives ending in TD passes from McNamara. Reece Vander Zee, the true freshman, came down with 2 tuddy’s in this one, the second coming on a headtop reception on an underthrown ball as Cade was throwing off his back foot, under pressure. The offensive line looked great in the second half, getting off the ball and bullying Illinois St. defenders. Led to a huge second half for RB Kaleb Johnson, racking up 119 yards and 2 tuds.

The new Aussie, Rhys Dakin, looked decent, no Tory Taylor, but not many can fill those shoes. He wasn’t bad by any means, and I believe he’ll only get better. Excited to see what he can do. Kaden Wetjen looked awesome as a returner. multiple good returns, including a punt returned for a touchdown. Unfortunately it was called back for a block in the back.

Tons on positives for the Hawkeyes today. HUGE blowout victory to start the season off on a high note. Final score 40-0!