The Hawkeyes won their second consecutive game to open the 2002 season with a 29-24 victory at Miami (OH). Iowa's victory improved the Hawkeyes' all time record against current MAC opponents to 11-1. Iowa had 444 yards of total offense, 256 of which came through the air. Defensively, Iowa recorded four sacks and an interception and held Miami to 14 rushing yards on 17 carries.
Junior RB Fred Russell paced the Hawkeyes on the ground for the second straight week. Russell finished with 152 yards on 32 carries and a touchdown. Senior QB Brad Banks had his best game statistically; completing 18-27 passes for 256 yards and a score. Junior receiver Maurice Brown led the Hawkeye receiving corps, catching five passes for 115 yards.
The Iowa secondary was tested in the second game of the 2002 season. Miami (OH) QB Ben Roethlisberger attempted 51 passes. The Hawkeye defense was led by redshirt freshman DB Antwaan Allen who registered nine solo tackles, including one sack for a four yard loss. Junior SS Bob Sanders also added nine tackles (seven solo and two assists) while senior DB D.J. Johnson collected seven tackles (five solo and two assists).