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Kirk Ferentz labels defeat to Penn State ‘a team loss,’ addresses offensive production
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Kirk Ferentz addressed the media Tuesday afternoon as Iowa comes off of one of the most disastrous performances in recent memory. The Hawkeyes were totally overpowered and outmatched in a 31-0 loss to Penn State.
Despite the horrific offensive numbers in the loss, Ferentz made it clear every loss for the Hawkeyes is always a team loss:
“It was a tough loss, very disappointing loss for everybody involved. One thing we talk about, it’s always a team loss. Any time you come off the field without a victory, that’s certainly the case,” said Ferentz. “Everybody’s got ownership: coaches, players, everybody’s got ownership. It’s always been that way and always will be.”
Asked about improving the offense, Ferentz admitted there’s no magic wand and the team just gets back to work trying to improve.
“Just try to get better in every single phase. There’s really no magic answers, just see what we can do in each and every phase,” Ferentz explained.
As for areas of the passing game currently not measuring up, Ferentz pointed to McNamara’s injury late in camp and the missed time for the quarterback. He also noted working the wide receivers into a larger role could make sense for the offense after losing a tight end.
“I would still attribute a part of that (to) our starting QB got injured 5-6 weeks ago. So for him to work back, he’s missed a lot of time, he’s missed a lot of time last year and to work with this team, this group, it’s all connected,” said Ferentz.
“…I think part of that is the ball does go where it goes and we’ve had 2 pretty good TEs. We’re down one there so that changes. As a staff, that’s something we’re doing weekly to see how we can try and improve production offensively. Getting receivers involved probably makes some sense as we move forward.”
Now, Iowa gets a chance to turn around and rebound in a game against Michigan State. The Spartans have their own host of issues, including head coach Mel Tucker being informed MSU plans to fire him for cause after an unpaid suspension.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.