Who holds position advantage in Iowa’s matchup with Kent State?
By Tyler Devine
IOWA CITY, Iowa – It’s week three of Hawkeye football season, so it’s time for another position preview.
The fifth-ranked Hawkeyes take on Kent State at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa is favored by more than three touchdowns, so it might seem obvious that it would have the advantage at every position, at least on paper.
But that’s not necessarily how it always works, so let’s take a look.
Quarterback
Spencer Petras has been average for the Hawkeyes so far this season, but the Hawkeyes have won eight straight games and Petras has yet to turn the ball over this season.
Kent State’s Dustin Crum has accounted for both turnovers committed by the Golden Flashes this season, though he does have an advantage over Petras in the rushing game, which is Kent State’s bread and butter thus far.
Advantage: Kent State
Running Back
Iowa’s running game has struggled the first two weeks, but junior Tyler Goodson has showed flashes of brilliance against two ranked opponents. Ivory Kelly-Martin has played admirably in the backup role, but his ball control has been shaky at times.
Kent State’s Marquez Cooper and Xavier Williams have combined to rush for nearly 300 yards this season. Williams ran for 73 yards against a very good Texas A&M team and Kent State is averaging 360 yards on the ground, but Tyler Goodson was first-team All-Big Ten last season and that has to count for something.
Advantage: Iowa
Wide Receiver
Other than tight end Sam LaPorta with 104 yards through two games, the Hawkeyes don’t have a receiver with more than 38 yards.
Kent State has just one passing touchdown this season, but the Golden Flashes also don’t pass the ball a ton. Dante Cephas leads Kent State with 75 yards on five catches.
It’s probably safe to say Iowa has more talent.
Advantage: Iowa
Tight End
LaPorta is Iowa’s leading receiver and Luke Lachey has catches of 15 and 17 yards this season.
Kris Leach’s 11-yard catch is the only reception by a Kent State tight end this year.
Advantage: Iowa
Offensive Line
Iowa’s offensive line play has been spotty so far this season, but the Hawkeyes still have All-American Tyler Linderbaum at center.
Kent State guard Nate Monnin was a preseason second-team All-MAC selection by Athlon Sports.
Advantage: Iowa
Defensive Line
Iowa’s defensive line has arguably been its strongest unit so far this season and has combined for 10 quarterback hurries. Juniors John Waggoner and Joe Evans have three pass breakups combined.
Kent State’s defensive line has combined for two sacks and one quarterback hurry through two games.
Advantage: Iowa
Linebacker
Juniors Seth Benson and Jack Campbell are Iowa’s leading tacklers and don’t miss many tackles. Sophomore Jestin Jacobs is emerging as a force to be reckoned with, as is junior Dane Belton who plays the linebacker/defensive back CASH position.
Kent State’s two leading tacklers are defensive backs, which is not typically a good sign for the linebackers.
Advantage: Iowa
Defensive Back
Senior cornerbacks Matt Hankins and Riley Moss each have two interceptions. Moss returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns in Iowa’s season opener against Indiana.
Safeties Dean Clark and C.J. Holmes are the leading tacklers for the Golden Flashes. Cornerbacks Montre Miller and Elvin Hines each have three interceptions on the season for a defense that ranks No. 1 nationally with eight interceptions.
This one is tough, but Iowa has done its damage against two ranked opponents.
Advantage: Iowa
Specialists
Special teams has been Iowa’s second-best phase this season and sophomore punter Tory Taylor is drawing comparisons to Hawkeye legend Reggie Roby. Taylor, a native of Melbourne, Australia, ranks sixth nationally with 50.4 yards per punt and has dropped six inside the 20-yard line. Senior kicker Caleb Shudak’s one miss this season was due to an atrocious snap and hold and senior Charlie Jones is fourth in the Big Ten with 11.6 yards per punt return.
Kent State kicker Andrew Glass has missed two field goals between 20 and 29 yards this season. Punter Josh Smith is averaging just over 40 yards per punt and the Golden Flashes have returned just two punts.
This one is easy.
Advantage: Iowa