Grading Each Unit’s Performance in the Maryland Matchup
In their 29-13 victory over Maryland, the 2024 Iowa Hawkeyes demonstrated their ability to assert dominance on the road, showcasing a powerful, physical brand of football that allowed them to control the game and dominate in the trenches. Despite struggles on the road earlier in the season, the Hawkeyes came out strong after a bye week, improving to 7-4 on the season thanks to the effectiveness of their offensive line and running game, which have been their strengths all year.
The defense was also crucial to the win, making timely plays and coming up with big stops when needed most. The special teams unit, as has been the case all season, proved why they are among the best in the nation. With all three units firing on all cylinders, Iowa earned impressive grades across the board in their Week 13 matchup.
Offense
Grade: A
Iowa’s offense was built around the run game, and the Hawkeyes stuck to what they do best—running the ball relentlessly. The team amassed 273 rushing yards, led by Kaleb Johnson, who carried the ball 35 times for 164 yards. Kamari Moulton provided a strong backup, adding 114 yards on just 12 carries. Iowa’s offensive line opened up running lanes, allowing these two backs to power through and dictate the tempo of the game.
Quarterback Jackson Stratton was efficient and did exactly what was required of him. The passing game wasn’t a focal point, but when Stratton was called upon, he made the right decisions. He completed 10 of 14 passes for 76 yards. While the yardage wasn’t impressive, he managed to avoid turnovers, which was the most important stat for the offense.
Defense
Grade: A-
Iowa’s defense was solid in their win against Maryland, holding the Terrapins to just 227 total yards. The Hawkeyes were able to ramp up the pressure when necessary, coming away with two interceptions—one from T.J. Hall and one from Jay Higgins—and sacking the quarterback three times. Ethan Hurkett and Max Llewellyn were key players up front, providing constant pressure and making it difficult for Maryland’s offense to find rhythm.
The only blemish was that Maryland did manage to score twice in the second half, pulling within 19-13 at one point. However, Iowa’s defense responded when it mattered, tightening up and keeping Maryland from further threatening. While the defense did allow the game to get a bit too close for comfort, they ultimately sealed the win and were effective overall.
Special Teams
Grade: A+
Drew Stevens was the standout performer on special teams, playing a pivotal role in the victory. He nailed all five of his field-goal attempts, including kicks from 27, 54, 50, 49, and 26 yards. Stevens’ consistency and clutch kicking made a huge difference in the game, ensuring Iowa’s offense kept the scoreboard ticking even when they weren’t always able to finish drives in the red zone.
Punter Rhys Dakin also had a solid performance, punting only three times but landing two inside the 20-yard line, one of which was a spectacular punt that pinned Maryland deep in their own territory at the five-yard line. The special teams unit once again proved why they are one of the best in the country, playing a crucial role in controlling field position.
Coaching
Grade: A+
Iowa’s coaching staff deserves credit for their preparation and execution. Head coach Kirk Ferentz has a long track record of rallying his team after tough weeks, and this game was no different. His leadership helped the team get back on track, and his ability to motivate the players was evident in the strong performance on both sides of the ball.
Offensive coordinator Tim Lester also deserves significant praise. With Jackson Stratton under center, Lester called an excellent game, sticking to the running game and trusting it to wear down the Maryland defense. He also made sure Stratton was put in favorable situations, providing him with pre-snap reads and giving him clear decisions on where to go with the ball. This approach made it easy for Stratton to manage the game and execute effectively. Lester’s play-calling made sure the team stayed on track and executed at a high level.
Overall
Grade: A
Iowa’s 29-13 road win over Maryland was a complete team effort. The offense controlled the game with a dominant running game, the defense stepped up when needed most, and the special teams made critical contributions to the victory. The coaching staff deserves praise for their strategic planning and execution, which ensured the team bounced back from their struggles earlier in the season.
The win was crucial for Iowa as they head into their season finale against Nebraska on Black Friday, with an opportunity to finish the regular season with eight wins. This victory will give the team the confidence they need to close out the season strong, and the momentum from this performance will carry them into the postseason. With all units firing on all cylinders, Iowa is poised to make a strong push as they finish the year on a high note.
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