Iowa football: What can Iowa improve on from the Wisconsin loss?

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers scrambles on a keeper in the second half in front of linebacker Djimon Colbert #32 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers scrambles on a keeper in the second half in front of linebacker Djimon Colbert #32 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Fullback Brady Ross #36 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs up the field during the second half against safety D’Cota Dixon #14 of the Wisconsin Badgers on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Fullback Brady Ross #36 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs up the field during the second half against safety D’Cota Dixon #14 of the Wisconsin Badgers on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

Brady Ross

When you’re the fullback, your name isn’t talked about too often. You rarely get the ball and in an offense like Iowa’s your main job is essentially to serve as a lead blocker. Just look at the state line.

In Saturday night’s contest, Ross had one rush for three yards and one catch for eleven, and for the most part he performed at a high level throughout the game. For example, his catch came on a 1st down with Iowa deep in Wisconsin territory. He took it to the one yard line before Stanley tossed the ball to Fant for his second touchdown reception of the evening.

What was frustrating about Brady Ross’ performance, however, were a few times that he failed to seal the edge in the second half. His job as the primary lead blocker was to take the first guy out of the play, allowing the Iowa backs to run to the outside and get some room. Unfortunately, this was not always the case.

At least twice, Ross went for a low block at the knees and the Wisconsin defender was able to avoid it enough that he impacted the run at hand either taking down the Iowa back or slowing him down before another defender could join.

Again, this is very minute detail, but I have high expectations for an Iowa fullback.