2017 Iowa Hawkeyes football team explained

Mode:	football
Year:	2017
Team:	Iowa Hawkeyes
Conference:	Big Ten Conference
Division:	West Division
Short Conf:	Big Ten
Record:	8–5
Conf Record:	4–5
Head Coach:	Kirk Ferentz
Hc Year:	19th
Off Coach:	Brian Ferentz
Oc Year:	1st
Def Coach:	Phil Parker
Dc Year:	6th
Off Scheme:	Multiple
Def Scheme:	4–3
Stadium:	Kinnick Stadium
Champion:	Pinstripe Bowl champion
Bowl:	Pinstripe Bowl
Bowl Result:	W 27–20 vs. Boston College

The 2017 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Hawkeyes, led by 19th-year head coach Kirk Ferentz, were members of the West Division of the Big Ten Conference and played their home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. They finished the season 8–5, 4–5 in Big Ten play to finish in a tie for third place in the West Division. They received an invite to the Pinstripe Bowl where they defeated Boston College.

The Iowa football program was awarded Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award for the Kinnick Wave, a new tradition that began during the season, where, at the end of the first quarter of every home game everyone in the stadium turned and waved to the young patients watching from the Stead Family Children's Hospital, which overlooks Kinnick Stadium.^[1] This season marked the first time since 1980 that the Tigerhawk logo was displayed at midfield in Kinnick Stadium.^{[2] [3]}

Offseason

Recruiting

Position key

Back	B		Center	C		Cornerback	CB		Defensive back	DB
Defensive end	DE		Defensive lineman	DL		Defensive tackle	DT		End	E
Fullback	FB		Guard	G		Halfback	HB		Kicker	K
Kickoff returner	KR		Offensive tackle	OT		Offensive lineman	OL		Linebacker	LB
Long snapper	LS		Punter	P		Punt returner	PR		Quarterback	QB
Running back	RB		Safety	S		Tight end	TE		Wide receiver	WR

2017 commitments

The Hawkeyes signed a total of 22 recruits.

Schedule

Iowa announced its 2017 football schedule on July 11, 2013. The 2017 schedule consisted of seven home and five away games in the regular season. The Hawkeyes hosted Big Ten foes Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State, and Purdue, and traveled to Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, and Wisconsin.^[4]

The team hosted two non–conference games against the Wyoming Cowboys from the Mountain West Conference and the North Texas Mean Green from Conference USA. Sandwiched between those matchups was a trip to Ames for the annual Cy-Hawk rivalry game against the Iowa State Cyclones from the Big 12 Conference.

Source: ^{[5] [6]}

Game summaries

Wyoming

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Wyoming Cowboys football team. Iowa opened up the 2017 football season against the Wyoming Cowboys and highly rated Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen. The Hawkeyes got off to a slow start, but after Wyoming punter Tim Zaleski missed the ball on the attempted punt, the Hawkeyes took a 14–3 lead at the half. Iowa built on the momentum with a 45-yard pass from first-year starter Nate Stanley to wide receiver Nick Easley. Iowa wins the season opener 24–3. Iowa's defense impressed many, holding Josh Allen to only 174 yards and 17 incompletions, and a quarterback rating of 24.9. Iowa defense also picked off Allen twice.

This game marked the debut of the "Kinnick Wave", a new Iowa football tradition in which fans turn toward the children's hospital that overlooks the playing field at the end of the first quarter and wave to patients and their families watching the game from the hospital.^{[7] [8] [9] [10] [11]}

Statistics	WYO	IOWA
First downs	15	16
Total yards	233	263
Rushing yards	59	138
Passing yards	174	125
Turnovers	2	4
Time of possession	31:06	28:54

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Wyoming	Passing		23/40, 174 yards, 2 INT
Rushing	Milo Hall	9 carries, 30 yards
Receiving	Austin Conway	7 receptions, 47 yards
Iowa	Passing		8/15, 125 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing		24 carries, 116 yards
Receiving		4 receptions, 77 yards, TD

At Iowa State

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Iowa State Cyclones football team and Iowa–Iowa State football rivalry. Iowa's first rivalry game of the year was the Cy-Hawk series against Big 12 foe Iowa State fresh off a 42–3 beatdown in Iowa City the past year. ISU's 2nd year coach Matt Campbell referred to Iowa as the "team out east" in pregame preparations. This game had a relatively slow beginning and Iowa appeared to be in control well into the third quarter. However, Iowa State's offense exploded and put up 28 points in the second half. The game ultimately went to OT and the "team out east" prevailed with a Nate Stanley touchdown pass.

