Hawks get 2nd straight, McNutt breaks record

After the last two nail-biting contests against Indiana, Hawkeye fans finally enjoyed an easy win. Iowa took care of business against Indiana, dominating the Hoosier defense by putting up 45 points and 456 total yards of offense. It was great to see Marvin McNutt shatter the all time Hawkeye touchdown record by catching not one, but three TDs in the first half! Marcus Coker again eclipsed the 100 yard mark, going for 140 on the day. Coker is putting up BIG numbers this season, averaging 102 yards per game. With Minnesota on the slate for Saturday, expect those performances to continue.



Marvin McNutt caught the second of his 3 TDs on a fade
route in the first half of Iowa's 45-24 win against Indiana

There are still some concerns for Iowa, particularly on defense. They gave up 495 yards of offense to Northwestern a week ago, and allowed the Hoosier offense to gain 414 total  yards. The Hawks could get away with that against two of the Big Ten's worst, but that kind of play on defense probably won't lead to wins against the best Big Ten teams. Michigan and Nebraska have high powered offenses that could dominate Iowa's defense, and Michigan State has offensive experience too. It's tough to rely on your offense to win Big Ten games, so the defense will have to step it up if Iowa wants to have any shot at a comeback in the Legends division.
Iowa's offense has been stellar since the terrible Penn State performance. Keep in mind, though, the defenses the Hawks have played are two of the conference's worst, and Minnesota's is terrible as well. The good news is that the Hawkeyes can put up serious points when they outmatch their opponent. The bad news; the defenses only get tougher after the Minnesota game.

Iowa has a chance to really get on a roll this weekend. A win would be the Hawkeyes' 3rd straight, and would officially make Iowa bowl eligible. It's on the road in a trophy game, so it is not a guaranteed win. Iowa lost last year in an embarrassing upset at Minnesota. Hopefully the Hawks can use the Minnesota game to gain some serious momentum heading into the showdown with Michigan at Kinnick.

Fun Facts:

-Marvin McNutt: 6 receptions for 184 yards and 3 TDs. Dominate much?

-Tom Donatell started at linebacker again, recording 6 solo tackles

-A.J. Derby is officially switching to linebacker, and had playing time on special teams vs. Indiana, recording 1 tackle

-Neither Iowa or Indiana turned the ball over

 Go Hawks!
-IS