Evanston. Ill. – Northwestern beat Iowa 28-17 today in Evanston. Each team has defended its home field the last two years in the series (Iowa beat Northwestern 41-31 in Iowa City in 2011).
RB Damon Bullock returned to action today after missing the previous four contests due to injury. Bullock finished the game with 107 yards rushing on 22 attempts and five receptions for 41 yards. Bullock topped the 100-yard plateau the second time this season (150 yards on 30 carries vs. Northern Illinois on Sept. 1).
Iowa’s defense collected an interception and a fumble today. B.J. Lowrey intercepted his first career pass in the first period, while Micah Hyde recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter. The Hawkeyes converted the Hyde fumble recovery into seven points. Iowa’s defense has intercepted eight passes this season. The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in seven-of-eight contests this season and 72 of its last 83 games, dating back to 2006. For the fourth time this season, Iowa did not have a turnover (Northern Illinois, UNI, Minnesota at Northwestern).
PK Mike Meyer converted a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter. He is 15-of-18 this season and 43-of-55 for his career in field goal attempts. Meyer made two PATs, extending his school record streak to 72. Meyer increased his career scoring to 220 points to surpass Tavian Banks and Zach Bromert for fifth on Iowa’s all-time scoring chart.
QB James Vandenberg completed 24-of-38 passes for 214 yards and had two 1-yard rushing scores. The rushing scores are Vandenberg’s fifth and sixth of his career. Today marked the first time the senior had two rushing touchdowns in a single-game.
Iowa was led defensively by Christian Kirksey with nine tackles. Tanner Miller added seven.
WR Kevonte Martin-Manley led the Hawkeye receivers today, catching seven balls for 46 yards.
Freshman WR Tevaun Smith had a catch for 16 yards in the third quarter, his first career reception. Jacob Hillyer also recorded his first career reception for 15 yards.
