Iowa fans react to Kirk Ferentz calling a time-out on a fake punt that worked
Kirk Ferentz has done it again.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are playing No. 3 Ohio State and when you are playing a team as highly regarded as the Buckeyes, sometimes a team has to take risks. It seemed like the Hawkeyes were taking said risks, but head coach Kirk Ferentz messed it up.
The Hawkeyes had the ball on the 50-yard line and couldn't decide if they wanted to go for it or not. Ferentz chose to send the punt team out, and the ball was snapped, but not to the punter. The Hawkeyes had run a successful fake punt to get the one yard needed for a first down. However, there was a problem.
Just before the ball was snapped, Ferentz called a timeout, negating the play. He then chose to actually punt the ball, but No. 1 rated punter Rhys Dakin came out and shanked it for only 13 yards, giving the Buckeyes a great starting field position.
Iowa fans took to social media to let their feelings out about Ferentz and his decision making and it is safe to say they are not happy.
Classic Kirk Ferentz: called a fake punt on 4th-and-1. They made it, but Ferentz also called a time out just before the ball was snapped. So he cost the team a first down, then came back out and punted.
— Brian Dawson (@heybriandawson) October 5, 2024
Ferentz seems to have a reputation for making bad decisions on the sideline, but sorry, Hawkeye fans, he is locked in till 2029.
Well executed fake punt, but Iowa calls a timeout before the snap. pic.twitter.com/VPg5hrvuCd
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 5, 2024
You can see just before the punt Ferentz called the timeout, literally just a second before. He must not have had the faith that his team could get it done.
My head hurts. Iowa, what are you doing???
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) October 5, 2024
... can't decide whether to punt or go for 4th-and-1.
...line up to punt, call a fake and get it, only to have Kirk Ferentz call a timeout right before the play.
...actually punt, only to shank it. pic.twitter.com/YPvklvC3bf
A lot happened within the span of two minutes on the Iowa sideline and no one will ever understand the thinking of Kirk Ferentz.
I’ve never questioned Kirk Ferentz more than I have this season.
— Sauce (@SportsTalkSauce) October 5, 2024
Ferentz didn't even coach in the first game of the season. However, he has found ways to make up for it with some very questionable decisions.
Kirk Ferentz called timeout before his own successful play from 4th and 1 at the 50, then proceeded to actually punt it and got 13 yards out of it. Anyone that plays football like that should retire. Every decent player with pride should transfer.
— Kyle Turn er (@KTisclutch) October 5, 2024
Some strong words are coming from the Iowa faithful. However, they do need a team to cheer for, so not everyone can transfer out. The better plan is probably for Ferentz to retire.
Kirk Ferentz managing this game pic.twitter.com/jWqAB69Ykc
— WhatsTheUpsideMike (@RedshawMike) October 5, 2024
A dumpster fire floating around seems to be about right for the choices that Ferentz has made during today's game against Ohio State.
Kirk Ferentz is the only coach that you will see call a timeout before a successful fake punt direct snap 😂
— RadarfromDeep2 (@RadarFromDeep2) October 5, 2024
Well, this may not be true, but he is the most recent coach to call a timeout because he probably didn't believe the team could be successful on a fake punt.
kirk ferentz please retire
— Jolie (@joliebrown_) October 5, 2024
This seems to be the consensus of Hawkeye fans at the moment, especially because Ferentz is locked in til 2029.
The good thing about it all is that Ohio State fumbled the ball on the following drive, and the Hawkeyes recovered it but ended up punting after the recovery.
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