Yahoo Autos CBS Sports pinpoints Iowa Hawkeyes’ biggest question to answer in spring practices
The offense, the offense, the offense…
You know it, I know it, the Big Ten knows it, and America knows it. Can the Iowa Hawkeyes get any sort of pulse on the offensive side of the ball in 2023? The answer is going to be yes. But, is that simply because it couldn’t wind up as a no after the Hawkeyes ranked nearly dead last among multiple key categories?
That said, minimal improvement won’t suffice. The Hawkeyes have a weight on their shoulders to perform offensively which is headlined by Brian Ferentz’s contract guidelines. Don’t meet those designated performance objectives, and the exit door is swung wide open.
CBS Sports pinpointed the biggest question facing the Hawkeyes in spring practices. Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports is engrained in the Big Ten and laid it out there very black and white. The offense not only has to improve, but someone has to step up to help out Cade McNamara and Brian Ferentz.
Will the new-look offense be any different? We’ve all made our jokes about Brian Ferentz needing to average 25 points per game this season, but I want to know if Iowa plans to change anything on offense or if it’s simply hoping that more talented players will fix everything. Michigan transfer quarterback Cade McNamara isn’t going to win a Heisman, but he’s a clear upgrade on Spencer Petras and Alex Padilla. The Hawkeyes also added TE Erick All (Michigan) and offensive linemen Rusty Feth (Miami, OH) and Daijon Parker (Saginaw Valley).
Both of Iowa’s leading receivers last year were tight ends, so while All is a nice addition, I don’t know that he fixes a problem as much as he replaces Sam LaPorta. What I’d like to see, if I’m an Iowa fan, is for somebody — anybody — in the wide receiver room to step up and for the offense to add a few more modern wrinkles. Nobody is saying Iowa needs to start running the Air Raid, but at some point, it can’t just be the WR talent or QB who is the problem. – Fornelli, CBS Sports
As stated, Iowa has gotten production from their tight ends in the past. Last season saw Luke Lachey and Sam LaPorta lead the way for the passing game. LaPorta is going to the NFL and it is Lachey’s spot to lose. The addition of All could see a ceiling of the T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant combo, but that is also a high expectation to set.
The wide receiver room sees Brody Brecht departing to focus on baseball, which thrusts Diante Vines into a starting role along with veteran Nico Ragaini. Behind those two is a room of unknowns. Not to say it is good or bad, but there’s definite question marks. Charleston Southern transfer Seth Anderson is injured right now but brings in talent. How soon that talent hits the field is the question mark with him.
Spring practices are vital for teams to mesh and that has only become more apparent with the rise of the transfer portal and newcomers having to use this time to mesh. Iowa’s spring practices may be among some of the most crucial in the country to see their questions answered.
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