Iowa fans aren’t happy with OC Brian Ferentz after lethargic 1st half

Iowa is trailing Colorado State at the half after a stunning first 30 minutes at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Hawkeyes were favored by more than three touchdowns vs. the Rams, but struggled to move the ball before the break. The result? A 14-7 halftime deficit.

Colorado State had advantageous field position for both of its scores. The first came after Iowa’s offense went 3-and-out near its own end zone and the ensuing punt made it to just the 35-yard line. The Rams’ second score came on the heels of a 56-yard interception return.

Iowa fans are blaming the performance on offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz. The Hawkeyes gained 179 total yards in the first half, but 92 of those yards came on just two plays.

The Hawkeyes went just 2-of-5 on third down, which is a major difference in the game so far. Colorado State went 9-of-13 on third down in the first half.

Spencer Petras finished the half 7-of-10 for 11 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Running back Tyler Goodson carried the ball 8 times for 41 yards.

Here’s some of the reaction to Ferentz’s offense in the first half:

Last week was Brian Ferentz's worst game as a playcaller. Until today. I know Kirk is conservative but this is embarrassingly awful today.

— Steve Brandenburg (@FLTitan67) September 25, 2021

Brian Ferentz needs to figure his crap out. Awful for 90% of the half

— Sam (@sammmidd) September 25, 2021

https://twitter.com/parlay_buster/status/1441870686428049410

Brian Ferentz will forever be the root of Iowa’s lack of success and I won’t ever forgive Kirk for that.

— . (@fakexavierrr) September 25, 2021

Someone find out what Spencer Petras has on Brian Ferentz. Have to know why this guy still plays.

— Dan Linden (@LindenDan) September 25, 2021

Brian Ferentz (after seeing Goodson run the ball for 30 yards):

“Alright, let’s not run any plays with him for 2 drives”

— Joel Thiessen (@JoelRocks97) September 25, 2021

Remember when Kirk Ferentz said the offense had its best practice of the season this week?

— Matthew Bain (@MatthewBain_) September 25, 2021

Brian Ferentz = bad

— Sticky Ricky Stanzi (@ricky_bahd) September 25, 2021

https://twitter.com/derekbredeson/status/1441869215242362882

Without the Iowa defense scoring I’m not sure a Brian Ferentz / Petras offense can score 8 points in a half. Iowa is in big trouble.

— Mitch Seifert (@seifertm) September 25, 2021

https://twitter.com/JoshWastyn22/status/1441871805338185735

Brian Ferentz 🤡🤡🤡🤡

— Ripp (@Ripp8907) September 25, 2021

Brian Ferentz saw one successful deep pass and thought that was enough for the day

— Joel Thiessen (@JoelRocks97) September 25, 2021

https://twitter.com/SamStalkfleet/status/1441869196116180994

Spenser Davis

Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.