The Iowa run game was the lone brght spot on offense this past week as the passing attack failed to live up to expectations.
Iowa rushed for 310 yards and three touchdowns on 53 rushing attempts as a team, and wore down the Albany defensive line.
An important part of the successful run game was the dominance by the Iowa offensive line.
The Hawkeyes are known for good line play on both sides of the ball, and a dominating rushing attack. The solid offensive line play was on full display during Week One against Albany.
The offensive line is anchored by veteran leaders Gennings Dunker, Logan Jones, and Beau Stephens, but multiple younger offensive linemen saw playing time and excelled.
Dunker spoke to the media about the offensive line and what their preparation has been like ahead of the Cy-Hawk rivalry game in Ames.
Dunker is traditionally short on words, but did praise the offensive line group after their performance last Saturday.
When a reporter told him they were the highest graded offensive line unit in Week One, Dunker stated it was the first time he had heard that, but he knew they played well.
He praised Kade Peiper and Trevor Lauck, who got their first starts on the line, stating they played really well and he does not have to babysit them. On the Week Two depth chart, Lauck was officially named the starter at left tackle with no "or" attached to it.
When asked about the offensive line's preparation for Iowa State, Dunker stated that they have had the same staff for 10 years or so, so the Hawkeyes have a "lot of good stuff to watch."
If the Hawkeyes' passing attack is underwhleming again this week, the Iowa offensive line will again be asked to carry the load and open up gaps for the running backs.