WATCH: Iowa uses blocked punt, pair of turnovers to lead at halftime over Iowa State 7-3

The Iowa Hawkeyes are hosting the Iowa State Cyclones for the first time since 2018. After one half, it’s the Hawkeyes that are getting the better of it. Iowa leads Iowa State at recess, 7-3.

As you might have guessed, it’s been driven by defense and special teams. At halftime, the Hawkeyes have just 86 yards of total offense. Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras completed 5-of-11 passes for 33 yards. He also had a third-and-8 pass intercepted after it was deflected off intended target Alec Wick’s hands.

Leshon Williams finished the first half with 11 carries for 36 rushing yards to lead Iowa in that department. Meanwhile, in the receiving category, Iowa’s five completions went to its two tight ends in Sam LaPorta and Luke Lachey. LaPorta finished with three grabs for 19 yards while Lachey had a pair for 14 yards.

After a John Waggoner sack of Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers on the Cyclones’ first drive, Iowa electrified the crowd with this blocked punt.

Lukas Van Ness blocked it and Reggie Bracy scooped it up to set the Hawks up with their first possession of the day at the Iowa State 16-yard line. Then, finally, Iowa delivered its first offensive touchdown of the season with a 9-yard touchdown trot from running back Leshon Williams.

Later on in the first half after a Petras fumble on a sack, Iowa State drove it all the way down to the Hawkeyes’ 1-yard line. Then, a terrific defensive play saved Iowa from surrendering points.

Last but not least, Iowa had one more turnover to preserve their first-half lead. Cooper DeJean picked off this Dekkers pass following Petras’ interception in the closing two minutes.

The Hawkeyes need to find a way to get their offense going, but it’s nice to see the special teams and defense once again delivering for Iowa to keep Iowa in front.

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Story originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire