Here we are again for another week, and despite witnessing one of the worst football games, the Iowa Hawkeyes, known for having the worst offense in the country, find themselves in control of their own fate in a lackluster Big Ten West after their victory against Wisconsin last weekend.
However, this victory came with a cost as injuries have become a significant concern. Let’s delve into that with the head coach’s insights below.
Starting with the injury updates:
KIRK FERENTZ: Unfortunately, Erick All’s season seems to be over. We had concerns about that on Saturday, and subsequent tests confirmed it. He will miss the remainder of the year, which is really unfortunate. Erick has been a great addition to the team, showing positivity, hard work, a great personality, and a love for the game. It’s disheartening to lose him as he was contributing significantly to our football team. We’ll support him throughout his recovery, and we hope for the best.
This news isn’t surprising given the severity of the hit (which was completely unnecessary). Being without three tight ends and our starting QB is a challenging situation, especially considering our program’s minimal utilization of receivers. Our 6-1 record is somewhat miraculous due to two primary reasons: 1. the run game’s improvement at the right time, and 2: the Big Ten West being at its weakest in recent memory. Erick All’s absence will be felt, as he was essentially our entire passing game at this point.
Moving on to more injury updates:
Q. Yahya Black was seen with a sling after the game. Can you provide an update on his condition? Also, where do Ostrenga and Patterson stand in terms of recovery?
COACH FERENTZ: Patterson appears to be doing well and is practicing without issues. We’re hopeful he will be available. Jaz also practiced partially today, and we’re optimistic about his progress, but we’ll assess how the week unfolds. As for Yahya, we’ll have to wait and see.
This news brings a mix of good and bad. Losing Black for an extended period isn’t ideal.
Q. Is there hope that Lachey might return, maybe for a bowl game or later?
COACH FERENTZ: I joked with him yesterday about returning after the bye, and he just smiled. We can’t count on it; predicting such returns is difficult. There’s a possibility of him returning for a bowl game, perhaps in December, but it’s not certain.
There are indications that Lachey could return for a bowl game, but nothing is guaranteed. Rushing his return wouldn’t be wise, so we’ll see where we stand in December.
Q. Any updates on Noah Shannon’s situation?
COACH FERENTZ: Noah looks good in pads and practices well, as he always has. However, we’re awaiting a decision from the NCAA. Hopefully, they’ll make the right call soon. Time is ticking, and we hope for a prompt resolution.
Noah Shannon’s return after the bye-week seems promising, which would be fantastic for the team. Having him back this weekend would be even better.
Q. How do you assess the physicality of the run game and the offensive line’s growth this season, particularly after the Wisconsin game?
COACH FERENTZ: We’ve seen improvement over the last three to four weeks, especially since we started the second four-game stretch. Our maturity is showing, and we’re operating more effectively as a unit. The run game was crucial for us against Wisconsin, and a successful running game can significantly benefit our team. It’s never easy, but it’s definitely advantageous.
The consistent improvement in the run game is timely, and a more cohesive offensive line contributes to that. Health also plays a crucial role. It’ll be interesting to see how Minnesota plans to counter it this weekend. The best thing against Wisconsin was that our run game remained strong even when they knew what was coming. I hope we can replicate that performance.
Q. Considering the lackluster completion rate of your quarterback, how do you plan to improve Deacon’s accuracy?
COACH FERENTZ: Improving accuracy, better catching, and enhanced protection are key areas of focus. I’m not even aware of specific stats, but I do know we avoided turnovers, and Deacon played a role in that. We’re focused on his overall improvement, including tempo, footwork, and decision-making. Avoiding mistakes and making good decisions are crucial to avoid losing games. Offensive progress will come gradually, and we’re working on it as we would in a better statistical year.
The quarterback situation is challenging, but we’re prioritizing smart plays and avoiding turnovers, which are essential.
Q. How would you compare Joe Labas, who started a bowl game and won it without turnovers, to Deacon?
COACH FERENTZ: It’s difficult to gauge at this point. Game performance ultimately determines player roles. We’ve had similar discussions in the past. Last year, when Petras was sidelined, we saw why we chose to play him. Petras performed well in 2020. Offense