^{[12] [13]}

Statistics	IOWA	IOWA ST
First downs	29	22
Total yards	497	467
Rushing yards	164	120
Passing yards	333	347
Turnovers	0	1
Time of possession	37:07	22:53

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	27/41, 333 yards, 5 TD
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	28 carries, 118 yards, TD
Receiving	Nick Easley	7 receptions, 48 yards, TD
Iowa State	Passing	Jacob Park	25/46, 347 yards, 4 TD, INT
Rushing		20 carries, 112 yards, TD
Receiving		6 receptions, 23 yards, 2 TD

North Texas

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 North Texas Mean Green football team.

After an emotional win from a week prior, Iowa got off to a sluggish start though ultimately pulled away to start out 3–0.

^{[14] [15]}

Statistics	UNT	IOWA
First downs	17	28
Total yards	305	435
Rushing yards	112	238
Passing yards	193	197
Turnovers	1	1
Time of possession	19:15	40:45

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
North Texas	Passing		16/26, 167 yards, INT
Rushing		12 carries, 95 yards, TD
Receiving	Turner Smiley	4 receptions, 74 yards
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	16/27, 197 yards, 2 TD
Rushing	Toren Young	19 carries, 78 yards
Receiving		5 receptions, 37 yards

No. 4 Penn State

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Penn State Nittany Lions football team.

^{[16] [17] [18]}

Statistics	PSU	IOWA
First downs	29	11
Total yards	579	273
Rushing yards	295	82
Passing yards	284	191
Turnovers	2	1
Time of possession	39:39	20:21

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Penn State	Passing		31/44, 284 yards, TD, INT
Rushing		28 carries, 211 yards, TD
Receiving	Saquon Barkley	12 receptions, 94 yards
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	13/22, 191 yards, 2 TD
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	19 carries, 80 yards, TD
Receiving	Akrum Wadley	4 receptions, 75 yards, TD

At Michigan State

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Michigan State Spartans football team.

^[19]

Statistics	IOWA	MSU
First downs	11	19
Total yards	231	300
Rushing yards	19	88
Passing yards	212	212
Turnovers	2	0
Time of possession	26:26	33:34

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	16/31, 197 yards
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	17 carries, 30 yards, TD
Receiving		3 receptions, 46 yards
Michigan State	Passing		18/28, 212 yards, 2 TD
Rushing	Brian Lewerke	12 carries, 42 yards
Receiving	Felton Davis III	9 receptions, 114 yards, 2 TD

Illinois

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Illinois Fighting Illini football team.

Illinois played with Iowa well into the third quarter. The Hawkeyes appeared lethargic but a Brandon Snyder interception sparked an Iowa rally and they dominated the rest of the way.

^[20]

Statistics	ILL	IOWA
First downs	20	20
Total yards	446	441
Rushing yards	200	191
Passing yards	246	250
Turnovers	4	2
Time of possession	31:40	28:20

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Illinois	Passing	Jeff George Jr.	22–45, 246 yards, 3 INT
Rushing	Mike Epstein	7 carries, 83 yards
Receiving	Carmoni Green	4 receptions, 28 yards
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	17–32, 247 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	23 carries, 115 yards, TD
Receiving	Nick Easley	7 receptions, 59 yards, TD

At Northwestern

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Northwestern Wildcats football team.

