Iowa’s average starting field position was their own 42-yard line. Iowa State’s was the 20-yard line. From the beginning of the game, Kirk Ferentz made a point to value field position over tempo, and it worked. Iowa State forced three-and-outs, but Tory Taylor was able to pin every punt inside the 10. Iowa was forcing three-and-outs, but Corey Dunn only averaged 42.7 yards per punt, giving Iowa a significant advantage.
Not to mention Tarique Milton’s disastrous punt return where he should’ve fair caught the ball around the 50-yard line. Instead, he let it bounce, and Iowa State started at the 25.