HawkeyeSports.com — It ended as a happy Hawkeye Saturday in Happy Valley.
The University of Iowa football team scored 28 unanswered points in the second and third quarters en route to a 41-21 win over Penn State on Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium. The victory is Iowa’s third straight and it gives head coach Kirk Ferentz his 100th career Big Ten win.
he Hawkeyes out-gained Penn State, 361-342, in balanced offensive attack. Iowa rushed for 175 yards on 46 attempts and all four offensive touchdowns came on the ground. Petras completed 18-of-28 attempts for 186 yards.
Senior Mekhi Sargent notched his first 100-yard game of the season, rushing 15 times for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Tyler Goodson had 78 yards on 20 carries and one score, and Petras scored via a quarterback sneak.
Petras spread his 18 completions to eight different receivers with Nico Ragaini leading the way with four catches for 46 yards.
Defensively, the Hawkeyes surrendered the 342 yards, but the unit created havoc. Iowa forced four turnovers and had five sacks and 10 different Hawkeyes combined for 10 tackles for loss. Defensive linemen Chauncey Golston and Daviyon Nixon had interceptions – Nixon returned his for a 71-yard touchdown – and Zach VanValkenburg had two fumble recoveries.
Niemann had 17 tackles (six solo) and one tackle for loss – the most by a Hawkeye since Anthony Hitchens had 19 stops against Iowa State in 2012. Thirteen of Niemann’s 17 tackles came in the first half.
Penn State’s Sean Clifford finished 13-of-22 for 174 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Will Levis – the starting quarterback – was 13-of-16 for 106 yards and he was also the Nittany Lions’ leading rusher with 34 yards. Jahan Dotson had eight receptions for 139 yards and one touchdown.
The Hawkeyes return to action Nov. 27, hosting Nebraska in the Heroes Game at noon (CT) inside Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. (CT).
