Kaleb Johnson ran for 173 yards and scored twice as Iowa came from behind in the second half to win 38-21 against Troy on Saturday.
This was Johnson’s third straight game with over 100 rushing yards this season. He entered the game ranked third in the nation with 153 yards per game.
“That’s one thing I’ve always had in mind — to be a top-five running back in the nation,” Johnson said. “I’ve got to keep going, keep my head down, keep focusing.”
Johnson has gained 479 yards on 61 carries this season, even though he missed the first half of the season opener against Illinois State due to a team rules violation. Last year, he had 463 yards but missed three games with an injury. He has already matched his single-season high with six touchdowns this year.
“I’ve seen a ton of improvement from him in the last month,” tackle Mason Richman said. “I think he had one of the best camps of anyone on the team. He brings that energy. He’s a big guy, but he’s pretty fast, too.”
“I learned a lot my first two years here,” Johnson said. “I was so used to using my speed on people, because that’s all I was in high school. Now it’s just me knowing people are faster. Now it’s just me using my strength, putting my head down.”
Johnson started the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run on Iowa’s first drive. Later, his 33-yard touchdown run with 12:05 left in the game put the Hawkeyes ahead 31-21.
The Hawkeyes (2-1) managed to pull away from the Trojans (0-3), who got three big scoring plays from receiver Devonte Ross.
Ross gave Troy a 14-10 halftime lead with a 63-yard touchdown catch from Matthew Caldwell and a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown just before halftime.
Ross also caught a 62-yard touchdown pass from Tucker Kilcrease in the third quarter.
Ross ended the game with 219 all-purpose yards.