^[21]

Statistics	IOWA	NW
First downs	14	21
Total yards	312	339
Rushing yards	89	147
Passing yards	223	192
Turnovers	1	0
Time of possession	30:44	29:16

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	19/33, 223 yards, TD, INT
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	26 carries, 90 yards
Receiving	Matt VandeBerg	3 receptions, 90 yards
Northwestern	Passing		21/36, 192 yards
Rushing		25 carries, 93 yards
Receiving	Macan Wilson	5 receptions, 47 yards

Minnesota

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team and Iowa–Minnesota football rivalry.

Iowa won their third in a row in this rivalry contest.

^[22]

Statistics	MINN	IOWA
First downs	15	15
Total yards	281	315
Rushing yards	142	125
Passing yards	139	190
Turnovers	1	2
Time of possession	31:13	28:47

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Minnesota	Passing	Demry Croft	9–29, 139 yards, INT
Rushing		15 carries, 82 yards
Receiving		4 receptions, 92 yards
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	15–27, 190 yards, TD, INT
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	16 carries, 70 yards, TD
Receiving	Noah Fant	3 receptions, 67 yards, TD

No. 6 Ohio State

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Ohio State Buckeyes football team.

Iowa was able to defeat Ohio State for the first time since 2004 in this blowout victory. The Buckeyes played with the Hawkeyes for most of the first half but from there the game belonged to Iowa. It was one of the most impressive wins of the Ferentz era and Nate Stanley's most distinguished to that point as well. Tight ends Noah Fant and T. J. Hockenson combined for 9 receptions, 125 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Defensive back and future NFL player Josh Jackson also had an outstanding game, tying an Iowa school record with three interceptions.

^{[23] [24] [25] [26]}

Statistics	OSU	IOWA
First downs	20	24
Total yards	371	487
Rushing yards	163	243
Passing yards	208	244
Turnovers	4	0
Time of possession	25:09	34:51

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio State	Passing		18/34, 208 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT
Rushing	J. T. Barrett	14 carries, 63 yards
Receiving		5 receptions, 25 yards
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	20/31, 226 yards, 5 TD
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	20 carries, 118 yards
Receiving	T. J. Hockenson	5 receptions, 71 yards, 2 TD

At No. 8 Wisconsin

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Wisconsin Badgers football team and Iowa–Wisconsin football rivalry.

One week after the unexpected domination of Ohio State, the Hawkeye offense struggled terribly in Madison with 66 yards of total offense coming on 50 plays. Josh Jackson continued his torrid run with two interceptions both returned for touchdowns.^{[27] [28] [29]}

Statistics	IOWA	WIS
First downs	5	18
Total yards	66	382
Rushing yards	25	247
Passing yards	41	135
Turnovers	3	4
Time of possession	21:33	38:27

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	8/24, 41 yards, INT
Rushing	James Butler	8 carries, 30 yards
Receiving	Nick Easley	2 receptions, 19 yards
Wisconsin	Passing		11/18, 135 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing		29 carries, 157 yards
Receiving	Danny Davis	4 receptions, 74 yards

Purdue

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Purdue Boilermakers football team.

The Boilermakers spoiled Senior Day in Iowa City by employing an effective tactic from the Jeff Brohm-era against Iowa find a mismatch in the passing game and continue to exploit it. Purdue's Anthony Mahoungou had 7 receptions for 135 yards and 2 TD.^{[30] [31]}

Statistics	PUR	IOWA
First downs	20	17
Total yards	294	258
Rushing yards	65	82
Passing yards	229	176
Turnovers	0	2
Time of possession	26:17	33:43

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Purdue	Passing	Elijah Sindelar	22/37, 229 yards, 3 TD
Rushing		14 carries, 74 yards
Receiving		7 receptions, 135 yards, 2 TD
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	16/33, 176 yards, TD, INT
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	22 carries, 78 yards, TD
Receiving	Nick Easley	5 receptions, 60 yards

At Nebraska

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team and Iowa–Nebraska football rivalry.

Nebraska got out to a fast start and was up 14–7 in the second quarter with Iowa struggling to move the ball. The script completely flipped from that point though as the Hawkeyes scored 49 unanswered points and shut out the Cornhuskers in the second half.

