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The Daily Iowan (USPS 143-360), the student newspaper at the University of Iowa, is published by Student Publications, Inc., E131 Adler Journalism Building, Iowa City, Iowa 52242. Published in print weekly on Wednesdays during the academic year, Fridays of Hawkeye football game weekends (Pregame), and year-round on dailyiowan.com.
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5 things to watch
Matt McGowan
Pregame Editor
matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
1. Containing Aidan Chiles
Michigan State made an early splash in the transfer portal, landing Oregon State quarterback Aidan Chiles in December. A four-star trans fer and the second-ranked at his position, according to 247 Sports, Chiles arrived in East Lansing with 309 passing yards under his belt after seeing scattered reps for the Beavers last season. In 2024, the 6-foot-4 Chiles isn’t afraid to throw the ball downfield, averaging eight yards per completion on 1,212 passing yards, but the 19-year-old is more than comfortable on the run. The second-year has three touchdowns and 115 rushing yards, the most for any Big Ten quarterback this season. Iowa’s defense will have to keep Chiles in the pocket and prevent him from making plays with his legs.
2. Turnover battle
an advantage for contested catches.
While not on the depth chart for this week, third-year receiver Seth Anderson also figures to get some reps on Saturday after making his first catch of the season against the Huskies. Anderson, a transfer from Charleston Southern, recorded a catch or carry in 10 of Iowa’s games last season before missing the first four games of 2024 with a hamstring injury.
With tight end Addison Ostrenga on the sidelines for the second week in a row, these two receivers will likely play another key role on Saturday.
4. Red zone production
While Iowa changed up its red zone offense three weeks into the season by inserting backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan, the Hawkeyes still haven’t been perfect inside the 10-yard line. For instance, in Week 7 against Washington, the Hawkeyes went from one yard away from paydirt to settling for a 25-yard field goal as Sullivan was sacked and nearly fumbled on the play.
OFFENSE
QB 12 Cade McNamara Sr 1 Brendan Sullivan Jr
RB 2 Kaleb Johnson Jr 28 Kamari Moulton #Fr
WR 15 Reece Vander Zee Fr 0 Jarriett Buie #Fr
WR 21 Kaden Wetjen Sr 3 Kaleb Brown Jr
WR 5 Jacob Gill Jr 8 Terrell Washington Jr. #Fr
TE 85 Luke Lachey Sr 48 Zach Ortwerth Soph
LT 78 Mason Richman Sr 71 Jack Dotzler Soph
LG 76 Tyler Elsbury Sr 64 Leighton Jones #Fr
C 65 Logan Jones Sr 58 Kade Pieper #Fr
RG 77 Connor Colby Sr 53 Michael Myslinski Sr
RT 67 Gennings Dunker Jr 56 Nick Dejong Sr
PK 18 Drew Stevens Jr DEFENSE
OFFENSE
QB 2 Aiden Chiles Soph 10 Tommy Schuster Sr
RB 5 Nate Carter Jr 15 Kay’ron Lynch-Adams Sr
WRX 6 Nick Marsh Fr 22 Jack Yanachik #Fr
WRZ 4 Jaron Glover Soph 9 Jaelen Smith #Fr
WRF 3 Montorie Foster Jr. Sr 11 Aziah Johnson #Fr
TE 12 Jack Velling Jr 82 Brennan Parachek Soph
LT 65 Stanton Ramil #Fr 55 Rakeem Johnson Fr
LG 70 Luke Newman Sr 69 Jacob Merritt Soph
C 61 Tanner Miller Sr 54 Cooper Terpstra #Fr
RG 53 Brandon Baldwin Sr 72 Dallas Fincher Sr
RT 66 Ashton Lepo Soph 73 Rustin Young Fr
PK 97 Jonathan Kim Sr DEFENSE
After forcing multiple turnovers in three consecutive games, the Hawkeye defense has a golden opportunity before it on Saturday. For all of Chiles’ talent, the quarterback is still inexperienced and is prone to interceptions. His eight picks rank second in the Big Ten. In addition to six lost fumbles, the Spartans have 14, ranking 126th in the FBS. Plus, their defense hasn’t made these miscues negligible, as Michigan State sits in 118th place in turnover margin. Meanwhile, Iowa has been well-adept at keeping the ball in its hands, yielding only five turnovers this season. Winning any game in enemy territory requires triumphing in the turnover battle, and the Hawkeyes will have the advantage.
