Kirk Ferentz had nothing but praise for Jeremy Hecklinski after his first college start

Iowa was able to run and throw well against Washington, something it hadn't done in the three weeks leading up to the game.

The offense did just enough to stay in games, but it hasn't impressed since the week-three win over Northern Iowa. Against a much weaker UNI squad, the Hawkeyes put up a massive 640 total offensive yards, teasing fans that it would always be like that. After three straight poor offensive outputs, the offense finally got the running game going, which opened up the passing game. Jeremy Hecklinski was a major factor in the passing game's success, and Kirk Ferentz had nothing but praise for him after his first career start and win.

Ferentz praised Hecklinski's preparation in the weeks leading up to the Washington game

Winning a Big Ten road game is never easy, especially with a backup quarterback, but Iowa did it with Hecklinski. Starter Hank Brown made the trip to Seattle but had limited preparation after suffering a shoulder injury against Ohio State. Rumors surfaced that Hecklinski would start against the Huskies, and the team confirmed it shortly before the road trip. Hecklinski played sparingly over the first five weeks, but played well late against Ohio State, which gave Ferentz confidence that he can run the offense. Hecklinski rewarded Ferentz's faith with a solid performance, but Ferentz knew he would succeed.

Ferentz praised Hecklinski's preparation heading into the Washington game, saying it was "really good" over the past few weeks. It first surfaced against Ohio State and again in his week six performance against Washington. Ferentz reiterated that the program believes they have two much-improved players and two good quarterbacks. The starting quarterback decision lasted through week three, and although Brown ultimately won the job, that doesn't mean Hecklinski isn't a good quarterback. The coaching staff felt Brown was the best option to help the team win, so they made Hecklinski the backup. Iowa is lucky it has two starting-caliber quarterbacks, and it validates what Ferentz has been saying all along.

After starting quarterback Mark Gronowski left for the NFL, everyone knew a battle for the starting quarterback job was coming. Iowa was one of the final Power Four programs to name a starting quarterback, and it wasn't officially decided until week four. Ferentz remained adamant that the battle was too close to call, and neither player had an advantage. The battle lasted longer than people wanted, but they finally made a decision. Despite what everyone initially thought, they chose Brown, and the program has ridden with him through the past three weeks. If he had been healthy, Hecklinski wouldn't have seen the field, which could be a blessing in disguise.

Hecklinski not only proved he can run the offense, but also reignited the starting quarterback debate. He brings a lot to the table, and Ferentz has already praised his preparation. He has a different kind of swagger and confidence than past Iowa quarterbacks, something Iowa needs. Brown isn't a bad quarterback, but he doesn't do some of the things Hecklinski does. If the offense can't establish the run, Brown can't rely on the play-action, something he excels at. He has been inconsistent over the past three weeks, and his shoulder injury complicates things.

Ferentz most likely won't pull Brown after missing one game with injury, but there is no doubt that a discussion must be had.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow