Iowa fans react to Cade McNamara's poor offensive play in first half against Illinois State

Iowa's offense is struggling against Illinois State in the first half and was unable to even get a touchdown on the board.

Aug 31, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara (12) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Illinois State Redbirds at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara (12) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Illinois State Redbirds at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports | Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

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).

Iowa fans are used to this feeling and they are wondering what a good offense looks like.

Let it out Iowa fans, and remember, it is okay to not be okay.

Even fans from other teams in the Big Ten are wondering how McNamara was able to beat The Ohio State University.

This is definitely a tough pill to swallow right now.

I don't think that is how that works in college football.

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.

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.

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