3. Third-down conversions
With wide receiver Kaleb Brown in the transfer portal, Iowa wideout Dayton Howard took his spot on the depth chart and made an instant impact against Washington, scoring a 33-yard touchdown on his first collegiate catch. The 6-foot-4 Howard has height, which will serve as
Michigan State will be a challenge, as the Spartans are tied for 13th in the FBS with a 70 percent opponent conversion percentage in the red zone. Senior linebacker Jordan Turner and defensive lineman Khris Bogle each have three sacks to lead the defense. The Hawkeye offensive line – with new starter Tyler Elsbury in at left guard – will have to be at its best near the end zone to ensure points on the board for the road team.
5. No negative plays
What kills an offense in any environment are negative plays, and Michigan State enjoys creating them with its defense. The Spartans rank 39th in the FBS with 39 tackles for loss this season, whereas the Hawkeyes languish in 120th with 25. The Hawkeyes can’t get caught flat-footed. Any negative plays put the team in third-and-longs, essentially forcing the Hawkeyes to pass and not rely on play-action.
LE 45 Deontae Craig Sr 48 Max Llewellyn Jr
LT 95 Aaron Graves Jr 57 Will Hubert Soph
RT 94 Yahya Black Sr 55 Jeremiah Pittman Jr
RE 49 Ethan Hurkett Sr 90 Brian Allen Soph
29 Sebastian Castro Sr 37 Kyler Fisher Sr
MLB 34 Jay Higgins Sr 41 Jaden Harrell Jr
WLB 10 Nick Jackson Sr 43 Karson Sharar Jr
CB 2 TJ Hall Jr 7 John Nestor Soph
SS 1 Xavier Nwankpa Jr 4 Koen Entringer Soph
FS 30 Quinn Schulte Sr 6 Zach Lutmer #Fr
CB 27 Jermari Harris Sr 8 Deshaun Lee Soph
P 9 Rhys Dakin Fr
DE 9 Jalen Thompson Soph 11 Ken Talley Soph
DT 91 Alex VanSumeren Soph 97 Maverick Hansen Sr
DT 94 D’Quan Douse Sr 93 Jalen Satchell Jr
DE 2 Khris Bogle Sr 8 Anthony Jones Soph
WLB 27 Cal Haladay Sr 5 Jordan Hall Soph
MLB 7 Jordan Turner Sr 10 Wayne Matthews III Jr
NB 15 Angelo Grose Sr 30 Aveon Grose Soph
CB 0 Charles Brantley Jr 3 Jeremiah Hughes Soph
SS 1 Nikai Martinez Jr 12 Justin Denson Jr. Fr
FS 43 Malik Spencer Jr 19 Amorion Smith Jr
CB 4 Ed Woods Sr 18 Andrew Brinson IV Fr
P 96 Ruam Eckley Soph
CASH/ LEO
Anderson
Bogle
Chiles
Turner
Halfway-home Hawkeyes focus on details
Whether it be coordinating the ground game on offense or preventing big plays on defense, Iowa players are encouraged by what they’ve seen.
Matt McGowan Pregame Editor matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
A 40-point outburst in Week 1. Another in Week 7.
From just glancing at the box score, it appears as if the Iowa football team hasn’t changed much. In both its season opener and most-recent game, Iowa scored at least four offensive touchdowns, two field goals, and two forced turnovers in front of a raucous Kinnick Stadium.
Yet Iowa’s 40-16 dismantling of Washington on Oct. 12 was far from a reflection of its 40-0 victory over Illinois State back in August.
For Iowa left tackle Mason Richman, the triumph served as the measuring stick for just how
far the Hawkeyes have progressed this season. In their previous games, the Hawkeyes weren’t as aggressive. They weren’t stepping up to the moment. After the defeat of the Huskies, he knows what to expect.
“Those are 40 points in two different ways,” he said. “As a team, I think we’re clicking more on cohesiveness. When we need a big stop, the defense is getting a big stop. When we need a touchdown, the offense is getting a touchdown.
“So, really proud of our guys, how we’ve really come together and gotten better as the year has gone along. That was the first complete game we’ve played all year.”
