Iowa's rushing attack has been uncharacteristically bad this season, and the team knows it.
Despite some big rushing totals against non-Power Four programs, Iowa hasn't run the ball well, leading to several bad offensive games. Veteran OL Jack Dotzler recently admitted that it starts up front, and while the offensive line plays a major role, the running backs also have to execute. The room is very deep and has been underwhelming since the Northern Iowa game, something L.J. Phillips Jr. isn't taking lightly.
L.J. Phillips Jr. is 'disappointed' about his performance so far this season
Phillips Jr. was a highly coveted transfer portal prospect from the South Dakota Coyotes program, and he ultimately chose the Hawkeyes. Phillips. Jr. rushed for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns, proving he can be a workhorse back, but he hasn't replicated those results early this year. There is no question Phillips Jr. is a talented back, and he knows he hasn't lived up to expectations. Especially his own.
L.J. Phillips Jr. evaluating his play so far this season: “I’ve been disappointed, to be honest. I feel like I haven’t been playing up to the standard, the Iowa standard. I need to be better. I’ve got to be better. It’s kind of frustrating. I hold myself to a high level, a high… pic.twitter.com/CrLpLY5MnL
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) October 27, 2026
Phillips Jr. gave a lengthy response about how he evaluates his performance this season, and to say he's disappointed is an understatement. He said he's been disappointed and hasn't lived up to the "Iowa standard." He also said that he might be in his own head, but he's frustrated because he holds himself to a high standard. He finished by saying he might be making a bigger deal out of it than it is, but he wants to do good for the team, and they trust him.
The most interesting part of his response was that he said you have to be critical, even negative, to get positive outcomes. Phillips Jr. is clearly unhappy with his performance, and he isn't shying away from talking about it. After the program announced that RB1 Kamari Moulton will miss the rest of the season, Phillips Jr. is the logical replacement, but Xavier Williams was listed as the starter on the week nine depth chart.
Phillips Jr.'s health has been a major issue this season, which is likely why he wasn't at the top of the depth chart. He will likely still play a crucial role against Wisconsin's top-20 rushing defense, and the offense needs him to be at his best. It is good to see him hold himself accountable, but he also can't be in his head too much during the game. He has to go out and play the way he and everyone knows he can, and help push Iowa to a win.
Iowa must win the rushing battle on Saturday, and Phillips Jr. will need to bring his A-game. If he is ineffective, Iowa has a talented group of backs, but it will be even more lethal if Phillips Jr. plays a bigger role.
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