Iowa
Iowa Football: Report card from Week 1 win vs. UAlbany gives Hawkeyes passing grades
Yes, the Iowa Hawkeyes got the win in Week 1 with a 34-7 victory over the UAlbany Great Danes, but it’s time to peel back the onion and look at what went into the score with the good, the bad, and the ugly.
It was a game that Iowa was expected to win handily, as the final score suggests, but doesn’t tell the full story, as the Hawkeyes trailed 7-3 at one point, which caused some blood pressures to rise. Within the 60 minutes, the Hawkeyes saw swings of positives to build upon and negatives to learn from.
As Iowa moves to 1-0 on the year, let’s dig into the report card from the Week 1 showing.
Offense
Offense Grade: C+
The offense is really a tale of two different aspects. Let’s start with the bad. The passing game was abysmal, to be blunt. It was nonexistent and posed no threat. Mark Gronowski was 8/15 for 44 yards. The silver lining, if any, is that he found the endzone with a fourth-and-goal completion to Kaden Wetjen and did not have any turnovers.
On the ground, Iowa was dominant. The Hawkeyes ran the ball 53 times for 310 yards. Xavier Williams led the way, going for 122 yards on just 11 carries with a score. TJ Washington Jr added 69 yards, while Jaziun Patterson poured in 47 yards. Kamari Moulton did exit the game early and is something to monitor the rest of the week.
Defense
Defense Grade: A-
Aside from allowing UAlbany to put together one strong drive, the Iowa defense was its usual suffocating self. On the day, they held the Great Danes to 177 yards of total offense and just two yards per rush. This unit is still settling in, but this builds confidence.
What is most impressive is how the unit performed out of the halftime break. In the second half, Iowa allowed just 30 total yards of offense to UAlbany. They emphatically slammed the door shut on any upset bid.
Special Teams
Special Teams Grade: A+
This was the star unit of the night. LeVar Woods’ group showed up in midseason form and played a huge part in this game. Rhys Dakin averaged 50 yards on his two punts, with a long of 53 yards. He is a true weapon for Iowa in the field position game.
Drew Stevens was perfect on the day with four extra points and two field goals. His 55-yard field goal hit the net behind the goal posts and could have hit from 70. He is going to change games for Iowa this year with the power he has.
Coaching
Coaching Grade: B+
This game is hard to knock coaching or praise it too much. Iowa was expected to win, and while they did start slowly, the coaching staff stayed the course and trusted Iowa to eventually pull away, which they did.
What gave some confidence from this performance was Iowa’s willingness to strap up their helmets and run the ball downhill when the passing game wasn’t working. Iowa didn’t try to get too cute or be something they aren’t.
On defense, Phil Parker played his scheme and never stressed. His halftime adjustments completely shut down the Great Danes. On special teams, LeVar Woods didn’t have to do too much in-game, but his unit was arguably the most prepared one in this game.
Overall
Overall Grade: B
No one can complain too much about a 34-7 win in Week 1, but it did leave something to be desired, especially on offense with the passing attack. Should Iowa want to win games in the Big Ten, it needs more from its passing game, as defenses are going to be able to defend the run better than UAlbany.
It was a fine performance that saw Iowa use its bread and butter to win, but is a classic case of always having areas of improvement.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
Chase Sowell on Iowa State football’s mentality after four losses
Hear from Iowa State wide receiver Chase Sowell on how the Cyclones are handling four-straight losses and looking ahead to TCU.
Iowa State football continues its 2025 season on Saturday, Nov. 8, with a Big 12 Conference road game against TCU.
The Cyclones (5-4, 2-4 Big 12) have lost four straight games following a 5-0 start and are hoping to find some answers this week.
The Horned Frogs (6-2, 3-2) have won two straight contests, most recently 23-17 over West Virginia before enjoying a bye week last Saturday.
Here are details on how to watch head coach Matt Campbell’s group try to get back on track:
Buy Iowa State vs. TCU tickets
Iowa State plays TCU at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 8. The game will air on FOX and can be streamed on FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
What time is Iowa State vs. TCU?
The Cyclones and Horned Frogs kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Forth Worth, Texas.
Iowa State vs. TCU betting odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday afternoon.
To see a full list of ticket prices, visit StubHub.
Buy Iowa State football tickets
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa’s top officials share their sentiments on the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney. He was 84.
Cheney’s wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him on Monday night, the family said in a statement, adding that the former vice president died of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.
“Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing,” the statement said. “We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”
Governor Kim Reynolds said Tuesday that Cheney will be remembered as a patriot.
“Dick Cheney will be remembered as a remarkable statesman—in Congress and the Executive Branch, in times of peace and war, at home and abroad,“ she said. ”Above all, he will be remembered as a patriot, who dedicated his life to the service of his country. Kevin and I offer our sincere condolences and prayers to his family. May he rest in peace.”
Senator Chuck Grassley said in a post on X that his prayers were with Cheney’s family and that Cheney was “a true public servant and proud American.”
Grassley served in the U.S. House of Representatives with Cheney.
Senator Joni Ernst also regarded Cheney in a post on X Tuesday morning.
“Whether Vice President, Secretary of Defense, or in Congress, Dick Cheney was always proud to be an American,“ she said. ”His commitment to defeat terrorism ensured there was never another 9/11. He served his country honorably and dutifully. May he rest in peace.”
Copyright 2025 KCRG. All rights reserved.
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