Another game, another abysmal effort in the passing attack by the Iowa offense.
Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski and the Iowa offense have failed to put together any semblance of a competent passing game over the first two games of the season, which does not bode well for the future.
After throwing for only 44 yards in the first game, Gronowski chalked up his poor performance to anxiety and nerves heading into his first game as the Iowa starting quarterback.
The Iowa rushing attack was strong enough to hide the poor passing performance, so Gronowski was given a pass after game one.
During a pivotal Week Two matchup against rival Iowa State in Ames, Gronowski completed more pass attempts (13), but most of them were on short routes or quick RPOs, and he still managed only 83 passing yards in a losing effort.
He also did not throw any touchdown passes and had an interception that turned into a touchdown for the Cyclones on their next drive.
Overall, Gronowski had another poor performance, and we are giving him a D grade for his effort against Iowa State.
Why Gronowski receives a D grade
Iowa State has a good defense, and they showed that in the previous two contests, albeit against an overmatched South Dakota squad and an overrated Kansas State team.
We were led to believe that the Iowa squad had a good week of preparation leading up to the Cy-Hawk game in Ames, and even though the Cyclone defense presented some challenges, Iowa would be ready for it.
Clearly that was not the case.
Iowa had more total time of possession (31:08) than the Cyclones (28:38), but could not take advantage of their chances.
Gronowski had 24 passing attempts in the loss, completing only 13 of them for a 54 percent completion percentage, and had one interception and no touchdowns.
The only reason we are not giving Gronowski an F is because he used his legs effectively, rushing for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Whatever the case is, Gronowski and the Iowa offense better turn it around quickly if Iowa has any chance of salvaging this season.