Iowa's offensive play in the first half against Illinois State has left fans feeling deja vu from last season. In the first quarter, the Hawkeyes were only able to put three points on the board, but that was thanks to a fumble forced by the defense in Iowa's own 25-yard line.
The Hawkeyes were unable to even convert a first down on that drive and it stalled forcing Iowa to settle for a field goal. Fans were making their feelings known in Kinnick Stadium, even booing the offense as they ran to the sideline. Cade McNamara has looked shaky the entire first half, having just a handful of good-looking plays, but his overall play has not looked good.
While fans made their feelings known inside the stadium, those on social media have no mercy on McNamara and the way he has played in the first half. While it is not all on McNamara, he is the leader of this offense, and a lot of the heat will fall on his shoulders.
Iowa put together something that resembled an offensive drive, but the drive stalled at the goal line after McNamara missed a receiver in the end zone and the Hawkeyes had to settle for a field goal yet again.
So here are a couple of Iowa fans letting their feelings out on X (formally known as Twitter).
Cade McNamara throws six yards short of the sticks on third-and-9 to set up Iowa's second punt in as many possessions. We're so back.
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) August 31, 2024
Iowa fans are used to this feeling and they are wondering what a good offense looks like.
no im not okay im watching cade McNamara play
— Lucy Rohden (@lucy_rohden) August 31, 2024
Let it out Iowa fans, and remember, it is okay to not be okay.
Cade McNamara is missing the most wide open throws 😭
— Husker Wave (@HuskerWave) August 31, 2024
I may never forgive Ryan Day for losing a game in which Cade McNamara was the opposing team’s starting QB
— Jem (@jackemers) August 31, 2024
Even fans from other teams in the Big Ten are wondering how McNamara was able to beat The Ohio State University.
Reminder that Kirk Ferentz was suspended for this game for tampering with Cade McNamara.
— Andy Milonakis 4 Pres (@DrZazaBongRips) August 31, 2024
This is definitely a tough pill to swallow right now.
Iowa needs to trade Cade Mcnamara back
— JT Bickel (@BICKEL_17) August 31, 2024
I don't think that is how that works in college football.
McNamara in his 6th year throwing off his back foot with a noodle arm is why Kirk is suspended? That guy is the one who they broke rules to get? Hill was more accurate. Dreadful.
— Joel “Blue Dot in NE” Barratt (@jgbarratt) August 31, 2024
Iowas looking like Iowa, shout out Michigan legend Cade McNamara.
— Alex Orji (@OrjiAlex69420) August 31, 2024
Michigan quarterback Alex Orji chose to take to X (formally known as Twitter) before his team's game later today to share his feelings on former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara.
Cade McNamara pic.twitter.com/C7dsRh7ACY
— Jᴀᴋᴇ Sᴛᴇɪɴʙᴇʀɢ (@STEINBERG5) August 31, 2024
Iowa is only up 6-0 on Illinois State at halftime and the Hawkeyes have yet to score a touchdown in the 2024 season. Iowa actually has not scored a touchdown in now 12 straight quarters dating back to the second half of Iowa's games against Nebraska in the 2023 regular season.
Iowa will receive the ball in the second half.