Generally, I don’t think much is gained from a game like this. It can backfire spectacularly. We see this story multiple times a season across college football and you only have negatives as the favored program. – God forbid, a loss. Injuries. Shaky showings. Bad perception of where you are as a team. Negative everything. If you win, well…you were supposed to win.
Measure the opponent for what they are, an FCS team that has fallen off from where they once were as a program. They’re in an impossible
bind in the NIL era in a state with two relatively well-funded FBS programs. Even then. Iowa has struggled in these games in the past, one of many FBS teams that messes around in games like this and gets at least slightly stung.
Yesterday, Iowa chose violence instead.
Iowa played about a flawless game yesterday. Over 600 yards of offense. Over 400 rushing. 42 points in a half for the first time since 2005. 2009 double field goal block this was not. Iowa’s quarterback situation is settled. Anyone saying Jeremy Hecklinski should get more playing time is…I honestly don’t know what they’re doing or trying to argue. They must be aiming for views or clicks, and nothing more. Ignore that, as it’s intellectually dishonest. Iowa has weapons all over. Pass game, run game – dudes everywhere. They had three backs go over 100 yards today for the first time since 1983.
Iowa’s defense is as fast as I’ve ever seen it. Whatever UNI had drawn up in the first half was dead on arrival. Iowa swallowed those plays whole. Tackles were executed by about four players swarming to the ball, and doing it quickly.
We have kickers too!
This team looks really, really good. They have dudes on both sides of the ball. Yes, it’s UNI. They’re down bad. They’re not coming back to the level they once occupied. But Iowa has guys. They have a clear QB1. They have another great line. They have skill players aplenty. It looks like they have another legit defense. Caveats everywhere with an opponent like this, but Iowa needs to make a playoff push this year.
Other thoughts:
- Hank Brown is the clear cut QB1. 12/12 speaks for itself. Brown played like a guy that has been told he has the job. Everything seems to click when he’s out there versus Hecklinski. The offense just isn’t as crisp with Hecklinski.
- Seriously, I’m just shocked where we are offensively. Remember 3 years ago? Wow. What a transformation on that side of the ball.
- Iowa’s speed is almost unbelievable, in all phases. They’re so much faster than they were even last year. This team can MOVE.
- Iowa just has to stay healthy. Has to. Bryce Hawthorne is a perfect example. Him being down was scary. Fortunately the forecast sounded good there post-game. Guys like him have to stay upright this year. If they stay healthy, things are possible with this group.
- Iowa had six touchdowns in a half. Can you believe it? 42-0 in a half. Iowa logged 418 yards of offense in that half, too.
- Braedon Jackson is one on that list of dudes. He got offers from NO ONE? That’s crazy. And his pedigree from his dad – Fred Jackson, former Buffalo Bills running back – is immaculate. No offers from anyone. It’s shocking. He’s going to play a big role this year.
- Incredible social media from Iowa. They’re on their game. Mid-season form.
- Michigan next week. Despite pitching shutouts in two games, surviving an instate battle, looking good relative to previous Iowa teams this time of year, this will be a big step up. Even with Michigan’s first week steal, a close game with OU, trailing UTEP for a bit yesterday, this will be a big test. Brown has looked good, but this is a road start in a stadium where Iowa’s won only six times, total, in their entire history. Will the Iowa offense of Weeks 1 and 3 be in the building? Will Iowa be able to punch holes in the Michigan defense? We’ll see. Don’t get scared now.
