Iowa Football: Hawkeyes Three Stars of the Week

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A look at the three stars for the Iowa Hawkeyes over the past week

Even in a loss there are positives. Maybe they’re not as glaring as they are in wins, but the Iowa Hawkeyes still had key players step up and learned more about their team. Even though they lost in heartbreaking fashion, they did hold North Dakota State to just seven points in the first half and under 25 points in the game.

The Hawkeyes also had a couple of big plays on offense that could have sparked them and given them momentum. While the game might be remembered as the one the Hawkeyes blew, they had their chances to gain the momentum multiple times.

There is nothing more that Iowa wants than to forget about this past weekend and set their eyes on Rutgers this upcoming week. They’ll be on a mission the rest of the season to prove to the nation that they’re the real deal and not a pretender in the Big Ten.

Before looking ahead to next week, though, here’s a look at the Hawkeyes three stars from their loss to North Dakota State. There weren’t as many options as in the first two weeks, however, like previously mentioned, not everyone on Iowa struggled. There were some bright spots in an otherwise very disappointing game.

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Josey Jewell

11 Tackles, 1 Pass Deflection

Josey Jewell led the Hawkeyes in tackles last season as a sophomore. He racked up 126 total tackles and is in good shape to lead the team in the category in 2016, as well. Despite being ejected early in the Hawkeyes’ season opener, Jewell has bounced back strong and looked in mid-season form against the Bison.

He recorded a team-high 11 tackles on the night, as well as a pass deflection. It’s the first time Jewell recorded double-digit tackles in a game this season, and is a good sign considering how tough the Bison’s offensive line proved to be all night.

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As strong of a run game as the Bison had in the fourth quarter, the Hawkeyes did a good job containing them in the second quarter. The Hawkeyes didn’t allow an offensive touchdown in the first half, and a big reason was because of the outstanding play from their linebacker core. In fact, the Hawkeyes forced four punts in the second quarter.

Jewell never got to the quarterback on the stat sheet, however he had a couple of big hits on Easton Stick. It’s no secret that Jewell is one of the hardest hitting linebackers in the Big Ten, therefore being able to deliver a nice pass with Jewell quickly coming at him speaks volume for Stick’s composure on Saturday.

Jewell was all over the field and did a great job helping contain King Frazier and Lance Dunn in the first half. Even though the lasting memory is Frazier running over the Hawkeyes’ defense, Josey Jewell played a key role in the first half when the Hawkeyes defense gave them a chance to put the game out of reach early.

Jewell will once again be a captain against Rutgers. A dominating performance is expected every week from the junior linebacker, however he showed why there is so much hype surrounding him by being one of the lone bright spots on defense in week three.

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Ben Niemann

11 Tackles, 1 Pass Deflection

After praising Josey Jewell for his work on Saturday, it’s only right to give credit to the Hawkeyes other junior linebacker, Ben Niemann. He came into the game with 12 tackles through Iowa’s first two games, however he nearly doubled his season total in tackles in one week.

Niemann topped his previous career-high nine tackles that he recorded in week one against Miami (OH). He has already recorded 23 tackles on the season after only recording 45 a season ago over 14 games in an injury-riddled season.

Niemann and Bo Bower have given the Hawkeyes reliable linebackers alongside Jewell in 2016. Plus, all three linebackers recorded 11 tackles against North Dakota State, tying for a team-high. It’s a testament to the depth the Hawkeyes have at the position and how well they played on Saturday.

After recording a very impressive interception at the end of the third quarter against Iowa State, Ben Niemann continues to prove that the injuries are behind him. Besides, Niemann also leads the team in tackles so far this year, quickly becoming considered one of the better linebackers in the Big Ten.

Niemann will have even more motivation and inspiration this week against Rutgers. His dad, Jay Niemann, is Rutger’s defensive coordinator. While his dad won’t be scheming against his son, it should still be extra motivation knowing you’re going up against your dad’s team.

Niemann has had a fantastic start to 2016. Just like Jewell, he was all over the field against North Dakota State. The Hawkeyes’ linebacker core was one of the main reasons they kept the Bison in check for as long as they did. With North Dakota State’s offensive line playing so well, it added extra pressure onto the linebackers, and they delivered.

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George Kittle

5 Receptions, 110 Yards

There is no doubt that George Kittle was far from perfect against North Dakota State. He got called for a crucial holding penalty early in the second half, negating a potential 62-yard run by LeShun Daniels Jr. He also fumbled on the end of a 51-yard reception, luckily Jerminic Smith jumped on it.

Still, in a game where the offense seemed to stand still, George Kittle produced big numbers and came up with big plays. If it wasn’t for Matt VandeBerg sliding in front of him in the end zone, Kittle would have also added a nine-yard touchdown reception.

110 yards and his 51-yard reception are both career-highs for Kittle, as well. He got behind the defense multiple times and made the Bison pay. If it wasn’t for a devastating pass rush, Kittle could have had an even bigger game. North Dakota State couldn’t figure out how to stop him and C.J. Beathard found him when the offensive line gave him time.

Not to mention Kittle’s crucial 37-yard reception from Nate Stanley on the play following Beathard leaving the game. In a position where no one thought the Hawkeyes would move the ball on that drive, Kirk Ferentz called a gutsy pass play to Kittle, and Stanley delivered a dime.

While it says a lot about Stanley’s arm and poise in the situation, it also exemplifies the trust Ferentz has in Kittle in big situations. It’s hard not to as he led the team with six touchdown grabs in 2015 as the backup tight end.

After getting shut out against Miami (OH), George Kittle has improved in each of the past two weeks. The Hawkeyes have a long history of sending tight ends to the NFL, and Kittle has a chance to be next if he continues to play like this.

Of course, he needs to work on holding onto the ball, whether it be fumbling or dropped passes. Either way, Iowa needs another threat alongside Matt VandeBerg in the passing game and Kittle is proving to be just that. If his production in the red zone gets back to where it was in 2015, the Hawkeyes could have an even more useful tool at the tight end position.

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