Dear Old Gold
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 24: Tyler Goodson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball after catching a pass as Jalen Graham #6 of the Purdue Boilermakers defends during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 24, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 24: Tyler Goodson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball after catching a pass as Jalen Graham #6 of the Purdue Boilermakers defends during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 24, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

1. Get the running game going (AKA feed Tyler Goodson)

Tyler Goodson is one of the most dynamic running backs in the Big Ten – let alone on Iowa’s roster – which is why it’s been a huge surprise to see his lack of opportunities so far, especially in the red zone. Goodson has just 29 rushing attempts in 2020, logging 16 and 13 carries, respectively, through two games.

Goodson broke out last season as a true freshman by rushing for 638 yards and five touchdowns. He became the first freshman in Iowa’s program history to lead the team in rushing yards. Goodson is averaging 4.1 yards per carry this season.

A lack of rushing attempts isn’t exclusive to just Goodson, either. Senior Mekhi Sargent has barely seen the rock this season, despite being incredibly efficient. Sargent has received just 15 carries but averages 6.1 yards per attempt. Overall, Iowa averages 4.61 yards per attempt as a team.

For whatever reason, Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz has been reluctant to run the ball. It becomes even more confusing when factoring in the struggles from first-year starting quarterback Spencer Petras. Iowa ranks sixth among all college teams in passing play percentage (60.8 percent), compared to last season’s ranking of 52nd (49.1 percent). Simply put, Goodson and Sargent need more carries.