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Here’s everything Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said at his weekly press conference
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Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon to discuss his team’s 0-2 start and the Hawkeyes’ upcoming game vs. Michigan State.
Right off the top, Ferentz acknowledged that they just have to play better to come away with a win. Iowa has lost its first two games by a combined five points to Purdue and Northwestern.
🗣️ Head coach Kirk Ferentz:
"As it stands right now we're an 0-2 football team. That doesn't feel good. Why would it? There's a lot of football left. All of us realize we can play better." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) November 3, 2020
Ferentz added that the coaching staff is trying to get the players to focus on “the remaining 80 percent” of the schedule.
KF says they have told players to focus on the remaining 80 percent of their schedule.
— Jeff Johnson (@jeje66) November 3, 2020
Ferentz also said he’s not worried about the season slipping away despite the 0-2 start. He referenced 2008 when the Hawkeyes lost their first three Big Ten games of the season. That team ended up winning six of its final seven contests, including a victory over South Carolina in the Outback Bowl.
"Could slide in any year … We were 3-0 in '08, but pretty soon we were 3-3 and 0-3 in the conference. Didn't feel real good … But that year ended up being one of the more enjoyable years I've had. All about our leadership." KF on worrying if this season could get away.
— Jeff Johnson (@jeje66) November 3, 2020
There’s also the matter of receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who was arrested shortly after Iowa’s loss to Northwestern last weekend. Ferentz called it an “uncharacteristic” mistake by Smith-Marsette, who is suspended for this week’s game.
However, Smith-Marsette has been practicing with the scout team this week and it’s possible he’ll be back for Iowa’s Week 4 clash with Minnesota.
Ferentz called Ihmir Smith-Marsette’s arrest disappointing. Said it was a very uncharacteristic decision on his part.
— Daily Iowan Pregame (@dipregame) November 3, 2020
KF said Ihmir Smith-Marsette will practice all week on the scout team. Anticipates ISM handling university protocol well, which, if you read between the lines, probably be back for next week's game against Minnesota.
— Jeff Johnson (@jeje66) November 3, 2020
Ferentz also touched on COVID-19 protocols, the emergence of Daviyon Nixon and a few other topics:
"My phone, when it pings, and I get something from my trainer, I don't look forward to those. We all know it's day to day … It's very real, it's not going away … We all have to keep living, but we have to be smart." KF on playing in an environment where there is COVID spike.
— Jeff Johnson (@jeje66) November 3, 2020
🗣️ KF on Daviyon Nixon's growth:
"Football is all about growth and development. He's certainly grown. He's practiced well. He clearly has worked his way into a starting role where he's impacting the defense in a positive way. Same thing off the field." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) November 3, 2020
KF said offensive lineman Nick DeJong was COVID quarantined "about 45 days" this summer. Says he has a chance to be a good player.
— Jeff Johnson (@jeje66) November 3, 2020
Tyrone Tracy and Charlie Jones in line for way more snaps this week, according to Kirk, with ISM out. The hope is to go with same starting lineup in offensive line.
— Jeff Johnson (@jeje66) November 3, 2020
🗣️ KF: "Our guys have been great. They were great on the field yesterday morning. I have no reason to think they're not going to keep pushing forward. We have good players and good people. I'm seeing a lot more good than negatives." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) November 3, 2020
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.