Dear Old Gold
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Iowa football: The 49ers embracing Hawkeyes in Kyle Shannahan’s second season

By Andrew Wade

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball before he is stopped by defensive back Jahleel Addae #37 and defensive back Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball before he is stopped by defensive back Jahleel Addae #37 and defensive back Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

CJ Beathard

Unless you live under a rock, you probably heard about Jimmy Garapallo’s injury that is costing him the rest of the season. San Francisco’s franchise quarterback may be out, but that doesn’t mean fans should give up on the season because former Iowa football quarterback CJ Beathard is now the starter, and if Sunday was any indication, he’s made some progress since last season.

Beathard was an enigma with the Iowa football team. A full-time two-year starter, Beathard led the Hawkeyes to a 12-2 record and a 9th overall ranking in the final polls as a junior. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns to only five interceptions. Some analysts had him pegged as a potential Heisman candidate and a sleeper first round pick. Unfortunately, his senior year was a mess and his statistics dipped significantly.

This obviously caused his stock to drop, but the 49ers still felt his potential talent and experience in a pro offense warranted a third round selection on the young Iowa football quarterback.

He wasn’t expected to see much playing time his rookie season, but after Brian Hoyer struggled out of the gate leading the 49ers to six straight losses, Beathard was handed the reigns. The results weren’t very pretty, and after five games, the 49ers let their newest acquisition, Jimmy G take over.

Similarly to last year, Beathard wasn’t expected to see the field much, if at all, in the regular season but an unfortunate knee injury has forced him back into the lineup, and after his start yesterday, he appears to be much improved. Beathard was slinging the ball all over the field and showed a grit and toughness that his teammates are appreciating. One play in particular stands out where he was trying to get a first down but got tripped from behind and the Casey Heyward put a very hard hit on him as he fell to the ground.

He laid on the ground in pain before making his way to the sideline. Because of a play review, he had a few seconds to recover and jump back on the field for the very next play. His stat line after the game was 298 yards passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also added 19 yards on the ground.

Related Story. Beathard is part of the Hawkeyes quarterback curse. light

This solid performance got people on Twitter talking as well.

If he can keep up the solid performance, the 49ers may just have a little controversy on their hands.