Hawkeye Football: Iowa-UCLA Stats Breakdown

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Hawkeye Football: Iowa-UCLA Stats Breakdown - A Tale of Two Halves

The Iowa Hawkeyes traveled to Pasadena, California, to face the UCLA Bruins in a Week 2 matchup that ended with a thrilling 24-14 victory for the Hawkeyes. While the final score may suggest a comfortable win, the game was a rollercoaster ride, filled with momentum shifts and exciting moments. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key stats that defined this intriguing contest:

Offense: Two Sides of the Coin

Iowa's offense: The Hawkeyes struggled early, managing just 112 total yards in the first half, with just 17 passing yards. However, they found their rhythm in the second half, gaining 219 yards and scoring 24 points. Key stats to note:

• Passing: Cade McNamara threw for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns, but he was sacked three times.
• Rushing: Kaleb Johnson was the workhorse, carrying the ball 21 times for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Third-down conversions: Iowa struggled on third down throughout the game, converting just 4 out of 13 attempts.

UCLA's offense: The Bruins were efficient in the first half, gaining 215 yards and scoring 14 points. However, their momentum stalled in the second half, as they managed just 103 yards and were held scoreless. Key stats to note:

• Passing: Ethan Garbers threw for 206 yards and 1 touchdown, but he was also intercepted twice.
• Rushing: The Bruins struggled on the ground, gaining just 71 yards.
• Third-down conversions: UCLA was successful on third down, converting 5 out of 12 attempts.

Defense: Dominance and Fluctuations

Iowa's defense: The Hawkeye defense was impressive, holding the Bruins to 14 points and forcing 2 turnovers. They were particularly effective in the second half, limiting UCLA to just 103 total yards. Key stats to note:

• Sacks: Iowa tallied 4 sacks, led by Deontae Craig with 2.
• Interceptions: Cooper DeJean and Quinn Schulte each had an interception.
• Third-down defense: The Hawkeyes were exceptional in this area, holding UCLA to just 3 of 12 on third down conversions.

UCLA's defense: While the Bruins managed to hold Iowa's offense to a modest 305 yards, they struggled to contain Kaleb Johnson and the run game, especially in the second half. Key stats to note:

• Tackles for loss: UCLA recorded 5 tackles for loss, but they were unable to consistently disrupt Iowa's offensive flow.
• Turnovers: The Bruins forced just one turnover, a fumble recovery.

Takeaways: A Tale of Two Halves

The game was a clear example of how momentum can swing drastically in football. While Iowa struggled early, their resilience and the defense's second-half dominance ultimately secured the victory. The key takeaways from the game:

• Iowa's offense found its stride in the second half. The Hawkeyes' running game was the key factor, allowing them to control the clock and wear down the Bruins' defense.
• Iowa's defense was the difference maker. Their ability to force turnovers and limit UCLA's scoring opportunities proved crucial.
• UCLA's offense faltered in the second half. The Bruins couldn't establish a consistent running game, which limited their offensive efficiency.

This win was a significant boost for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who will look to build on this momentum as they navigate the rest of their schedule. For UCLA, it serves as a valuable lesson on the importance of maintaining momentum and consistently executing on both sides of the ball.