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Iowa Football: 4 Things they need to fix after 0-2 start

By Joe Kipp

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 24: Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes offense huddle during the first half against the Purdue Boilermaker at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 24, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 24: Members of the Iowa Hawkeyes offense huddle during the first half against the Purdue Boilermaker at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 24, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Spencer Petras #7 of the Iowa Hawkeyes throws a pass during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Spencer Petras #7 of the Iowa Hawkeyes throws a pass during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

3. Spencer Petras’ passing efficiency

The Hawkeyes have one of college football’s most underrated receiving corps. But with an inexperienced quarterback leading the reigns, none of Iowa’s receivers have had a chance to shine so far this season.

Iowa’s most dynamic receiver, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, did not record a catch on five targets against Purdue. The senior wideout was much more involved against Northwestern (seven catches for 84 yards), but his availability going forward could be in question after an OWI arrest this past weekend. He’s already been suspended for one game.

Meanwhile, fellow senior Brandon Smith has also been held in check, recording just six catches for 53 yards and a touchdown this season. Armed with XXXL-sized gloves, Smith is the team’s best redzone threat with a wide catch radius to complement. Tight end Sam LaPorta has been Petras’ favorite target in 2020. The true sophomore has 11 catches for 117 yards.

Petras will need to do a better job of incorporating his top play makers moving forward. Completing 53.9 percent of his passes simply isn’t good enough – not to mention his three interceptions. Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz also needs to do a better job of incorporating easier reads for his young quarterback.