Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi’s slow starts continued in the first quarter against Michigan. The second-year starter sailed a pass to Paul Chaney on the game’s second play, and Michigan’s Donovan Warren returned his interception for a touchdown.
It was unclear whether Stanzi badly missed his target, or the receiver ran an incorrect route. Regardless, it was Stanzi’s third pick-six in as many home games.
Freshman Brandon Wegher, who made his debut on kick returns against the Wolverines, returned the ensuing kickoff to the Iowa 43 yard line.
From there, the Hawkeyes staged a nine-play, 57-yard drive, which was capped off by a 34-yard Tony Moeaki touchdown down the seam from Stanzi. It appeared that Stanzi changed the play before the snap.
On the second play of Michigan’s drive, a holding penalty on Stephen Schilling put the Wolverines in a 3rd-and-long situation. Iowa linebacker Jeremiah Hunter intercepted true freshman QB Tate Forcier on 3rd and 10.
Daniel Murray’s 29-yard field goal put the Hawkeyes up 10-7.
Michigan running back Brandon Minor easily found holes in the Iowa defense on the next drive. On 4th and 4, it was Forcier’s legs that got the Wolverines a key first down. Three plays later, Minor scored a touchdown on a three-yard run with 1:12 remaining in the quarter.
Michigan 14, Iowa 10.
— by Scott Miller
