Iowa at Northwestern, since 1995-1997, this series has become a very competitive one. The visiting team has won five of the last six played in the series.
“You try to forge ahead,” Ferentz said. “I guess if there’s any good thing here, we have plenty of experience. You can go back historically and look at a lot of our seasons. Can’t think of many that didn’t have bumps and adversity along the way.
“Really all you got to do is look at the last three years. We lost three in a row three years ago; we lost two in a row the last two years, and things turned out (all right). I think everybody was fairly happy at the end of the season. At least internally we all felt pretty good about our team and the way we did things.”
The stat shows how important it may be on Saturday night to get some separation. Much like the Week 2 game at Iowa State.
It feels like it has been forever, since Iowa was in the Top 5 in the land and making positive vibes around the College Football world.
Gary Dolphin suggested Iowa almost got back into the game at Wisconsin in the second half, down 20-7 and driving, on Wednesday during Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz.
Scott Dochterman shared on Monday:
It was a strategic decision made during the week.
“Absolutely, we’re not that bad,” Kirk Ferentz said. “I mean, it was the first play the game, right? We thought it was a good effective way.”
In the first quarter, Iowa didn’t line up with multiple tight ends on any snaps and only five in the second. In the third quarter, Iowa ran 11 of 16 plays with at least two tight ends in the game and scored its only touchdown in a 27-7 loss.
The Hawkeyes still rank among the nation’s top 10 in every relevant defensive category, and their special teams unit is as good as any team nationally. But the offense cannot continue down this path and still keep a critical mass of fans positive and engaged. It’s doubly difficult for Kirk Ferentz because legitimate criticism of his offensive coordinator comes with an extra layer of emotion.
After seven consecutive weeks in the top 10, including one week at No. 2, Iowa’s offense could cost it a Big Ten championship game appearance.
Tyler Linderbaum has suggested the offensive line is close. It would be a good time for the Hawkeyes to have another breakout game.
“Things are going to start clicking. We’re in a lull right now,’’ Linderbaum said. “I have all the confidence in our staff and players. We’re going to push through this and be fine.’’
Iowa clearly needs to press on. They will need to move forward in all four phases of the game.
- Play-calling, especially Brian Ferentz on offense
- Special teams needs to step up (missed out on a fast start pinning the Badgers inside the 5 last week)
- Defense needs to get to the QB, get some pressure behind the line of scrimmage
- Offense needs to manage the sticks, avoid negative plays and move the chains again
In Week 4, that drive before Halftime was huge!
Hawks need to get explosive at times.
- Field position and three turnovers put Iowa in a 20-0 hole at Wisconsin
- Iowa needs to win the field position,
- Turnover game
- Win the battle of explosive plays
- Establish a running game
- As Kirk Ferentz shared, you want to be balanced.
Time for another win over Northwestern. This isn't a real good Wildcat team. But, both teams are young. Can Iowa stay in the hunt for a shot at Indianapolis?
They can't afford anymore losses in November and will need some help. Let's go Rutgers!
I can't take the opponents. Time for Iowa's 7th win of 2021.
- Hawkeyes 26
- Wildcats 14
Evanston, like College Park, hopefully brings on some Black & Gold magic at night near the Lake. On Iowa.
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