Iowa College Football Preview 2021: Offense
– The Iowa offense wasn’t bad, but there’s a whole lot of room for improvement. It didn’t move the chains all that easily, was awful on third downs, and wasn’t nearly efficient enough throwing the ball, but it was No. 1 in the Big Ten in the red zone, took advantage of every opportunity, and it scored a whole lot of points. Now it’s time to be more explosive.– Spencer Petras has the arm. The 6-5, 231-pound junior quarterback has no problems pushing the ball down the field. However, he’s got to be more accurate and has to come up with more big plays for a passing game that hit just 57% of its throws with nine touchdowns in eight games.
Leading wide receivers Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Brandon Smith are gone, but TE Sam LaPorta is a good one and veteran Nico Ragaini is a decent receiver to start with. However, new big play targets have to emerge fast.
– It’s Iowa, so the offensive line is going to be solid. However, just two starters are expected to be back – starting with junior Tyler Linderbaum at center – with a whole lot of shuffling being done to get the right starting five in place. This isn’t a massive group, but again, it’s Iowa – the O line will be fine.
Best Iowa Offensive Player
RB Tyler Goodson, Jr.Good as a freshman, the 5-10 200-pound Goodson ran for 638 yards and five scores as part of a good rotation, and last year the All-Big Ten back took over to make the running game more of his job with a team-high 762 yards and seven scores. A decent receiver with excellent quickness, he caught 39 passes for 318 yards in his first two years.
2. C Tyler Linderbaum, Jr.
3. QB Spencer Petras, Jr.
4. OT Cody Ince, Jr.
5. TE Sam LaPorta, Jr.
This junior class will have a lot to say about Iowa Football 2021.
