Iowa football vs. Washington score updates, highlights analysis (Oct. 12, 2024)

Iowa bounced back from last week’s blowout loss to Ohio State with a definitive 40-16 win over Washington.

The win was Kirk Ferentz’s 200th as Iowa’s head coach.

“Probably means I’m getting old,” Ferentz told the Fox broadcast on the field after the game. “In all honesty, the biggest thing today was just getting back on our feet and competing and winning a football game. Just really proud of our guys, the way they responded.”

As has consistently been the case in the Hawkeyes’ wins this year, Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson had a starring role. Johnson rushed for 166 yards while averaging 7.9 yards per carry.

His 53-yard carry in the final minute of the first half was paramount in setting up Stevens’ 46-yard field goal for a 20-10 halftime lead. Johnson scored touchdowns on a 6-yard carry in the first quarter, an 18-yard catch in the second and an 8-yard run on the first play of the fourth.

Iowa also benefited from two turnovers — a fumble forced by Aaron Graves and an interception by Jermari Harris — which set up two drives ending in field goals.

Iowa’s special teams, meanwhile, contributed in several big ways beyond just Stevens’ fan-beaming kickoff.

Stevens made field goals from 37, 46, 25 and 51 yards. Punter Rhys Dakin had a 55-yard punt returned for only 2 yards and a 61-yard punt returned for no gain.

Yahya Black blocked a Washington 33-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter, which negated the Huskies’ once-promising 14-play, 73-yard drive. That set up one of Iowa’s four touchdown drives.

The big plays on defense and special teams helped the Hawkeyes pull off the definitive blowout despite trailing the Huskies, 393-328, in total yards.

The Hawkeyes won despite a relatively modest output in the passing game. Cade McNamara went 8-of-14 for 108 yards and two touchdowns.

That included a 33-yard completion to redshirt freshman Dayton Howard — Howard’s first ever reception — in the fourth quarter.

— John Steppe