^{[32] [33]}

Statistics	IOWA	NEB
First downs	23	12
Total yards	505	267
Rushing yards	313	67
Passing yards	192	200
Turnovers	0	3
Time of possession	33:09	26:51

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	13/20, 192 yards, 2 TD
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	19 carries, 159 yards, 3 TD
Receiving	Noah Fant	3 receptions, 116 yards, 2 TD
Nebraska	Passing		22/41, 205 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing	Mikale Wilbon	7 carries, 39 yards
Receiving		7 receptions, 74 yards, 2 TD

vs. Boston College (Pinstripe Bowl)

• Source: Box Score

See also: 2017 Boston College Eagles football team.

Iowa was able to end their bowl drought in this contest with Boston College. The Hawkeyes had trouble containing the Eagles' offense but with second half adjustments held them to just a field goal which came with only a few minutes left in the fourth quarter. The victory was bowl win number seven for Kirk Ferentz and tied legendary coach Hayden Fry in career wins with 143.

^{[34] [35]}

Statistics	IOWA	BC
First downs	13	16
Total yards	200	383
Rushing yards	101	175
Passing yards	99	208
Turnovers	0	3
Time of possession	27:25	32:35

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Iowa	Passing	Nate Stanley	8/15, 99 yards, TD
Rushing	Akrum Wadley	22 carries, 88 yards, TD
Receiving	Akrum Wadley	2 receptions, 24 yards
Boston College	Passing	Darius Wade	16/27, 208 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing		32 carries, 157 yards, TD
Receiving		7 receptions, 137 yards, TD

Awards and honors

Weekly Awards

Player	Award	Date Awarded	Ref.
Josey Jewell	Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week	September 4, 2017
Nate Stanley	Big Ten Co-offensive Player of the Week	September 11, 2017
Josey Jewell	Big Ten Co-defensive Player of the Week	September 25, 2017
Josh Jackson	Big Ten Co-defensive Player of the Week	November 6, 2017
Josh Jackson	Big Ten Co-defensive Player of the Week	November 13, 2017
Akrum Wadley	Big Ten Co-offensive Player of the Week	November 27, 2017

Postseason Awards

• Josey Jewell – Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Linebacker of the Year,^[36] Jack Lambert Award,^[37] Unanimous First-team All-American
• Josh Jackson – Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, Jack Tatum Award,^[38] Unanimous First-team All-American

See also: 2017 College Football All-America Team and 2017 All-Big Ten Conference football team.

Players in the 2018 NFL Draft

See also: 2018 NFL draft.