From a team that’s been defined as inconsistent and stuck with a “tale of two halves” label, the Hawkeyes reversed those stigmas against
Washington, last year’s national runner-up that was coming off an upset over then-No. 10 Michigan. After not scoring more than 10 points in each half of its previous five games, Iowa did so against Washington, capitalizing on opportunity and demonstrating head coach Kirk Ferentz’s often-heralded complementary football.
Scoring 23 points off turnovers – the most it has this season – Iowa started all but two of its 11 drives against Washington past the Hawkeyes’ 30-yard-line.
“That makes our job a lot easier when we don’t have to travel 30 yards to get into enemy territory,” Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara said. “It allows us to be more aggressive, and really that’s the momentum and pace that we’re able to play with when we’re able to use the momentum
of the defense and get off the ball like we do.”
At 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten, Iowa shifts into the latter half of its schedule. A confident run-first offense aims to improve what’s been a developing scheme under new coordinator Tim Lester, while a united defense looks to engage its talent and stay disciplined in the details of the game.
Encouraged to encore
It’s fair to say Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson infused life into the Hawkeye offense as soon as he hit the turf. After missing the first half of the battle against Illinois State due to a team-imposed suspension, the junior tied what had been the Hawkeyes’ longest rushing attempt of the day with a 12-yard scamper on his second touch before rattling off a 64-yard score – the first of his 13 touchdowns this season.
Johnson’s 119 rushing yards that day were greater than the team’s total on the ground over the first 30 minutes against the Redbirds. That first half, the Hawkeyes mustered only six points and were hampered by five offensive penalties. While Iowa fans were most likely frustrated by the miscues and lack of production, Lester strolled into the halftime locker room with an air of conviction.
“He just comes in smiling, a huge smile,” Iowa center Logan Jones remembered. “We’re not playing the way we’re supposed to, but he knows what’s out there for us. Next thing you know, we drop 40 points. He always has so much energy and positivity to him.”
Fueled by Lester’s encouragement, the Hawkeyes had 168 rushing yards in the second half and have continued to find success in the ground game this season. Averaging 222.8 yards per game, Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and the 12th in the FBS.
For Jones, Johnson’s No. 2 jersey zipping past defenders and fading away toward the end zone is a welcoming sight and an indicator of the offense’s explosive potential.
“Just seeing how many big runs we can get, I mean, it’s just encouraging, you see that, and it’s, like, ‘Let’s go do that again,’” Jones said. “It’s such a good feeling and a rush … It definitely gives us some encouragement.”
While Iowa’s rushing game has been consistent, the passing game hasn’t matched its Week 1 performance. After completing 21 passes for 251 yards against Illinois State, McNamara hasn’t surpassed more than 20 completions or 200 yards since. Similarly, after tossing for three
Emily Nyberg | The Daily Iowan
Teammates celebrate Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee after he scored a touchdown during a football game between Iowa and Illinois State at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Aug. 31. The Hawkeyes defeated the Redbirds, 40-0.
HALFWAY from 3
touchdowns against the Redbirds, the fifth-year senior didn’t add any more until the Washington game.
This lull can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as superior opponents like Ohio State providing a potent pass rush and an inexperienced wide receiver room looking to find its footing. Heading into the season, only three Iowa wide receivers – Kaleb Brown, Seth Anderson, and transfer Jacob Gill – had caught a collegiate pass.
Having spent three seasons at another Power Four school in Northwestern, Gill has taken the reins, with a team-high 169 receiving yards on 16 receptions. For Ferentz, Gill wasn’t a household name with the Wildcats – amassing 16 catches during his time in Evanston – but has earned respect with the Hawkeyes.
Ferentz pointed to one of Johnson’s touchdown runs against Minnesota in Week 4. The Hawkeyes and Gophers were tied at 14 with less than six minutes remaining. Johnson took McNamara’s handoff up the left side. Minnesota defensive back Darius Green recognized the play and crashed toward the line of scrimmage, looking for a crucial stop.
Gill, the only receiver on that side of the ball, ran toward Green and knocked him away from Johnson before making another block on Minnesota linebacker Devon Williams, sending the Gopher into the turf as Johnson broke free for his third score of the evening.
“He’s tremendously attentive and very detailed in his work and preparation,” Ferentz said of Gill. “There’s dirty work that maybe some players don’t want to do. He’s willing to do it.”
While Brown is no longer with the team after announcing his plans to enter the transfer portal, Anderson is healthy and logged his first catch of the season against the Huskies.
