The Iowa Hawkeyes had a rough first half against the Michigan State Spartans, putting up a goose egg on the board, unable to get anything going offensively. The Iowa defense is doing all they can to keep the Spartans out of the end zone, only allowing 12 points in the first half.
However, the defense can only do so much; the Hawkeyes need to put points on the board if they want a chance at winning this game. Fans believe they won't be able to win if head coach Kirk Ferentz keeps quarterback Cade McNamara in the game.
Fans even took to social media to let their feelings out on why they believe McNamara should be benched.
If Texas can bench Quinn Ewers, Iowa can bench Cade McNamara.
— AJ Ellingson (@AJ__Ellingson) October 20, 2024
Quinn Ewers was a Heisman candidate before his injury, and McNamara is the farthest thing from a Heisman candidate, so this is really saying something.
Cade McNamara at halftime:
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) October 20, 2024
3-9, 30 yards
This seems to be a recurring theme for McNamara.
#Iowa
— DaneDame (@danedame17) October 20, 2024
It's official. I'm an old woman and even I can throw a football better than Cade McNamara.#WTFFerentz#HACKeyes
Does anyone know if she has NCAA eligibility maybe Ferentz will put her in, oh wait, Ferentz refuses to bench McNamara.
Been pulling for Cade McNamara, but not sure how you put him back out there to start the 2nd half.
— Beer & A Photo (@Dave_Claiborne) October 20, 2024
It is rare to see an Iowa fan pulling McNamara at any point this season.
Cade McNamara plays the 2nd half we will not win this game…..
— Hawkeye Howie (@rmulbrook7) October 20, 2024
Well then buckle up Iowa fans because McNamara is already on the field in the second half.
Iowa has the same amount of penalty yards in the first half as Cade McNamara has passing yards.
— Jason (@stlrnhwk) October 20, 2024
That is not a stat you see every day.
The Ferentz era in Iowa is over. Phil can't even make up for this as he has done in previous years. The erogance Kirk has shown the past 4 seasons with roster and coaching decisions is saddening. Cade McNamara and this offense is the last straw for Goetz.
— Jerimy (@Iowantabeer) October 20, 2024
Ferentz seemed to get some of the trust back from the fans after the big win over Washington last week, but it didn't last long with the way the Hawkeyes are playing right now.
You're basically putting up a white flag if you trot Cade McNamara back out there.
— Phil Parker Fan Account (@dmcbride77) October 20, 2024
I don't care if your not sold on Brendan Sullivan. You have to try something different.
Kirk Ferentz does wear a lot of white, so something says he is willing to do just that. It took Ferentz till the last drive of the game to put in backup Brendan Sullivan against Ohio State, so he doesn't seem to be willing to bench McNamara at this point.