Kirk Ferentz is 104-75 overall, 60-53 B1G, as Iowa head coach |
FB Adam Cox on his third down carry in the fourth quarter |
"Both of them played outstanding and that's probably as much work as they have gotten in any one game," Ferentz said Sunday night.
"They have worked extremely hard since last spring. Both have taken the opportunity and run with it and done a wonderful job."
Blocks by Cox and Plewa helped Iowa running backs gain 207 yards on 38 carries; sophomore quarterback Jake Rudock picked up 35 yards on five carries and Cox added a 5-yard third-down conversion run in the fourth quarter.
Cox's 35-yard reception in the second quarter was the longest of his career. The play set up Iowa's first touchdown of the day by Rudock.
Rudock's 4-yard touchdown rush in the second quarter was his
fifth rushing touchdown this season. The last Iowa quarterback to rush for more than five touchdowns in a single season was Nathan Chandler (6 in 2003). The Hawkeyes finished 10-3 in 2003.
Cox's 35-yard reception in the second quarter was the longest of his career. The play set up Iowa's first touchdown of the day by Rudock.
Rudock's 4-yard touchdown rush in the second quarter was his
There is another reason the Hawkeyes (4-1 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) have won four straight games: their effectiveness on both sides of the ball on third down. Last season Iowa's offense converted 36.4-percent of the time, while opponents moved the chains 43.4-percent of the time. In five games this season, the Hawkeyes have increased their conversion rate to 52.5-percent and the defense is limiting opponents to a 25.4-percent mark.
WR Kevonte Martin-Manley leads Iowa's receivers with 26 catches, including 1 TD at Iowa State |
Iowa's defense has been stout, allowing 265.6 yards in five games. The only conference team performing better is Michigan State (3-1), which comes to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. The Spartans allow 188.8 yards a game. The Spartans are coming off a bye week, and the first loss of the season, as they head to Kinnick on Saturday.
"They were extremely tough last year and we will have our work cut out for us," Ferentz said. "They have a tough scheme; more importantly their players understand their scheme and they play it well. It's like when we are playing good defense, it doesn't look that complicated, but everybody understands what they're doing. That's what we see when we watch Michigan State play defense. It's going to be a tough, hard-nosed battle for sure, and execution is going to be a big part of it."
The Hawkeyes prevailed last season in East Lansing, Michigan, 19-16 in double overtime. The Hawkeyes will will enjoy hosting Michigan State this season at home. Kickoff will be at 11 a.m on ESPN2.
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