While Reece Vander Zee hasn’t quite reproduced his head-turning performance in Week 1, the true freshman has logged at least one catch in five games this season. Fill -
doing, it’s huge for our offense,” the quarterback said.
Outside of the growth of its receivers, Iowa’s passing game has been aided by play action, wherein McNamara fakes a handoff to Johnson before dropping back to throw. Three of his four passing touchdowns have come via that tactic.
In terms of red zone offense, Iowa is tied with Colorado for 43rd in the FBS, scoring on 89.5 percent of its trips. Against Iowa State, the Hawkeyes’ struggles in the red zone proved costly, as they scored only one touchdown and two field goals when inside the 5-yard line in what would become a 20-19 heartbreaker to the Cyclones.
After that game, backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has been under center whenever
“Everything is about detail. Are you deep enough on the snap of the ball? Are you reading the quarterback?”
Phil Parker Iowa football defensive coordinator
ing in for Brown on the depth chart, redshirt freshman Dayton Howard saw increased action against Washington and scored his first career touchdown.
Richman said Iowa’s wideouts have been steadily improving this season. McNamara agreed, adding the group had its best week of practice before the game against the Huskies.
“I think the pace that they’re playing with … for us to be able to make plays dynamically and for us to convert on the third downs that we’re
Iowa gets inside the 10-yard line. The Northwestern transfer has been consistent until the game against Washington, where he nearly fumbled the ball on an ill-advised backward pass on third-and-goal.
In the red zone, each triumph and error is magnified, but the Hawkeyes are no stranger to the details. For Jones, while the adjustment to Lester’s offense hasn’t been immediate, the team is making progress, most evidenced in the nuances of the scheme.
allow any big scoring plays but conceded two 28-yard receptions, one of which came on third down and put the Gophers in the red zone, continuing what would become a touchdown drive. Even after the bye week, Ohio State star receiver Jeremiah Smith beat two Hawkeye defenders in coverage for a 53-yard catch to set up a score.
Parker explained that while sometimes getting beat in man coverage is inevitable, players still have to be in the right leverage to compete with whatever an opposing quarterback may throw their way.
“Everything is about detail,” he said. “Are you deep enough on the snap of the ball? Are you reading the quarterback?”
Harris agreed with this assessment, adding that communication is also a top priority, specifically when the opposing team goes into motion or brings in a new route concept.
From Jackson’s perspective, communication shouldn’t just be relayed from safeties or linebackers who have better vantage points of the field, but from everyone. The trick is just staying on the same page.
“At practice, our coaches put us in stressful situations where we got to make different calls and try to align fast and all that stuff,” he said. “That’s what it all really boils down to.”
“You can just see, whether it be the timing of the quarterbacks and wide receivers, where [the ball’s] going to hit on outside zone, inside zone, like, just these little things that you might think don’t matter but they do, we’re just continuing to get better at those little things,” Jones said.
Embracing trial by fire
For defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s unit, the details are what prevent explosive plays. This issue has plagued the team this season but has been fading as of late.
After the shutout against Illinois State, the Iowa defense appeared set for another dominant season, having returned multiple key pieces like linebackers Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson and defensive backs Jermari Harris and Sebastian Castro. Based on points and yards allowed per game, this year’s edition has been on par with 2023, as the Hawkeyes have conceded 17.6 points per game and 316 yards per game.
However, while the defense has still been impressive, it’s also been battling a bad habit of big plays. Just one week after allowing only one play of more than 20 yards to Illinois State, the Hawkeyes became susceptible to chunk plays that allow their opponents to score in a blink of an eye. Against Iowa State, Cyclone receiver Jaylin Noel broke free over the middle and walked untouched into the end zone after a 75-yard touchdown catch.
One week later, Troy wideout Devonte Ross continued this concerning pattern with two 60-plus-yard touchdown grabs, each on a double move down the left sideline.
Against Minnesota, the Hawkeyes didn’t
This trial-by-fire approach seems to have paid off, as Iowa only allowed two plays of more than 20 yards against Washington. The plays came on two separate drives, both of which ended in turnovers.
Jackson said this year’s defense has “no complacency.” A prime example came late in the game against Washington with Iowa up multiple scores. Backup defensive back Zach Lutmer tackled Husky backup quarterback Demond Williams Jr. at the one-yard line. On the next play, backup linebacker Jaxon Rexwroth broke through the line of scrimmage for a one-yard loss.
