Iowa football has officially kicked off!
The Hawkeyes opened the game kicking off to Illinois State after winning the coin toss and deferring to the ball to the second half. The defense came out firing forcing Illinois State to go three-and-out on their first drive, opening the door for the offense to come out and show the hopeful improvements they made.
Cade McNamara and the offense stepped onto the field to a roar from the HAwkeyes faithful as everyone sat and waited to see what they would do. Without Kirk Ferentz coaching on the sideline due to a one-game suspension, fans are hoping for a bigger offensive showing.
Kamari Moulton got the start at the running back position for the Hawkeyes in today's game and was given the ball twice for a total of four yards. The Hawkeyes were set up for 3rd and 6, a manageable down.
Iowa snapped the ball and McNamara dropped back, delivered the pass, and overthrew his receiver forcing the Hawkeyes to bring out the punt team.
Iowa's defense is showing they are already in midseason form with two turnovers in the first quarter. The Hawkeyes had an interception and a fumble and got both before McNamara was able to complete a pass.
Iowa was unable to convert a first down after both the interception and the fumble, but luckily the fumble happened within Iowa's field goal range and the Hawkeyes were able to put three on the board.
After the third drive, fans were booing the offense as they jogged off the field, showing their frustration with the continued offensive woes.
There was some excitement for fans when punt returner Kaden Wetjen returned a punt for a touchdown, but it was called back on an illegal block in the back penalty.
On the fourth offensive drive, Iowa was finally able to convert a first down on a short pass from McNamara to tight end Luke Lachey, a connection Iowa fans hope can grow. However later in the drive, fans yet again could be heard booing McNamara after missing wide-open receivers. The Hawkeyes were unable to convert another first down and the drive stalled again for another punt.
The offensive woes seem to continue, but this seems worse than ever when it is against Illinois State, a team Iowa is favored to beat by 23 points. McNamara finished the first quarter 3-for-8 with just 17 yards. Will we see a change in the quarterback position today? Don't be surprised if Brendan Sullivan jogs out onto the field for a drive.
After the first 15.#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/pxzCOnkf1X
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 31, 2024