Early Miscues — Amari Spievey’s fumble on Iowa’s return — proved extremely advantageous for the Indiana Hoosier in the first half as they led 21-7. After Stanzi connected with Marvin McNutt, Tony Moeaki and Trey Stross for short passes in the opening drive, another Hawkeye blunder stalled Iowa. Stanzi intended to hit wideout Derrell Johnson-Koulianos along the left side but was picked off by Hoosier Austin Thomas. In Iowa’s next offensive drive, Stanzi’s pass was again intercepted, this time by Donnell Jones at the Iowa 26.
Tyler Sash, Iowa’s leader in interceptions with five, wasn’t going to allow Indiana all the fun this Halloween. After Iowa d-lineman Christian Ballard got a touch on Hoosier quarterback Ben Chappell’s throw, the ball was deflected right into Sash’s hands. Sash ran back for an 86-yard touchdown, as the Hawkeyes still trail Indiana 21-14.
Indiana reached the end zone its following drive put the catch was waved off after Hoosier Terrance Turner grab was ruled incomplete; his knee first hit the ground out of bounds.
Stanzi’s offense struggle continued as he was picked off for a third time this quarter. Indiana’s Matt Mayberry picked Stanzi’s pass after wide receiver Keenan Davis ran into the referee during his route, giving Mayberry ample room for an interception.
After failing to get points on the scoreboard, Indiana kicker Nick Freeland’s 37 yard field goal was good for three points, pointing the Hoosiers up ten points on the Hawkeyes.
For the fourth time this quarter, Stanzi threw an interception. Colin Taylor nabbed his second interception of the game to close the quarter.
— By Amie Kiehn