“That’s a testament to the energy, the mindset, the attitude this team has,” defensive lineman Aaron Graves said. “Even if we’re up by 25, we don’t care.”
With six games remaining on the schedule, all against Big Ten foes, the Hawkeyes are at the doorstep to getting into the conversation for not necessarily a playoff spot, but a double-digit win season and a premier bowl game victory. Twenty years ago, the Hawkeyes were 4-2 after six games.
Starting with a road triumph over Penn State, that 2004 Iowa team ran the table the rest of the regular season and topped then-No. 12 LSU in the Orange Bowl – a game whose Hail Mary ending remains etched in Hawkeye folklore. Members of that squad were present for Iowa’s game against Washington, and Ferentz, the architect behind each team, knows what it takes to repeat such success.
“Overall, we’re making strides, and we still got room to go,” he said. “That’s the best part about right now, we’re still at the halfway mark, and our whole team can get better if we keep our eyes where they need to be.”
Emma Calabro | The Daily Iowan
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson talks to Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara after a call against Iowa during a football game between Washington and Iowa at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Oct. 12. The Hawkeyes defeated the Huskies, 40-16.
Weekly Wager
PETE RUDEN College Football Editor, Action Network Daily Iowan alumnus
IOWA -5.5
The Daily Iowan’s official bettor’s guide to Iowa football’s Week 8 matchup with Michigan State.
MATT MCGOWAN Pregame Editor
The offensive line has been abysmal in creating running lanes for running backs Nate Carter and Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, ranking 119th in offensive line yards and 123rd in havoc allowed. With no push up front, the Hawkeyes’ defensive front will live in the backfield.
UNDER 41.5
Michigan State will struggle mightily to move the ball against an Iowa defense that ranks 11th nationally in quality drives allowed. Iowa, meanwhile, might not take complete advantage of Michigan State’s porous pass defense, as the Hawkeyes throw for just 134.7 yards per game.
ARKANSAS +3
Head coach Sam Pittman historically keeps his teams close against top-20 foes, and a hungover LSU team will be an easy target.
YTD: $638
IOWA -5.5
The Spartans have 14 turnovers on the season, and given the punting prowess of Hawkeye Rhys Dakin, quarterback Aidan Chiles and Co. will be operating near its own end zone. This is a perfect storm for Iowa’s first defensive touchdown of the season, or at least manageable drives.
OVER 41.5
Iowa has surpassed this total in all but two of its games; same for Michigan State. The Spartans haven’t been great against the run, allowing 130.8 yards per game on the ground this season. I see no reason why they can stop Kaleb Johnson from scoring.
RUTGERS -4.5
The Scarlet Knights have the home field and time zone advantage against a UCLA team that’s struggled all season.
Each week during the Iowa football season, Daily Iowan Pregame Editor Matt McGowan and Action Network College Football Editor
Pete Ruden will place three hypothetical bets of $100. The score of the contest will be kept in the piggy banks to the right and left with a winner to be declared at the end of the season.
Ruden’s 2024 record: 7-10-1
YTD: $987
McGowan’s 2024 record: 11-7
Friday | 7 p.m. |
Brad Schultz Assistant Sports Editor
No. 2 Oregon (6-0, 3-0)
Purdue (1-5, 0-3)
Ross-Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN
Purdue is the worst team in the conference, and Oregon is coming off a major win over Ohio State. This game is going to be an absolute bloodbath.
Line: Oregon -28 O/U: 60.5
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Nebraska (5-1, 2-1)
No. 16 Indiana (6-0, 3-0) Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN
Who would’ve thought this is the Big Ten’s marquee game of the week? Not me. The Hoosiers even sold this game out, their first in three years.
Line: Indiana -6.5 O/U: 50.5
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Wisconsin (4-2, 2-1)
Northwestern (3-3, 1-2)
Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium Evanston, IL
This is Northwestern’s final home game at their makeshift lakefront stadium. That’s all you should know about this matchup.
Line: Wisconsin -7.5 O/U: 41.5
Power Rankings Game Guide
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
UCLA (1-5, 0-4)
Rutgers (4-2, 1-2)
SHI Stadium Piscataway, NJ
If you like mediocre offense, then this is the game for you. Enough said.
