Kirk Ferentz discusses Iowa's QB situation following Alex Padilla's first career start

No. 20 Iowa’s offense had a big task ahead of them of potentially keeping up with a Minnesota offense that can score consistently.

It was even a bigger task for Iowa’s offense as they were starting redshirt sophomore Alex Padilla for the first time in his career. Padilla was starting in place for the injured Spencer Petras, who suffered a shoulder injury last week vs. Northwestern.

Padilla was tasked to be an efficient game-managing quarterback for Iowa. Against Minnesota, Padilla threw for 11-of-24 passing for 206 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a QBR of 75.2. Padilla did a great job of spreading the ball throughout the field to Iowa’s receivers.

After the game, head coach Kirk Ferentz discussed the QB room for the Hawkeyes. He said the team is still taking Petras’ situation day-by-day and credited the team for having 2 capable QBs.

Kirk Ferentz on QB situation: “Taking it day by day (with Spencer). We’re lucky to have two good quarterbacks. Alex played good, clean football.”

Next phase of Padilla’s development: “Keep playing.”

— Kennington Lloyd Smith III (@SkinnyKenny_) November 14, 2021

Iowa accounted for 277 total yards of offense as the running game was held to under 100 yards against the defense of Minnesota. Iowa defeated Minnesota 27-22.