A Complete Game, A Complete Win

Oct. 11, 2008

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The optimistic fan of the University of Iowa football team really believed it was just a matter of time before it would all come together. Offense. Defense. Special teams.

It did, in fact, come together for the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday at Indiana. The Hawkeyes dominated the home team, rolling to 28 unanswered second half points en route to a 45-9 victory that snapped a three-game losing streak and sends Iowa into next Saturday’s “Be Bold, Wear Gold” game against the Wisconsin Badgers with buckets of confidence.

Where to begin?

Iowa running back Shonn Greene overcame an ankle injury suffered in the game’s very first offensive series to gain 100 yards for the seventh straight Saturday afternoon. He also scored a touchdown. And, as always, he was punishing.

Jewel Hampton, the Hawkeyes’ nifty No. 2 back, joined Greene in the 100-yard club. The true freshman from Indianapolis also scored three touchdowns in his homecoming.

Wide receiver Andy Brodell had four catches for 95 yards, a total that included a 35-yard touchdown reception.

And, oh yeah, let’s not forget the offensive line. Rob Bruggeman, Bryan Bulaga, Seth Olsen, and Julian Vandervelde.

“They are playing like a unit, a very, very impressive unit. The improvement of the offensive line is so evident, so easy to see,” offered Ed Podolak of the Hawkeye Radio Network late in the third quarter when Iowa was taking full control of the contest.

“This is so pretty to watch. This is Hawkeye power football,” added, Podolak’s partner, Gary Dolphin.

It was indeed. 422 yards of offense, 227 yards rushing, 28 first downs, and a 19-minute advantage in time of possession.

“It feels good, getting a victory. We had good performances from our backs, our defense and our special teams,” said Bruggeman afterward. “As a team, we remained focused in practice and continued to work hard while working through the last few weeks. “It feels really good to play like we’re capable of. It doesn’t matter if we win by one or gain only 100, we just want the win. So this feels really good. Now, we get ready for the next one,” he added.

Defensively, Mitch King, Matt Kroul, Bradley Fletcher, Jeremiha Hunter, Tyler Sash…the list goes on and on. The Hawkeyes bottled up the Hoosiers all afternoon, and pitched a shutout after allowing a field goal in the first quarter and a touchdown in IU’s final possession in the first half.

Indiana’s explosive offense was limited to just 275 yards of offense and pretty much had to abandon the running game for obvious reasons: There was nothing there. Indiana gained just 87 yards on the ground.

And, special teams? Time and time again, Daniel Murray gave IU no opportunity to return kickoffs. Trent Mossbrucker was perfect as a placekicker. And punter Ryan Donahue put three of his four punts inside the 20 and hammered one effort 56 yards.

Here’s the series of events that put this game squarely in the win column and put smiles on the faces of the Iowa coaches staff.

Indiana marched 89 yards in its final possession of the first half to pull to within 17-9 with 30 minutes left to play. The Hoosiers had the momentum – and the ball to start the second half.

• Murray’s kick wasn’t returned, a touchback.

• Iowa’s defense registered a three-and-out.

• Iowa rode the horse – Greene – before Stanzi hit Brodell.

• On the ensuing kick, Murray makes a touchdown-saving tackle at midfield.

• Iowa’s defense forces another three-and-out after pushing the Hoosiers back 13 yards on their first two offensive plays.

“Exactly what Kirk Ferentz wanted to happen, happened,” Podolak said before adding, “Now, they have to finish it off.”

Finish it off, they did.

Oh, and lest we forget, Iowa also won the turnover battle, 2-0, and was a perfect 6-for-6 when they ventured into the red zone.

“It was a team win all the way. All three areas contributed to the victory. It’s a great feeling, particularly for our players. It’s been tough on them. We’ve lost some very tough games. But they’ve worked hard and played hard,” said Ferentz.

“This is a good group. They work hard. They’re enjoyable to be around. I’m just really happy for them. They deserved a little success and I’m glad we got some today.”

The Hawkeyes now return to Iowa City to prepare for the annual battle for the “Heartland Trophy” with the Badgers. That game kicks at 11 a.m. Iowa time in historic Kinnick Stadium and will be televised live by the Big Ten Network.