On November 23, 2024, the Iowa Hawkeyes secured a 29-13 victory over the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland.
Key Highlights:
Rushing Game: Iowa dominated on the ground with 268 rushing yards compared to Maryland’s 98. Kaleb Johnson led the way with 164 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries, while Kamari Moulton added 114 yards on 12 carries, including a crucial 68-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Play: In his first career start, Jackson Stratton managed the game efficiently, completing 10 of 14 passes for 76 yards with no turnovers.
Special Teams: Kicker Drew Stevens tied a school record with five field goals, including long-distance kicks of 54 and 50 yards, showcasing exceptional consistency.
Defensive Effort: Iowa’s defense played a significant role, holding Maryland’s passing attack to a season-low 129 yards and ending their streak of 17 consecutive games with at least 200 passing yards. Jay Higgins and T.J. Hall each recorded interceptions, with Higgins adding eight tackles.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Scoring:
Drew Stevens opened the scoring with a 27-yard field goal, putting Iowa up 3-0.
Key Plays: Iowa’s defense forced Maryland into early three-and-outs, while Kaleb Johnson began establishing the ground game.
Second Quarter
Scoring:
Kaleb Johnson scored on a 2 yard run, making it 10-0. Stevens added a 54-yard field goal, extending the lead to 13-0.
Iowa controlled possession with a balanced attack, gaining field position through strong rushing and special teams.
Third Quarter
Scoring:
Iowa’s Drew Stevens kicked a 50 yard field goal increasing the lead to 16-0. Maryland answered with a 8 yard touchdown pass to Tai Felton, but failed on the 2pt conversion, making it 16-6. Iowa answered with a 49 yard field goal to increase the leade to 19-6.
Fourth Quarter
Scoring:
Maryland struck first in the 4th with a 12 yard touchdown pass, cutting the lead to 19-13. Iowa quickly answered with a 68 yard touchdown run from Kamari Moulton pushing the lead to 29-13. Stevens capped the game with his 5th field goal of the day for the final score of 29-13.
Player Stats
Iowa Hawkeyes
Quarterback:
Jackson Stratton: 10/14, 76 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs (efficient in his first career start).
Rushing:
Kaleb Johnson: 35 carries, 164 yards, 1 TD (highlighted by tough inside runs).
Kamari Moulton: 12 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD (including a 68-yard breakaway score).
Receiving:
Jacob Gill: 4 receptions, 29 yards.
Defense:
Jay Higgins: 4 tackles, 1 interception.
T.J. Hall: 1 interception, 3 tackles.
Ethan Hurkett: 2 sacks.
Max Llewellyn: 1 sack.
Special Teams:
Drew Stevens: 5/5 on field goals (27, 54, 50, 49, 26 yards), 2/2 on PATs.
Maryland Terrapins
Quarterback:
MJ Morris: 12/23, 129 yards, 2 TD, 2 INTs.
Billy Edwards Jr.: 5/8 26 yards.
Rushing:
Nolan Ray: 4 carries, 48 yards.
Receiving:
Tai Felton: 6 receptions, 57 yards, 2 TDs.
Roman Hemby: 5 receptions, 31 yards.
Defense:
Dante Trader: 8 tackles.
Final Notes
Iowa: Improved to 7-4 overall and 5-3 in Big Ten play. Kaleb Johnson set a new single-season rushing touchdown record for the Hawkeyes with 21.
Maryland: Fell to 4-7 overall and 1-7 in conference, officially eliminating them from bowl eligibility.
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