Saturday | 3 p.m. |
USC (3-3, 1-3) Maryland (3-3, 0-3) SECU Stadium College Park, MD
The Trojans went 7-6 last season with Caleb Williams and are heading for another subpar season this year. And Lincoln Riley is a good coach?
1. Oregon
Welcome to the Big Ten, Ducks.
2. Ohio State
It’ll be fine, but certainly a missed opportunity in Eugene.
Line: Rutgers -4.5 O/U: 40.5
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. |
No. 24 Michigan (4-2, 2-1) No. 22 Illinois (5-1, 2-1) Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL
I’m not sure why Michigan is still ranked or favored here, but the Wolverines will drop out of the top 25 after losing this one.
Line: Michigan -3.5 O/U: 44.5
Line: USC -7 O/U: 56.5
Saturday | 6:30 p.m. |
Iowa (4-2, 2-1) Michigan State (3-3, 1-2) Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI
This is a tough spot on the road, but the Hawks have to win out to have any chance at the playoff. That Iowa State loss still stings.
Line: Iowa -5.5 O/U: 41.5
3. Penn State
Impressive comeback victory in the Coliseum, but I’m still not sold.
4. Indiana
The Hoosiers are one of the best stories in college football.
5. Nebraska
The Huskers are one win away from that elusive bowl game.
6. Illinois
Avoided disaster last weekend against a horrible Purdue team, but this is still a solid squad.
7. Iowa
Nice bounce-back victory over Washington last weekend. The Hawks have a favorable schedule the rest of the way.
8. Michigan
Things will get much worse if the Wolverines can’t find a QB.
9. Wisconsin
Back-to-back blowout wins is nice, but let’s see it play a team with a pulse.
10. Washington
Huskies have talent but need consistency. Great time for a bye.
11. USC
Lincoln Riley’s falloff needs to be studied.
12. Minnesota
Mid team, but I’m loving P.J. Fleck’s new beard.
13. Rutgers
The hype train in Piscataway has now entered the station.
14. Michigan State
It looks to upset Iowa at home fresh off a bye week.
15. Northwestern
Nice road triumph over Maryland. It’s not good, but it will fight.
16. Maryland
This is not a good football team.
17. UCLA
The Bruins are already on to 2025.
18. Purdue
By far the worst team in the Big Ten. It’s time for a coaching change.
One on One: Dayton Howard
The Daily Iowan Pregame Editor Matt McGowan spoke with the Hawkeye wide receiver on Iowa football media day on Aug. 9.
Matt McGowan
Pregame Editor
matt.mcgowan @dailyiowan.com
The Daily Iowan: So Iowa’s receiving room; people are saying there’s some unknowns in there, but what are you seeing from the room so far this year?
Dayton Howard: I’d say it’s probably the best in the last few years, for sure. We’ve got a lot of skill and play styles within the room, you know with height and different speeds and jumping ability. I’d say we’re very versatile.
I’ve heard a lot about [Iowa wide receiver] Jacob Gill. Is there a play from him that stood out to you?
I think the consistency is what turns people’s heads to him, just like the short-yardage situations, really making the play when it needs to be done. That’s where I feel like he shines the most.
Both Tim Lester and your receivers coach Jon Budmayr have talked about the emphasis on bloc king. How have you embraced that?
It’s a part of every offense in the country. You’re going to have to block as a receiver. We’ve definitely improved on that a lot over the last few months.
What is your ideal sandwich?
I’m not a really big sandwich guy, but I mean, I really like a classic ham sandwich. Just some cheese and mayo on there; throw on a little lettuce.
What’s a book or movie that’s left a lasting impression on you?
I recently just watched “Deadpool and Wolverine.” That was a 10-out-of-10 for me. That one was probably my favorite.
You a big superhero guy?
I like Spiderman a lot. But non-superhero related; honestly, an older movie like “Prisoners” or “The Shaw shank Redemption.”
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Definitely to fly. I just want to be able to go anywhere at any time.
What athletes did you look up to growing up?
I never really watched much college football growing up. I was really big on NFL.Odell Beckham Jr. when I was
in middle school, Devante Adams, even Justin Jefferson recently. I really like to play my game after them just because we have similar body types.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Iowa City?
Jethro’s is pretty good. So is Estella’s. Probably those two.
What’s the move at Jethro’s?
