The Iowa Hawkeyes continue to benefit from the maturation of junior quarterback Jake Rudock. The quarterback’s decision making in the first half propelled Iowa to a 14-3 lead over the rival Iowa State Cyclones.
Rudock was 10-of-13 passing for 103 yards. The quarterback also led the Hawkeyes with 28 rushing yards.
Iowa’s final scoring drive was a perfect example of how Rudock’s play affects the Hawkeyes’ offense. Rudock orchestrated a 10-play drive in the second quarter which culminated in the team’s second touchdown. The junior was 3-of-4 passing during the drive, including a 10-yard pass to Jacob Hillyer on 4th-and-8 from Iowa State’s 6-yard line. Rudock nearly made a mistake one play later by throwing into coverage, but he quickly shook it off and made the right decision on second down to keep the football on an option play which gave the Hawkeyes a two-score lead.
Iowa State’s quarterback, Sam B. Richardson, also played well, but the Cyclones couldn’t avoid mistakes. Richardson was 8-of-15 passing for 105 passing yards. Richardson led a drive to Iowa’s 2-yard line with under four minutes remaining in the second quarter. Unfortunately, running back DeVondrick Nealy fumbled the football as he attempted to cross the goal line.
As the 62nd annual meeting for the Cy-Hawk Trophy continues in the second half, Iowa will continue to do what it does. The Hawkeyes will be patient on offense. They will win at the point of attack and run the football. On defense, Iowa will play disciplined football. Iowa State needs to finish on offense, while the defense remains sound.
Eleven points aren’t insurmountable for Iowa State. The Cyclones trailed 13-7 last week against the Kansas State Wildcats before scoring 21 unanswered points in the third quarter. Iowa will have trouble making a comeback if the Cyclones can repeat the performance.