IOWA CITY, Iowa – Senior Charlie Jones energized Kinnick Stadium with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first quarter to jumpstart the 17th-ranked University of Iowa football team in a 33-23 victory over Illinois on Senior Day Saturday.
The Hawkeyes trailed 10-0 before Jones’ 100-yard kickoff return – the fourth 100-yarder in school history — gave Iowa a jolt. The Hawkeyes outscored the Illini, 26-13, the rest of the way to improve to 9-2 overall and 6-2 in Big Ten play.
Along with Jones on special teams, senior Caleb Shudak accounted for 12 points, making 4-of-5 field goals in the contest, making from 51, 48, 29 and 30. His only miss was a 57-yarder late in the first half. The four field goals were a career high.
Illinois out-gained the Hawkeyes, 312-255, in the game, but Iowa found the end zone in all three phases, after a Jack Campbell 32-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter capped Iowa’s scoring.
Junior Tyler Goodson notched his second 100-yard game of the season, rushing for 132 yards on 27 attempts and redshirt freshman Gavin Williams rushed for 56 yards on 10 carries. Freshman Arland Bruce VI scored in the rushing attack for the second time this season.
Sophomore Alex Padilla completed 6-of-17 attempts for 83 yards in the game. Bruce VI and Nico Ragaini combined for four catches for 65 yards.
Defensively, the Hawkeyes forced two turnovers in the game – interceptions from Dane Belton and Campbell. Belton’s pick was his Big Ten-leading fifth interception of the season. The Hawkeyes limited Illinois to 64 rushing yards; the Illini entered the game averaging 180.2 rushing yards per contest.
Campbell also led the team with eight tackles (four solo) and one quarterback hurry, while junior Seth Benson had seven tackles (two solo) and two pass breakups.
The Hawkeyes return to action at Nebraska on Nov. 26 at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff for that game is at 12:30 p.m
