5 stars from the Iowa Hawkeyes’ loss to the Iowa State Cyclones
Pretty much everything you are going to read after this 10-7 loss to rival Iowa State—at home no less—will be negative. How could it not be? All the fears and worries that could be chalked up to first-game jitters were now confirmed in Week 2.
This offense looks like the worst in the nation right now. Every single article this week will hammer that point into your head. I’ve got nothing to say about the offense, I’d instead like to appreciate yet another great performance by the defense and special teams. Lost in the offensive ineptitude, the Iowa Hawkeyes only allowed 10 points and blocked two punts.
Those Iowa stars will not be forgotten here. Here are the five Hawkeye stars from Week 2.
Cooper DeJean, Defensive Back
AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
Cooper DeJean might be the next great Iowa defensive back. DeJean saved a touchdown before the end of half, intercepting a Hunter Dekkers pass in the end zone. He had two pass deflections and led the Hawkeyes in total tackles with 11.
Lukas Van Ness, Defensive End
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
The special teams did their job to win this game. Iowa defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness blocked two punts against the Cyclones. He also contributed a tackle for loss.
Terry Roberts, Cornerback
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
What a two week stretch for Terry Roberts! After a great game against South Dakota State, Roberts continued his good form with an interception in the third quarter. He also worked his butt off to make some plays on special teams.
Tory Taylor, Punter
AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
Speaking of special teams, punter Tory Taylor has easily been the best Hawkeye in 2022. Averaging 50.7 yards per punt, two kicks were downed inside the Cyclones’ 20-yard line. Taylor punted for double the total yardage that the offense had.
Kaevon Merriweather, Safety
Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images
This loss could’ve been much worse. Late in the first half, Iowa State was on the goal line, mere feet from tying the game at seven a piece. Kaevon Merriweather had other ideas though. The senior safety forced his first career fumble to save a score, allowing the Hawkeyes to remain in front for the time being.
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