There are no two ways about it: the Iowa offense is not holding up its end.
The defense has looked stellar in the first two games, holding the high-powered Iowa State offense to just 238 yards and only 16 points, but the Hawkeye offense could manage only one touchdown, and it cost Iowa the game.
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz is aware of the struggles, but has stated that they are learning as they go. As quarterback Mark Gronowski becomes more comfortable with them, they are becoming more comfortable with him.
During his weekly press conference, Ferentz addressed concerns about the offense and Gronowski, blaming everyone, not just Mark.
Ferentz was asked at length about the Iowa passing game and Gronowski's performances through the first two games, and he stopped short of blaming his QB1.
Ferentz stated that as they are learning more about him, he is learning more about them. This suggests that some of the issues they are experiencing are due to Gronowski's level of comfort in the offense.
Coach Ferentz stated that the coaching staff needs to do a better job of making Mark more comfortable. Ferentz noted that it is a mix of multiple different factors, but they need to "tailor make things towards players' abilities."
Ferentz stated that you can do only what your players allow you to do, so they need to help Mark get more comfortable under center.
Heading into the game against UMass this Saturday, Ferentz and the coaching staff want to have a balanced attack, but if they have to rely more on the running game, so be it.