Iowa 40, Northwestern 14
Does Iowa have a QB controversy? Brendan Sullivan replaced Cade McNamara with 9:25 left in the 2nd quarter and Iowa broke open a close game by scoring four touchdowns in the 3rd quarter. Sullivan certainly was motivated having transferred from Northwestern and was 9-14 passing against his former team for 79 yards but rushed for 41 yards and a 6 yard TD. Once again, Kaleb Johnson stole the show with 14 carries for 109 yards and 3 TD.
Kaden Wetjen continued to be strong in the return game — he brought a punt back 85 yards for a TD. Both the Wildcats TDs came on big plays — Drew Wagner had a 72 yard punt return for a TD and Theran Johnson returned a McNamara INT 85 yards for a score.
Iowa’s defense which played horribly last week at Michigan St. might have had its best performance of the season. The defense did not allow a point from the Wildcat offense. The Hawkeyes were plus two in the turnover margin with 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. Jay Higgins had 8 tackles and the defense had 7 TFL.
Iowa improves to 5-3 on the season — they host Wisconsin next Saturday.
#4 Ohio St. 21, Nebraska 17
The Huskers had a shot to upset the Buckeyes but QB Dylan Raiola was off target in their final drive and was intercepted by Josh Hancock with 1:16 to preserve a OSU victory. Ohio St. did not play like the 4th ranked team in the country and left the door open for an upset but Nebraska could not walk through the open door. Husker drives would end in field goals instead of touchdowns but Dante Dowdell got into the end zone early in the 4th quarter to give Nebraska a 17-14 lead. Ohio St. answered with an 8 play drive and Will Howard threw a 9 yard TD to Quinshon Jackson with 6 minutes left.
Ohio State converted just 1 of 10 third downs, punted five times, gave up the ball on downs, missed a field goal and survived a Howard interception. Howard was 13-16 passing for 221 yards 3 TD and 1 INT. Raiola finished 21-32 for 152 yards and 1 INT.
Nebraska falls to 5-3 on the season — the Huskers host UCLA next Saturday, kickoff 2:30 pm on the Big Ten Network
Iowa St. and NW Missouri St. both had byes