Utah State vs. Iowa Short Report | Sep 2, 2023
Kinnick Stadium
Iowa City, IA
Sep 2, 2023
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Game Recap
The Iowa Hawkeyes soared to a 24-14 victory over the Utah State Aggies in their season opener, marking a promising start to the season. Led by quarterback Cade McNamara, the Hawkeyes set the tempo early with a precision 36-yard touchdown pass to Seth Anderson. Utah State's defense struggled to contain Iowa's multifaceted offense, particularly on third downs, converting merely 5 out of 17 attempts.
Despite a late surge and a 16-yard touchdown catch by Terrell Vaughn, the Aggies couldn't overcome Iowa's robust defense. Kaleb Johnson, who amassed 63 yards on the ground and added a vital 54-yard kick return, was instrumental in Iowa's sustained dominance. Even after a blocked punt by Utah State's Ike Larsen, Iowa's defense, epitomized by Deontae Craig's pivotal sack, neutralized any threat, ensuring their control of the game was never in jeopardy.
Key Plays:
Seth Anderson (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Anderson caught a 36-yard touchdown pass from Cade McNamara, igniting the Hawkeyes' offense and providing an early lead against the Aggies.
Erick All (Iowa Hawkeyes)
McNamara connected with All in the end zone for a crucial 3-yard touchdown, doubling Iowa's advantage in the first quarter.
William Testa (Utah State Aggies)
Testa's 32-yard field goal marked Utah State's first points, offering hope with a successful kick under pressure.
Drew Stevens (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Stevens nailed a 20-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, bolstering Iowa's lead to 17-3 and seizing momentum going into halftime.
Deontae Craig (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Craig's sack of Cooper Legas set Utah State back, stifling their drive and reaffirming Iowa's defensive dominance.
Kaleb Johnson (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Johnson's tenacity was on display as he bulldozed through the defense for a 3-yard touchdown, placing the game firmly in Iowa's hands.
Terrell Vaughn (Utah State Aggies)
Vaughn's 16-yard touchdown catch from Cooper Legas narrowed the deficit, highlighting his effective play and the Aggies' fighting spirit.
Standout Players:
Kaleb Johnson (Iowa Hawkeyes, RB)
Kaleb Johnson was relentless against the Aggies' defense, rushing for 63 yards on 19 attempts and securing Iowa's win with a 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. His 54-yard kick return also shifted the momentum in favor of the Hawkeyes early in the game.
Cade McNamara (Iowa Hawkeyes, QB)
McNamara showed poise under pressure, completing 17 of 25 passes for 191 yards and throwing two key touchdowns that laid the foundation for Iowa's offensive prowess.
Luke Lachey (Iowa Hawkeyes, TE)
Lachey proved to be a dependable option for McNamara, hauling in 7 receptions for 73 yards and consistently moving the chains during crucial drives.
Deontae Craig (Iowa Hawkeyes, DL)
Craig's defensive play-making abilities were on full display, as he recorded a vital sack on Utah State's quarterback Cooper Legas, interrupting crucial drives and maintaining Iowa's defensive stronghold.
Terrell Vaughn (Utah State Aggies, WR)
Vaughn stood out among the Aggies with 12 receptions for 93 yards, including a compelling 16-yard touchdown that brought Utah State closer in the game's waning moments.
Ike Larsen (Utah State Aggies, S)
Larsen's blocked punt illustrated his special teams' prowess and was a pivotal play that briefly swung momentum toward the Aggies.
References:
Utah State Aggies vs. Iowa Hawkeyes - Final Score - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
Utah State Aggies vs. Iowa Hawkeyes | Full Game Highlights - YouTube
Source
Utah State Aggies vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Live Score and Stats - September 2, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
Highlights, key plays and photos from Utah State’s season-opening loss to Iowa – Deseret News
Utah State falls to Iowa. Football Game Recap. - Mountain West Connection
Utah State Aggies vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Box Score and Stats - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
Recap: Iowa football opens 2023 season with 24-14 win over Utah State
Football vs Iowa on 9/2/2023 - Box Score - Utah State University Athletics
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Utah State Aggies
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Iowa Hawkeyes
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