IOWA CITY, Iowa – Northwestern rallied from a 17-0 first quarter deficit to defeat the University of Iowa football team, 21-20, on Saturday afternoon inside Kinnick Stadium.
The Wildcats intercepted Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras three times in the second half. The first set up the only touchdown of the second half – a 2-yard Jesse Brown score midway through the third quarter – and Blake Gallagher’s pick with one-minute left the sealed the Northwestern victory.
Iowa out-gained Northwestern, 293-273, in the game, but the Wildcats’ ball control offense churned out 143 rushing yards on 60 attempts where it led to a seven minute advantage (33:33-26:27) in time of possession. The Hawkeyes were just 6-of-17 on third down.
Petras completed 26-of-50 attempts for 216 yards and one touchdown. Senior Ihmir Smith-Marsette had seven receptions for 84 yards, while sophomore Sam LaPorta made six catches for 46 yards. Brandon Smith made three receptions for 19 yards, including a first-quarter touchdown.
Iowa’s rushing attack was limited to 77 yards on 23 attempts with sophomore Tyler Goodson finishing with 43 yards on 13 carries.
Defensively, three Hawkeyes posted double-digit tackles. Sophomore Seth Benson led the team with 13 tackles, including 10 solo stops, and two quarterback hurries. Junior defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon had 11 tackles with six solo stops, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Senior Nick Niemann finished with 10 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.
The Hawkeyes forced three turnovers in the game, turning them into 14 points. Senior Zach VanVelkenberg had a forced fumble and fumble recovery in the first quarter, and junior Jack Koerner had a fourth-quarter interception, the second of his career.
Northwestern quarterback Peyton Ramsey completed 11-of-18 passes for 130 yards with five of those completions going to Kyric McGowan for 63 yards. Running back Isaiah Bowser had 85 yards rushing on 25 attempts and Brown scored two Wildcat rushing touchdowns.
The Hawkeyes return to action Nov. 7, hosting Michigan State at 11 a.m. (CT) inside Kinnick Stadium. The Spartans are 1-1 after defeating rival Michigan, 27-24, on Oct. 31 in Ann Arbor.
