Iowa's offense was inconsistent during the first few weeks, due to shaky quarterback play, and the inability of multiple players to stay healthy.
Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski acknowledged his inconsistent play over the first few weeks, and chalked it up to not being confident in the new offensive scheme, and the need to slow the game down.
During Iowa's first Big Ten road game at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, the offense finally found something, putting up 38 points on the Rutgers defense in the 38-28 win.
After Iowa's offense appeared to find something against Rutgers, the inconsistencies showed up again in the loss to Indiana last Saturday, especially after Gronowski went out with an injury.
Tim Lester did not give an update on Gronowski's status, but did address the inconsistencies in the offense through the first five weeks of the season.
During the coordinators' press conference ahead of the bye week, Lester was adamant that the bye week came at the right time.
A big issue for the Iowa offense has been the inconsistency that stemmed from key players not being able to stay healthy. The running back room has had a different starter every week, the receiving core has been banged up, and now Gronowski might be on the shelf.
Lester noted that it is hard to find consistency when you do not know who will stay healthy from week to week.
During the bye week, the backups and third-string players will receive more reps in practice, and Lester noted that he is excited to see what those players are capable of with additional practice time.
The bye week also came at the perfect time because Iowa needs to get healthy.