Iowa football vs. Maryland: Live score updates, highlights, analysis (Nov. 23, 2024)

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” sounded through a sparsely-attended SECU Stadium in the second half. The hit song might as well have been an anthem for Iowa football on Saturday.

That’s because Iowa (7-4, 5-3) asserted its dominance running the ball en route to a 29-13 win over Maryland (4-7, 1-7).

The Hawkeyes racked up 268 rushing yards against the Terrapins.

Iowa star running back Kaleb Johnson had 164 rushing yards while averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Kamari Moulton, meanwhile, had 114 rushing yards (although 13 of those yards came on a fumble that bounced forward).

When Maryland finally started making the game look interesting again — Iowa only had a 19-13 lead early in the fourth quarter — Iowa benefited from a Moulton 68-yard touchdown run that removed any doubt.

Johnson had a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter — his school-record 21st rushing touchdown and 22nd total touchdown of the season. His 35 carries were the most of his career, topping his 25 attempts against Iowa State and Troy earlier this year.

As for Jackson “Shaggy” Stratton, the ex-Colorado State quarterback went 10-of-14 passing for 76 yards in his first career start. Ten of those attempts were in the first half as Iowa leaned heavily on its rushing attack.

Iowa also had a big boost from its special teams unit, as Drew Stevens made field goals from 27, 54, 50, 49 and finally 26 yards on Saturday. His 54-yard attempt tied his previous career-high. His 5-for-5 showing tied an Iowa record.

Iowa’s defense had somewhat of a second-half letup as it gave up two touchdowns in a three-drive stretch.

The first Maryland touchdown was on an 11-play, 70-yard drive, which went longer than Maryland’s previous six drives combined. It culminated with an 8-yard touchdown pass from M.J. Morris to an open Tai Felton.

Morris also found Felton in the fourth quarter for a 12-yard touchdown. Felton entered the game as the Big Ten’s leader in receptions and receiving yards. He had six catches for 57 yards against the Hawkeyes.

Phil Parker’s defense ultimately redeemed itself with a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions — the first one by cornerback T.J. Hall and the other by linebacker Jay Higgins. It was Hall’s first career interception and Higgins’ fourth pick of the season.

— John Steppe