It’s now or never for Iowa OC Brian Ferentz. Time to hit the ground running and not look back.

Brian Ferentz’s contract addendum is out there for all to see. Average 25 points per game in 2023 or no renewal. Athletic director Gary Barta means business. … OK, maybe he does … we’ll see.

Jokes aside, the 2023 version of the Hawkeyes’ offense has the potential to fly high. The major reason? Michigan transfer Cade McNamara takes over at QB. At least he eventually will.

Whether McNamara starts Saturday against Utah State remains to be seen. He suffered a soft tissue injury Aug. 13 scrambling away from pressure. He’s progressing well. As of midweek, he was listed as questionable.

The Hawkeyes might be wise to hold him out a week. Deacon Hill can fill in admirably. Kaleb Johnson and the Hawks’ running game should feast on an Aggies unit that ranked 106th in the FBS in total defense in 2022.

Reversing the futility of 2022

Iowa never found its way or its identity offensively last year. Spencer Petras completed just 55.9% of his throws. On 4 occasions, he didn’t reach the century mark in passing yards.

Petras led a unit that showed little good, plenty of bad, and even some ugly. Some of the hideous numbers included:

  • 123rd out of 131 FBS teams in scoring (17.7 ppg)
  • 129th in yards per play
  • 130th in yards per game (251.5)
  • 130th in first downs (13.8)
  • 6 games of 14 points or fewer

It was definitely a season to forget on offense. Yes, the offensive line was banged up. But for the Hawkeyes to rush for just 94.8 yards a game was eye-opening.

Four starters return up front. It’s a unit Kirk Ferentz feels better about. Johnson also has a season under his belt. The sophomore ran for 779 yards and 6 TDs as a freshman. The running game should improve.

Which brings us to the Hawks’ X-factor. McNamara is a proven winner. He led the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff in 2021. He can manage a game, while also making tough throws if called upon.

If Iowa is to reverse its recent trends offensively, it’ll be McNamara leading the charge.

Weapons to use

Take a look around and it’s easy to see McNamara isn’t the only weapon on the offensive side of the ball. He has plenty of toys to work with.

Start with tight end Luke Lachey. A big target at 6-6, 253, Lachey teamed with Sam LaPorta to form a potent 1-2 punch. With LaPorta gone to the NFL, Lachey takes center stage. Look for him to improve on his 28-catch, 398-yard performance from a year ago — especially with McNamara under center.

Nico Ragaini returns for a 6th year at receiver. The reliable Ragaini can get open deep and catch the ball over the middle. He’s a reliable, veteran target for McNamara, and the only wide receiver to catch a TD pass in 2022.

Look for Johnson to take a big leap in 2023. Behind an improved line and a revitalized passing attack, Johnson should find plenty of room to scamper. A 1,000-yard season wouldn’t be shocking.

All these weapons … all these positive vibes are one thing. But will Brian Ferentz actually turn them loose? Or will he crawl in a shell like in years past? Will he revert to playing conservative and lean on the defense? Time will tell.

Hawks’ high ceiling

It’s easy to envision this Iowa team climbing to the top of the B1G West. The defense should once again be stout. Special teams look solid as well.

That leaves it up to Brian Ferentz and the offense. There’s no reason this group should falter. A quality, high-functioning QB goes a long way. Ferentz now has one in McNamara.

Yes, Iowa’s always played a bit conservative on this side of the ball. Basic runs. Short, safe throws. Deep shots now and then. Don’t get too carried away taking chances. That’s always been a Kirk Ferentz trademark.

But what if 2023 looks different? A bit more risk/reward. More unpredictability. Throw it on early downs. Take more deep shots.

Heck, Wisconsin, with new OC Phil Longo, will have a new look. Why not Iowa?

One reason it could happen to some extent is the new metrics Brian Ferentz must meet. He knows his job is on the line. A tad more assertiveness in the play calling should be expected.

And why not? Iowa plays in a big boy league. If it wants to hang, and even win, against the big dogs, the offense must step up.

Now’s the time, Brian. Remove those training wheels and take this offense for a spin.