As the starting quarterback at a Power 5 program, Iowa’s Spencer Petras obviously had a lot of pressure on him even in his first season as the Hawkeyes’ quarterback.

Despite some struggles, Petras returns to his position in Iowa City. As we inch closer and closer to the start of the regular season, we’re starting to hear more about Petras, including some kind words from coach Kirk Ferentz.

Though he may have struggled at times, Petras helped Iowa to a 6-2 record in the odd 2020 season. The lack of practice time showed to a certain extent as he and the rest of the Hawkeyes struggled at times. That included an 0-2 start to the season with consecutive losses against Purdue and Northwestern. In the loss to the Wildcats, Petras threw one touchdown but also three interceptions.

However, things began to turn around for Petras and his teammates. Iowa rattled off six consecutive wins. In the first win against Michigan State, Petras threw for 167 yards and a touchdown.

Things continued to roll for the Hawkeyes. In the penultimate game of the 2020 season, Petras struggled in the first half against Illinois but came back strong in the second half. He finished the game with a season-high three touchdowns while throwing for 220 yards.

Following the win against the Illini, Petras continued his successful run as he threw for 211 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Iowa’s 28-7 win against rival Wisconsin.

With one year under his belt, expectations are surely rising for Petras. But it appears that he’s on the right path when it comes to improvement. At least that’s what Ferentz and the Iowa staff are saying.