Instant Reaction: Iowa vs. Purdue

Hawkeyes' offense is sluggish, but it's enough to win

Jeffrey Becker/USA Today Sports

Most of the points, again, came from the kicker.

That was enough for Iowa to snap a two-game losing streak.

The Hawkeyes' offense was sluggish throughout the day, but moved the ball just enough for a 26-20 win over Purdue on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium.

Iowa had problems running the ball, but the Hawkeyes did a better job of protecting quarterback Nate Stanley, who was only sacked once. Stanley threw for 260 yards, but had one interception.

The Hawkeyes topped the 100-yard mark in rushing yards, but it needed two Mekhi Sargent runs of 35 yards, the last one for a touchdown, in the fourth quarter.

Keith Duncan tied a career high with four field goals. Iowa's lone touchdown came on Tyler Goodson's 1-yard leap, the first touchdown of his career.

Brandon Smith had nine catches for 106 yards, but the Iowa wide receiver had to be helped from the field after injuring his right leg in the fourth quarter.

Iowa's defense finally forced turnovers. Geno Stone forced a fumble, and cornerback Riley Moss had an interception.

The Hawkeyes can still win the Big Ten West Division, but they have to run the table and get a little help. This victory wasn't perfect, and it had its ugly moments, but it's one Iowa will take.