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Iowa OC Brian Ferentz discusses point of emphasis, work of Nate Stanley headed into Holiday Bowl

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Iowa has a chance to get win No. 10 in the postseason as the team prepares for the Holiday Bowl against USC.

The 2019 season was another successful one for the Hawkeyes under head coach Kirk Ferentz. Though the team did fall short in the B1G West, Iowa was competitive in every game this season and came away with a nine-win campaign.

To wrap up the year, the Hawkeyes will get No. 22 USC in the Holiday Bowl for a top-25 showdown. On Monday, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz took time to breakdown the matchup.

When it comes to Iowa’s focus in the game, he indicated the gameplan doesn’t change just for the postseason. The point of emphasis for the Hawkeyes will still be running the football:

“It’s definitely a point of emphasis. Really, whatever back is in there, whoever’s playing up front, the point of emphasis is not gonna change,” said Ferentz. “We’ll run the football.”

Ferentz also shared some high praise for QB Nate Stanley. Stanley has had a remarkable career while at Iowa and will be playing his last game in the Holiday Bowl.

“When I think of Nate, I think of a guy that’s won a boatload of games as a starter,” explained Ferentz, “And done it with grace and dignity, and he’s overcome some tough challenges. I think that’s probably his best attribute. If you’re going to compete, if you’re going to be a competitor, things aren’t going to go your way all the time…he’s handled it all with class, with grace, probably more so than other people along the way, and I have a ton of respect for that.”

Hawkeye Football shared the video of Ferentz’s full preview:

Kickoff against the Trojans is set for 8 pm EST on Friday. Coverage will be on FS1.

Paul Harvey

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.