Player	Position	Round	Pick	NFL club	Ref
	C	2	39		^[39]
	CB	2	45
	LB	4	106

Notes and References

1. News: University of Iowa's 'Kinnick Wave' wins Disney Sports Spirit Award The Gazette. The Gazette. January 25, 2018.
2. Web site: Kinnick Stadium Field Design Will Feature Tigerhawk . University of Iowa Athletic Department . June 12, 2017 . September 3, 2017.
3. News: LOOK: Iowa puts logo at midfield of Kinnick Stadium after nearly 40 years without one. CBSSports.com. January 25, 2018. en.
4. Iowa, Big Ten Announce 2016 And 2017 Football Schedules. University of Iowa Department of Athletics. July 11, 2013. January 11, 2017.
5. Web site: 2017 Iowa Hawkeyes Football Schedule. FB Schedules. January 11, 2017.
6. Web site: Football Future Schedules . University of Iowa Department of Athletics . January 11, 2017.
7. Web site: Josh Allen, Wyoming football will be true test for Iowa defense in Week 1 . NCAA. September 1, 2017 . September 2, 2017.
8. Web site: Iowa roughs up Allen, Wyoming 24-3 . Associated Press. September 2, 2017 . September 2, 2017.
9. Web site: Wyoming draft darling Josh Allen stymied in first tough test . ESPN. September 2, 2017 . September 2, 2017.
10. Web site: Big Ten Football Players of the Week . . September 4, 2017 . September 4, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170904204304/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090417aab.html . September 4, 2017 . dead .
11. Web site: Josey Jewell named Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week . Des Moines Register. September 3, 2017 . September 4, 2017.
12. Web site: Stanley, Hawkeyes rally to stun Iowa State 44-41 (OT) . Associated Press. September 9, 2017 . September 9, 2017.
13. Web site: Big Ten Football Players of the Week . . September 11, 2017 . September 11, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170911211610/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091117aab.html . September 11, 2017 . dead .
14. Web site: Iowa overwhelms North Texas 31-14, off to a 3-0 season start . Associated Press. September 16, 2017 . September 17, 2017.
15. Web site: WATCH: Iowa's new tradition – saluting the Children's Hospital . Associated Press. September 16, 2017 . September 17, 2017.
16. Web site: No. 4 Penn State beats Iowa 21-19 with TD on final play . Associated Press. September 24, 2017 . September 24, 2017.
17. Web site: Big Ten Football Players of the Week . . September 25, 2017 . September 25, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170925230750/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092517aab.html . September 25, 2017 . dead .
18. Web site: The top games of the 2017 college football season . ESPN. December 13, 2017 . December 31, 2017.
19. Web site: Fast start lifts Michigan State to 17-10 win over Iowa . Associated Press. September 30, 2017 . September 30, 2017.
20. Web site: Stanley, Hawkeyes roll past Illinois 45-16 . Associated Press. October 7, 2017 . October 7, 2017.
21. Web site: Thorson 1-yard run gives Northwestern 17-10 OT win over Iowa . Associated Press. October 21, 2017 . October 21, 2017.
22. Web site: Stanley, Jewell combine to lead Iowa past Minnesota, 17-10 . Associated Press. October 28, 2017 . October 29, 2017.
23. Web site: No. 3 Ohio State looks to keep winning streak going at Iowa . Associated Press. November 2, 2017 . November 4, 2017.
24. Web site: Stanley, Hawkeyes throttle No. 3 Ohio State 55-24 . Associated Press. November 4, 2017 . November 4, 2017.
25. Web site: Iowa routs Ohio State to squash the Buckeyes' playoff path . ESPN. November 4, 2017 . November 4, 2017.
26. Web site: Big Ten Football Players of the Week . . November 6, 2017 . November 6, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030024/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110617aaa.html . November 7, 2017 . dead .
27. Web site: Iowa's Josh Jackson remains a defensive terror . Associated Press. November 11, 2017 . November 11, 2017.
28. Web site: Defense carries No. 6 Wisconsin past No. 25 Iowa 38-14 . Associated Press. November 11, 2017 . November 11, 2017.
29. Web site: Big Ten Football Players of the Week . . November 13, 2017 . November 13, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222154/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111317aaa.html . November 13, 2017 . dead .
30. Web site: Iowa CB Josh Jackson leading nation with 7 interceptions . Associated Press. November 14, 2017 . November 18, 2017.
31. Web site: Purdue beats Iowa 24-15 for 1st Big 10 road win . Associated Press. November 18, 2017 . November 18, 2017.
32. Web site: Iowa dominates Huskers 56-14 in what may be Riley's sendoff . Associated Press. November 24, 2017 . November 24, 2017.
33. Web site: Big Ten Football Players of the Week . . November 27, 2017 . November 27, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171130173442/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112717aaa.html . November 30, 2017 . dead .
34. Web site: Iowa rallies to beat Boston College 27-20 in Pinstripe Bowl . Associated Press. December 27, 2017 . December 27, 2017.
35. Web site: Tie Fry: Iowa's Ferentz matches mentor atop Iowa wins list . Associated Press. December 27, 2017 . December 27, 2017.
36. Web site: Big Ten Announces Football Individual Award Winners . . November 30, 2017 . November 30, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033359/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113017aaa.html . December 1, 2017 . dead .
37. Web site: Jewell Earns Jack Lambert Award . University of Iowa Athletic Dept. . November 27, 2017. November 30, 2017.
38. Web site: Jackson Honored with Jack Tatum Award . University of Iowa Athletic Dept. . November 27, 2017. November 30, 2017.
39. Web site: pro-football-reference.com. 2018 NFL Draft.