12 Plays of the Holidays

Dec. 25, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. — The regular season began for the University of Iowa football team Aug. 31 in 85 degree temperatures inside Kinnick Stadium. It was 18 degrees during the final home game Nov. 23 — a 24-21 win against Michigan.

In all, the Hawkeyes compiled an 8-4 record — with road wins at Iowa State, Minnesota, Purdue, and Nebraska — and will play in the Outback Bowl on Jan.1.

Here are some of the most memorable moments of the regular season:

No. 12 — 4 Interceptions by Morris
Here is a look at some memorable moments during the season…in this case, interceptions by senior linebacker James Morris against Iowa State, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Nebraska.

No. 11 — Kirksey Puts the Hawkeyes on the Scoreboard in 2013
Trailing Northern Illinois 10-0 in the season-opener at home, the Hawkeyes needed a big play. They got it from senior linebacker Christian Kirksey. Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch completed a pass to Luke Eakes, but Kirksey delivered a ferocious hit and forced a fumble before scooping the ball and going 52 yards for a touchdown.

No. 10 — Rudock-to-Duzey for 85 yards at Ohio State
Sophomore tight end Jake Duzey caught six passes for 138 yards at Ohio State on Oct. 19. The highlight was an 85-yard score in the third quarter that tied the undefeated Buckeyes, 24-24. Quarterback Jake Rudock passed for 245 yards and three touchdowns.

No. 9 — Martin-Manley Threatens Kinnick’s Punt Return Record
Junior Kevonte Martin-Manley returned four punts for 184 yards against Western Michigan on Sept. 21, with touchdowns of 83 and 63 yards during a 28-point second quarter. The school record for punt return yardage in a game is 201 by Nile Kinnick. After the 59-3 win head coach Kirk Ferentz said, “That’s one (record) that needs to stay. I hope we press it again, though.”

No. 8 — Colter Sacked, Hawkeyes Win, 17-10
It isn’t often when a defense gets to Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter, but the University of Iowa did five times during a 17-10 overtime victory Oct. 26. Play No. 8 is a game-winning sack by Louis Trinca-Pasat on fourth down.

No. 7 — Lowery Interception at Iowa State
When it comes to athletic plays, this one tops the chart in 2013. The Hawkeyes led host Iowa State 27-14 in the fourth quarter when B.J. Lowery intercepted Sam Richardson at Iowa’s 15-yard line. The Hawkeyes went on to win the Cy-Hawk Trophy.

No. 6 — Smith Touchdown Against Michigan
Iowa trailed Michigan 21-7 at halftime Nov. 23 and the Hawkeyes desperately needed a big play early in the second half. They got it on this 55-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to Tevaun Smith, pulling the Hawkeyes within 21-14 in a game they won, 24-21.

No. 5 — Powell Touchdown Grab at Minnesota
Hawkeye fans were waiting to see speedster Damond Powell use his wheels, and their wish was answered Sept. 28 at Minnesota in the Big Ten Conference opener. Late in the second quarter, quarterback Jake Rudock found Powell on a tunnel screen; Powell sprinted 74 yards for a score and Iowa had a 17-0 lead. The Hawkeyes brought Floyd of Rosedale back to Iowa City with a 23-7 win.

No. 4 — Fiedorowicz’s 8-Yard Touchdown Reception From Rudock in OT Against Northwestern
Faced with third-and-7 from the Northwestern 8-yard line in overtime, University of Iowa quarterback Jake Rudock lofted a pass to the southeast corner of the end zone where C.J. Fiedorowicz hauled it in for a touchdown giving the Hawkeyes a 17-10 win.

No. 3 — Hitchens Forces, Recovers Fumble to Seal Victory Against Michigan
Iowa was holding a 24-21 lead when Michigan started a drive at its own 30-yard line with 6:02 to go in the game. In six plays, the Wolverines moved to the Hawkeye 39. Then, quarterback Devin Gardner rushed to his left, where Iowa linebacker Anthony Hitchens forced and recovered a fumble at the 31.

No. 2 — Kirksey Forces, Trinca-Pasat Recovers Fumble at Nebraska
For the second game in a row, the Hawkeyes used a fumble recovery to secure victory. Iowa led 24-17 early in the fourth quarter. UI linebacker Christian Kirksey stripped the ball from Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah and UI defensive lineman Louis Trinca-Pasat recovered. The Hawkeyes added two more touchdowns to win, 38-17.

No. 1 — 3 Traveling Trophies Return to Iowa City
The Cy-Hawk, Floyd of Rosedale, and Heroes trophies returned to Iowa City this season. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State 27-21, Minnesota 23-7, and Nebraska 38-17 (all on the road). This compilation of trophy victories is our 2013 Play of the Year. Well done #Hawkeyes!

All 12 Plays — The Top 12 Football Plays (So Far) For 2013-14