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Kirk Ferentz on uneven run-pass distribution: ‘We don’t want to play that way’
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Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz didn’t sugarcoat things after the Hawkeyes’ 21-20 loss to Northwestern on Saturday night.
When asked about Iowa’s play-calling that produced 50 passes and 23 rush attempts, Ferentz was blunt: “I’ll go on record saying this, we don’t want to play that way.”
Kirk Ferentz on throwing the ball 50+ times and not running the ball only 23 times: "I'll go on record saying this, we don't want to play that way."
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) October 31, 2020
That’s certainly not the style Iowa has played in the past. Iowa’s offensive coordinator is actually Ferentz’s brother, Brian, so that may be one reason why he felt so comfortable in criticizing his own coaching staff.
The reality is the Hawkeyes struggled to move the ball on the ground and through the air. Quarterback Spencer Petras managed just 216 yards on his 50 attempts.
However, Iowa’s rushing attempts netted just 3.3 yards per carry. Tyler Goodson got the most carries on the team, rushing the ball 13 times for 43 yards and a touchdown.
Northwestern’s defense turned in a similar performance in Week 1 as the Wildcats defeated Maryland 43-3.
Iowa will look for its first win of the season next week vs. Michigan State.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.