Northern Iowa 16
Iowa 27
Recap: Iowa 27, Northern Iowa 16
Sep 15, 2012
Iowa 27, Northern Iowa 16: Backup walk-on fullback Mark Weisman rushed for a career-high 113 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Hawkeyes over their intrastate rivals for the 15th straight time.
Weisman, who had only two carries the entire season, picked up the slack for another injured Hawkeye running back with 24 carries as Iowa (2-1) rushed for 201 yards. Starting running back Damon Bullock gained 77 yards on 13 carries in the first half before leaving the game with an apparent head injury.
Northern Iowa (1-2), ranked No. 6 in the FCS Coaches poll, took the opening kickoff 83 yards in eight plays to take a 7-0 lead. Weisman had a pair of 1-yard TD runs in the first half, with his second score giving the Hawkeyes a 14-10 lead early in the second quarter.
Leading 17-13 at half, the Hawkeyes struck quickly, taking the opening kickoff in the third quarter 70 yards in only four plays. Weisman capped the drive with a 2-yard run to make it 24-13 and Iowa was in control the rest of the way.James Vandenberg completed 18 of 28 passes for 228 yards. Kevonte Martin-Manley had five catches for 101 yards and a key 51-yard reception to set up Weisman's third-quarter TD run.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Vandenberg, who threw 25 touchdowns passes last year, still has not thrown one in three games this season. ... Hawkeyes kicker Mike Meyer booted a pair of field goals and is now 8-for-9 this season. ... Northern Iowa has lost six straight games against FBS teams, its last win coming in 2007 against Iowa State.