I just do boneless chicken with a barbecue rub.
How long could you go without your phone?
I feel like I could go a long time. As long as I’m around people to keep me distracted, I could go a long time.
What’s a talent you have outside of football?
#7 Dayton Howard
Redshirt freshman
Wide receiver
6-foot-4
Kansas City, MO
I can reenact people pretty good. Coaches, players – it depends on who it is, but I usually do pretty good impres -
Who would you say is your best impression?
Probably my roommate, [wide receiver] Alex Mota. I’ve lived with him for over a year now. I know exactly the cues and how he sounds.
Can you do an impression of Kirk Ferentz? Yeah, I can. He’s really just like a wise man mentality.
Who’s the best person on the coaching staff you can impersonate?
Probably [linebackers coach Seth] Wallace. He’s a very loud guy, very vocal guy.
Emma Calabro | The Daily Iowan Iowa running back Jaziun Patterson and Iowa wide receiver Dayton Howard celebrate a touchdown during a football game between Washington and Iowa at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Oct. 12. The Hawkeyes defeated the Huskies, 40-16.
“Any and every child has the capacity to beat the odds, and that is what we always count on: becoming a survivor.”
Dr. David Dickens UIHC Oncologist
On The Line
The Daily Iowan staff share their predictions and thoughts on this week’s upcoming games.
Matt McGowan Pregame Editor 22-14 Colin Votzmeyer Sports Editor 25-11 Asst. Sports Editor 23-13
IOWA
There’s Tim Hortons up in East Lansing, so the drive might be worth it.
TEXAS
The Bulldogs haven’t been smart on the road.
ALABAMA
PSA: the song Colin is referring to blows.
ILLINOIS
The Legends fish sandwhich in Champaign is, well, legendary.
INDIANA
Eric and Daniel, answer Curt Cignetti’s email.
NEW MEXICO
This game is on truTV and has a total of 77.5. Is this an impractical joke?
IOWA
We’re in limbo, folks.
Chris Meglio Pregame Reporter 23-13 AJ Reisetter DITV Sports Director 22-14
IOWA
Iowa has to win this game if it wants to have any chance at the CFP.
TEXAS
The Bulldogs are driving out of CFP contention at very high speeds.
TENNESSEE
Hoping this inspires another Morgan Wallen song.
ILLINOIS
I’ll be there!
TEXAS
Some Georgia player is being charged with a DUI as I’m writing this.
ALABAMA
Ryan Williams will be too much for the Vols.
ILLINOIS
Why is Michigan still ranked?
NEBRASKA
Time to put an end to this nonsense.
UTAH STATE
Only know you love her when you let her go.
IOWA
We really play offense without a quarterback and receivers.
TEXAS
Carson Beck was speeding when he sent his infamous Snapchat.
ALABAMA
’ll never let go of Alabama losing to Vanderbilt.
ILLINOIS
My cousin better rush the field when Illinois wins.
IOWA
KJ is back on Heisman watch.
GEORGIA
No. 1’s are not safe this year.
ALABAMA
Revenge tour upcoming for the Tide.
John Bohnenkamp Sports Writing Coach 21-15 Publisher 25-11
IOWA
Beating Washington was a good bounce-back.
TEXAS
Hopefully Kirby Smart doesn’t shove another opposing QB.
TENNESSEE
Hate picking against the Tide, but here we are.
IOWA Night game at East Lansing? Might as well be an Iowa home game.
TEXAS Texas is officially back.
ALABAMA ‘Bama finally gets its first win of the year in the state of Tennessee.
MICHIGAN Illini are frauds.
MICHIGAN Illini struggled with Purdue, so ...
ILLINOIS
Illini mark the 100th anniversary of Red Grange and its stadium.
INDIANA
Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers continue their Cinderella season.
UTAH STATE
Iowa needs a QB like Spencer Petras. Oh wait.
INDIANA Can’t even believe Indiana is good at a sport.
UTAH STATE Rooting for 127th-year Spencer Petras.
NEBRASKA
Signature win for Dylan Raiola.
UTAH STATE
Spencer Petras flashbacks from 2021.
INDIANA Hoosiers have something going.
UTAH STATE
Spencer Petras keeps throwing.
NEBRASKA
Indiana’s fairytale start could turn really dark really fast.
NEW MEXICO
Fans are clamoring for the backup QB at Utah State.
