By Dallas Jones

IOWA CITY, IA – Iowa did not put together the performance that was expected out of the 5th best team in the country, but Tyler Goodson was the bright spot of the day. The junior broke his personal record for yards and touchdowns in a game, with 153 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns.

Kent State’s defense came in allowing over 220 yards per game on the ground and the Hawkeyes took advantage of that.

“They’re unconventional, unorthodox with some of the things they do up front,” coach Kirk Ferentz said. “It’s like three straight weeks, it’s a tough challenge. We’re learning everyday and I’m pleased with the guys attitude and the way they are going about it.”

Goodson kicked off the game with a 15-yard run, which kickstarted his big first half. His first touchdown came on a misdirection toss on third-and-short, giving Goodson an easy touchdown as he shot down the sideline 46 yards untouched.

“From pre-snap I knew,” Goodson said. “It was all about if the guy to the end was going to squeeze or play outside contain and he squeezed. From there it was just about me catching the ball and getting upfield.”

The rest of the half did not go as smoothly as it started. With a minute to go in the first quarter, Ivory Kelly-Martin lost his second fumble of the season. In the second quarter, Goodson and the Hawkeyes put together a 20-play, 95-yard drive that spanned 8:38 capped off by a 5-yard touchdown pass from Petras to LaPorta.

At halftime Tyler Goodson had 94 rushing yards on 13 attempts, most of which came from the 46-yard touchdown.

“He ran hard, and he ran explosively, but none of that is possible without the line,” junior quarterback Spencer Petras said. “Those are the guys that get us started. Both in the running and throwing game. T-Good is the one who gets the glory with the ball in his arms, but its only possible with those guys up front who bust their tail and make a hole for him. With a guy like T-Good if the offensive line makes a hole, he’s going to take advantage.”

In the third quarter, the Hawkeye defense created yet another turnover this season as senior cornerback Riley Moss recovered a fumble in the end zone. Hawkeyes marched down the field and Goodson scored another touchdown. This one 35 yards long and his second of the day, giving the Hawkeyes a 23-7 lead.

“Both backers were in the A gap and there was a corner on that side of the play,” Goodson said. “From there it was take the ball and be patient and make sure the linemen get to the box. They did and from there it was pick my feet up and take it to the house.” 

In the fourth quarter Goodson collects his third touchdown. Set up by a 48 yard completion between Nico Ragaini and Spencer Petras. Putting the Hawkeyes up 30-7 and putting the game away.

The Hawkeyes finished the game with 440 yards of total offense, 228 coming on the ground. They will take the field again next week in Kinnick Stadium against Colorado State.

Injury Report: Redshirt freshman Ethan Hurket was helped off the field during the fourth quarter favoring his right leg. Senior offensive lineman Kyler Schott returned the lineup after missing Iowa’s first two games with a right foot injury suffered during fall camp.

History Made: The Hawkeyes won their 300th game at Kinnick Stadium since the stadium opened in 1929. The first game played at Kinnick Stadium was Oct. 5, 1929, a 46-0 Hawkeye win against Monmouth. Iowa’s 100th win at Kinnick was a 31-19 victory over Arizona on Oct. 4, 1969. The 200th win at Kinnick Stadium was a 44-19 victory against Miami, Ohio, on Sept. 8, 2001. Iowa is seventh Big Ten school to celebrate at least 300 wins in its home stadium.