Iowa Hawkeyes Secure 29-13 Victory Over Maryland, Despite Season Struggles

The Iowa Hawkeyes managed to secure a 29-13 win over the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, despite a season marked by inconsistency and significant challenges. The game, played at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland, saw the Hawkeyes rely heavily on their running game to overcome the absence of key players, particularly in the quarterback position.

Iowa’s quarterback situation was a major concern heading into the game, with Cade McNamara and Brendan Sullivan both sidelined. McNamara, who suffered a concussion on October 26, was not medically cleared to play, while Sullivan is out for the season with an ankle injury. As a result, Jackson Stratton filled in, completing 10 of 14 passes for just 76 yards.

The Hawkeyes’ running backs, Kaleb Johnson and Kamari Moulton, were the standout performers. Johnson carried the ball 35 times for 164 yards and a touchdown, while Moulton had 114 yards on 12 carries, including a 68-yard touchdown run. The team’s rushing effort was pivotal, with Iowa accumulating 268 yards on the ground compared to Maryland’s 98 yards.

Defensively, Iowa was solid, limiting Maryland’s passing attack to a season-low 129 yards and snapping the Terrapins’ streak of 17 consecutive games with 200+ yards passing. Jay Higgins led the Hawkeyes with eight tackles and an interception, while Quinn Schulte and Ethan Hurkett also made significant contributions.

Despite the win, the season has been a disappointment for Iowa. The team entered the year with high expectations but has failed to deliver consistent performances. With a record of 7-4, the Hawkeyes are set to close out their regular season against Nebraska on November 29 in the Pioneer Heroes Game at Kinnick Stadium.

The victory over Maryland, while welcome, does not mask the underlying issues with Iowa’s offense, particularly in the passing game. The team’s inability to find a reliable quarterback and the lack of weapons in the passing game have been significant hurdles. Changes, including potential recruiting and transfer portal moves, are anticipated to address these issues.