The West Coast curse is broken as Kamari Moulton runs with a vengeance, and Tim Lester finds the keys to getting Iowa’s run game going while the passing game finds its rhythm against Washington. A first half offensive explosion and a convincing 41-24 victory pushed Iowa to 5-1 for the first time since 2023, keeping the Hawkeyes squarely in the hunt for a historic CFP bid.
The Hawkeyes’ 5-1 start is even more impressive considering their Big Ten conference play began with a brutal stretch: squaring off against Michigan at the Big House, hosting Ohio State, and then flying out to Washington. Few, if any, had predicted that Iowa could go through this three-game gauntlet and emerge at 5-1. Iowa was ranked No. 20 heading into this game and should climb higher depending on how Saturday’s games turn out.
Jeremy Hecklinski got his first career start as a college quarterback and looked the part, playing with the poise of someone who had been there before. Just as he did in the fourth quarter against Ohio State, “Heck” was decisive on his reads and got the ball out quickly. His quick release proved crucial, finding open receivers and creative play calling to find DJ Vonnahme wide open for two touchdowns in the first half, and Reece Vander Zee in the third.
Consistent success in the passing game kept Washington from overloading the box earlier in the game, forcing them to stay in a standard four-man front. The Hawkeyes took full advantage, leaning on classic power football with Moulton taking the lead to rush for a career high 208 yards. His physical running was complemented by a passing game that finished the day at 202 yards. Kamari accounted for two crucial touchdowns.
The defense brought their game as well, keeping Washington’s dual-threat quarterback Demond Williams Jr. in check. Quarterback sacks had been a weakness of Washington heading into this game. Cam Buffington, Jayden Montgomery, Preston Ries, and Bryce Hawthorne all contributed for six sacks, putting steady pressure on Williams and forcing him to scramble and hurry his throws. After Williams was injured and left the game near the end of the second quarter, Elijah Brown took over, passing for 251 yards, but by then the damage was done.
Savor this one, Hawkeye fans, as we head into a bye week. It has been some years since we have been able to enjoy a solid start like this, especially against strong competition like Iowa has faced thus far. The second half of the season looks to be tougher than expected before the season began, but Iowa has a reputation for gaining momentum as October moves into November.
When it was first announced that four teams from the Pac-12 would join the Big Ten my immediate thought was that this could be an opportunity to take in some regular season games on the west coast and turn them into a mini-bowl game vacation, taking in the sights and soaking in some warmer fall venues. A couple good friends of mine did just that this week, and apparently thousands of other Hawkeye fans did as well. From relaxing in a cabin at Orcas Island and inhaling the sweet smell of pine trees to whale watching tours, it was a pleasant change from a bowl game in Florida hosted in the backyard of an SEC opponent.
Husky Stadium is located directly on Lake Washington, nestled right on the shores of Union Bay and the Montlake Cut. This unique waterfront layout allows fans to participate in “sailgating”, Seattle’s signature tradition of tailgating by boat right next to the sports complex. The sailgaiting tours started selling out a couple of months in advance as there were so many Iowa fans that attended the game. If today’s outcome is any indication, this may be an opportunity to flip the script and turn the West Coast Curse into Kinnick West.
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