Iowa football: Mekhi Sargent is most important player on Saturday

The Iowa football team will need to demonstrate the ability to run the ball against the Cyclones and that all starts with Mekhi Sargent.

In 2018, Iowa football running back Mekhi Sargent managed just 25 rushing yards on 11 carries against the Cyclones. He did score the lone touchdown of the game but Iowa really couldn’t get anything going on the ground game all day. The coaching staff has stressed that 4.5 is the magic number for the running back group to average this season in order to be successful.

So far, they have shown the ability to do that, albeit it has been against subpar competition. Nonetheless, Sargent has looked very impressive in both games rushing for a combined 150 yards on 27 attempts (5.6 yards-per-carry). He’s on pace to finish with approximately 900 yards this season but could definitely help his own cause with a big performance against a stout defensive line in the Cyclones.

Iowa State had a bye week in week two, which could be an advantage to the Hawkeyes to some extent, but Jack Trice Stadium is going to be ready to go for this one especially with College Gameday in town. Thus far, quarterback Nate Stanley has looked sharp in both games this season and consistency will remain to be key for him, but he thrives best when his running game is working for him.

When Mekhi Sargent is gaining 5-6 yards a carry, there is a lot that the passing game can do versus being stuck with a 3rd and long situation. Certainly, Toren Young holds his own to gain the tough yards but Sargent is an excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield. Iowa will need to be creative this Saturday in order to leave Ames with a victory.

However, Sargent will need to set the tone and wear out that Iowa State defense so it can open up the passing game for Stanley and company. Look for the Hawkeyes to establish the run early and opening up the playbook if it proves to be effective.