Overtime: Iowa Rolls Through Indiana 42-16

By Jack Brandsgard (jbrandsgard@hawkeyesmic.com) 10/14/18

The newly-ranked #19/#22 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1, 2-1 B1G) continued their historic offensive pace with a 42-16 win against the Indiana Hoosiers.

Quarterback Nate Stanley was named the Walter Camp Player of the Week after completing 21-of-33 passes for 320 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. Stanley now has 14 touchdowns over his last four games, which ties Chuck Long for most in a four-game stretch in Iowa history. Stanley also became the first Iowa quarterback since Drew Tate in 2005 to eclipse 300 yards passing in consecutive games.

Stanley targeted tight ends Noah Fant and TJ Hockenson whenever they were in one-on-one matchups. Fant (four catches, 101 yards, and a touchdown) and Hockenson (4 catches, 107 yards, two touchdowns) became the first pair of Iowa receivers with 100-plus yards in the same game since 2011. The two continue to move up the ranks of best receiving duos in Iowa history.

Hockenson and Fant have combined for 45 catches, 691 yards, and nine touchdowns through six games this season. They’re on pace to shatter the Iowa tight end duo record for catches (65 in 1987 and 1992), yards (1,135 in 1987), and touchdowns (14, which they set last year). Hockenson and Fant are also the main reasons Iowa’s tight end corps ranks first in FBS in catches, yards, and touchdowns this season. It’s not far-fetched to say that Iowa may have two All-American tight ends on its roster.

Contrary to how Iowa’s offense normally works, Brian Ferentz used the passing game to set up the run. The Hawkeyes’ offensive line mauled its Indiana counterpart, opening gaping holes for Toren Young and Mekhi Sargent. Even without Ivory Kelly-Martin, Iowa rushed for 159 yards.

Iowa’s offensive balance enabled it to record over 400 yards of total offense for the fourth-straight game. Ferentz has kept opposing defenses off balance by calling on different players at different times. Five Hawkeyes caught touchdown passes for just the second time in school history. Stanley threw four touchdowns to four different players last week. That spreading of the wealth keeps defenses on their heels.

The Hawkeyes have also jumped on their opponents early. Iowa has scored touchdowns on its opening two possession in consecutive games and has outscored its opponents 68-20 in third quarters. Starting halves quickly is part of the reason Iowa has scored 40-plus points in consecutive Big Ten road games for the first time in school history. (The Hawkeyes scored 56 at Nebraska last season, making it so that they’ve scored 40-plus in three-straight Big Ten road games.)

Iowa was timely in converting 8-of-12 third downs, spearheaded by Stanley. The Hawkeye quarterback was 8-of-9 passing for 210 yards and two touchdowns, moving the chains seven times on third down.

Final Team Stats Below