Iowa has a big problem with its run game.
Under Kirk Ferentz, the Hawkeyes have always been known for dominant offensive lines and a great running game. The latter has not been the case at all this season.
Iowa ran roughshod over Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa this season. But against power conference teams, the run game has disappeared. Iowa ran for 93 yards against Iowa State, 58 yards against Michigan, and 39 yards against Ohio State. In each of those three games, their yards per carry also decreased. Instead of finding answers, the Hawkeyes are finding trouble on the ground.
After Saturday's loss to the Buckeyes, Ferentz spoke with the media about a variety of topics, including the run game. He explained what he's seen so far, and he plans
to get it going.
"Yeah, I don’t know what to tell you other than we’re just going to keep playing," Ferentz said. "We’ll keep playing like we always do, we’ll keep working on it. We work on every segment, run, pass, and things either go together or they don’t. Game situations have a lot to do with that too and dictate that.
Over time, it’s kind of like statistics and rankings, we’ll all know more here in Week 7, Week 8. If it’s a panic situation, I’ll let you know. But right now we’re not where we want to be, I’m not denying that at all."
Ferentz is opting for a patient approach, choosing to trust his offensive line, running backs, and coaching staff. It's not a bad gamble to take. Iowa does have two All-Big Ten players up front and a bevy of talented backs. Eventually, the run game has to find some sort of rhythm. There's too much talent for it not to.
Until that happens, Iowa is going to be behind the 8-ball offensively. If they want to achieve their lofty goals this season, the Hawkeyes need to start running the ball better.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: 'Not where we want to be': Kirk Ferentz breaks down Iowa run game struggles
