IOWA CITY, Iowa — Kaleb Johnson rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns as Iowa defeated Washington 40-16 on Saturday, giving coach Kirk Ferentz his 200th victory at Iowa.
Ferentz became sole owner of second place on the Big Ten's all-time wins list, five behind Ohio State's Woody Hayes.
That's a number Ferentz said he hadn't thought about.
“The honest answer is that I was really more focused on getting four (wins in the season),” Ferentz said. “I didn't want to play in the 3-3 position. This is how it works in the season. Everything happens from week to week.”
Johnson said that's why he appreciates his coach.
“He just focuses on us,” Johnson said. “He's not concerned about the outside world, he blocks out the outside noise and just focuses on us.”
Johnson made sure to hug Ferentz as time ran out.
“I really appreciate him giving me a chance to show my skills every week,” Johnson said. “That's why I hugged him – because he believed in me.”
“He has everything that is great about college football,” Washington coach Jedd Fisch said of Ferentz.
Johnson, a junior who entered the game with the nation's second-most rushing yards per game and third-most rushing yards, had a 6-yard touchdown in the first quarter to open the scoring for the Hawkeyes (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten). He caught an 18-yard pass from Cade McNamara in the third quarter and then scored on an 8-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
“I think year three is when guys start to gain traction,” Ferentz said. “He has done some really good things over the last two years, but the most important thing is his consistency, not only what you see in the game, but also the way he practices. He did a really good job.”
Johnson, who has 956 rushing yards this season, also has 12 rushing touchdowns, moving closer to his goal.
“I wanted 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns,” Johnson said. “Almost there.”
“I think the biggest thing about this season is he's getting better every day,” Iowa State offensive lineman Mason Richman said.
McNamara also threw a 33-yard pass to Dayton Howard in the fourth quarter, and Drew Stevens added four field goals for the Hawkeyes.
Washington (4-3, 2-2) got a 5-yard pass from Will Rogers III to Denzel Boston to tie the game at 7 in the first quarter, then got a 35-yard field goal from Grady 29 seconds before halftime Gross' ego. . However, the Huskies were sidelined for most of the second half and were stopped three times, ranking fourth at the half as they tried to rally.
“We had plenty of opportunities to make this game a different score at halftime and start the third quarter,” Fisch said. “We didn't take advantage of any of those opportunities.”
Washington backup quarterback Demond Williams Jr. threw a 2-yard pass to Rashid Williams late in the fourth quarter to close the scoring.
Since joining the Big Ten, the Huskies have made a second trip across multiple time zones.
“I think it worried us a little bit,” Fisch said.
The Huskies defeated the Hawkeyes 393-328.
BIG PICTURE
Washington: The Huskies, playing in two time zones from home, saw no adverse effects after their morning start. They started the game with two 14-play drives, although only one resulted in points. Johnson, however, was too difficult for the defense to tackle. Washington also suffered after two turnovers that resulted in Iowa field goals.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes, playing their first home game in almost a month, bounced back from last week's 35-7 loss to Ohio State. A blocked field goal by Yahya Black and an interception by Jermari Harris deep in Iowa territory helped stop two potential Huskies drives, and Aaron Graves forced a fumble that led to Stevens' first field goal.
NEXT
Washington: at Indiana, October 26
Iowa: next Saturday at Michigan State.
