Iowa Kicker Caden Buhr wins game with 42-yard field goal

Caden Buhr Lifts Iowa to Dramatic 16-13 Win Over Iowa State

Buhr finished the contest 3-of-3 on field goal attempts, anchoring a special teams unit that also featured punter Boston Everitt, who averaged 44 yards on six boots with four inside the 20-yard line, as detailed by USA Today. The win improved Iowa’s record to 2-0 in front of 69,250 fans, while Iowa State dropped to 1-1.

Hank Brown Leads Offense Through Slow Start

Quarterback Hank Brown played the duration of the game for the Hawkeyes, completing 21-of-30 passes for 191 yards while rushing for 22 yards and the team’s only touchdown. Head coach Kirk Ferentz noted that while a two-quarterback rotation involving Jeremy Hecklinski had been planned—similar to an even split of possessions in a previous 40-0 win over Northern Illinois—the coaching staff ultimately decided to stick with Brown.

The plan was to play both of them. We’re totally comfortable doing that, Ferentz said, according to Hawkcentral. And then you get into a game and you just kind of play the situation, if you will. They made it rough on (Brown).

Iowa’s offense struggled early, going scoreless on its first four possessions as Iowa State built a 10-0 lead in the second quarter. However, the Hawkeyes responded by scoring the final 10 points of the first half to tie the game at halftime. In the closing minutes, Iowa leaned heavily on the ground game, calling runs on seven straight plays after taking over at its own 45-yard line with 4:28 remaining to set up Buhr’s kick.

Defense and Receiver Tony Diaz Carry the Load

Wide receiver Tony Diaz turned in a standout performance, catching eight passes for 95 yards to lead the Hawkeye passing attack. Defensively, Phil Parker’s unit limited Iowa State to just three points in the second half. Third-year linebacker Cam Buffington led Iowa with 15 tackles in his second collegiate start.

Despite the victory, Iowa’s rushing attack was largely contained by the Cyclones, managing only 93 total yards on 3.2 yards per carry. Running back Kamari Moulton was held to 57 yards on 15 carries after previously rushing for 183 yards against Northern Illinois. The Hawkeyes also converted just 5-of-16 combined third and fourth downs, leaving head coach Kirk Ferentz to emphasize the hard-fought nature of the rivalry matchup.

All in all, a tough, hard-fought game, Ferentz said, as reported by Yahoo Sports. We have more of those coming. So, happy to get the win first and foremost, and then it provides a real growing and learning experience for our guys.