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What Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz said at weekly press conference
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Despite an ugly first half, a huge second half propelled Iowa to a big 33-7 win over Northern Illinois to start the year 1-0.
It was a rocky start for the Hawkeyes, who scored just three points in the first two quarters, taking a 3-0 lead into the locker room at halftime. Iowa shook off the rust after the break, however, and outscored the Huskies 30-7 in the final 30 minutes, cruising to a Week 1 win.
Now the Hawkeyes are preparing for a rivalry matchup against Iowa State this weekend. Here’s what Feretz had to say at his weekly press conference:
On the rivalry with Iowa State:
Ferentz: "It's a great rivalry, certainly. One that we're excited to be a part of. … Game means a lot for us."
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) September 4, 2018
Ferentz on 2016 Iowa-ISU game at Kinnick: "That game is so irrelevant when you talk about the series. … It looked like a new team and a new staff. … Ever since then they've played excellent football."
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) September 4, 2018
Ferentz: "We got a first-hand taste of how good he is" on ISU RB David Montgomery.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) September 4, 2018
Ferentz says he's proud to have 12 starters from the state of Iowa
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) September 4, 2018
Ferentz says CyHawk game "is really great for the state. There has been a lot of really good ballgames that have gone right down to the wire."
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) September 4, 2018
On a low-block penalty:
Ferentz says he will call the league about low-block penalty. "It's the dumbest rule in football," he says. Has a very long answer on this question.
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) September 4, 2018
Ferentz not blaming the official. Says the rule is putting "unreasonable" pressure on officials. "It's really frustrating, but it's bureaucracy at its best."
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) September 4, 2018
On individual performance:
Ferentz says IKM is a player that will be monitored all week after ankle injury. Uses the word "dicey."
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) September 4, 2018
Ferentz on Brandon Smith: "I'm not making excuses, but he's really young. He may be playing a little bit ahead of his time. But he gives us what we think is the best option out there."
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) September 4, 2018
Ferentz on Amani Jones: 'He wants to make every play and get to the ball and you can't always do that." Thinks he was trying too hard
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) September 4, 2018
"We're hardly ready to throw him off the boat here," Ferentz adds, on Amani Jones. Thinks he will be in the lineup at some point this year
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) September 4, 2018
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB