What Iowa's Kirk Ferentz said at weekly press conference
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
