Tim Lester not committing to a starting QB is frustrating, but not unexpected

It feels like we are right back where we were before the season, with the starting quarterback controversy reignited.

Iowa entered a much-needed bye week after hanging 41 points on an overmatched Washington defense with Jeremy Hecklinski at the helm. Hecklinski played extremely well in relief of injured starter Hank Brown, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury. With Brown sidelined, we finally got a full look at what Hecklinski can do, and we weren't disappointed. With Lester filling in for Kirk Ferentz during media availability this week, we hoped for clarity, but unsurprisingly, we didn't get it.

Lester remained non-committal on naming a starting QB for Week 8

Both quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance this season, which is why the team took so long to name a starting quarterback. It was neck and neck throughout the offseason, and both quarterbacks got snaps through the first three weeks. Brown earned the job after a stellar performance against UNI in week three, but questions have risen after offensive struggles. Lester recently announced both quarterbacks are healthy and ready to go, but stopped short of revealing the week eight starter.

The percentage change Lester would name a starter was nearly zero, so it wasn't surprising that he didn't commit to someone. In perfect "coach speak," Lester said the program has two quarterbacks who can help them win games, and asserted that both will play "meaningful" snaps. Although he didn't name them, it says a lot that the program didn't automatically name Brown the starter if he's healthy. Ferentz has the final say, and with the program on a bye week, they are keeping their options open. Both quarterbacks have done well this season and have a case for the starter role in the battle for the Floyd of Rosedale in Minneapolis.

Making the case for Hank Brown as the starter

This might be painfully obvious, but Brown initially won the competition for a reason. Kirk Ferentz and the coaching staff believed he was their best option to win games, and he showed why early on. He had solid performances against UNI and led the game-winning drive against Michigan at the "Big House" in week four. Brown does multiple things well, including avoiding turnovers and excelling at play-action passes.

Brown has been criticized for not forcing the ball downfield as much as Hecklinski, but he has been accurate and has turned the ball over infrequently. Brown has thrown for 832 passing yards with a 62.9-percent completion rate, five touchdowns, and only one interception. He has also added a rushing touchdown. Beyond the stats, Brown has been elite in the play-action passing game when given the proper amount of time, and has shown poise in the pocket.

Making the case for Jeremy Hecklinski as the starter

Brown might have had the upper hand early, but Hecklinski closed the gap with two strong performances back-to-back. Hecklinski took over for Brown late in the third quarter of the 31-14 loss to Ohio State and led the offense's best drive. He finished 5/5 for 67 yards and earned his first career start the next week. Hecklinski followed that up by throwing for 202 yards and three touchdowns in his first collegiate start, reigniting the starting quarterback debate.

Hecklinski doesn't have Brown's size, but is more willing to throw the ball downfield to his playmakers on the outside. He has the swagger and confidence you want from a quarterback, and he backs that up with his ability. He is only getting better, and Ferentz's confidence in him makes sense. Although Brown was constantly called the "more accurate" quarterback, Hecklinski has also completed 63 percent of his passes and has nearly as many passing touchdowns. Hecklinski also has a solid case for starting, and he is making the decision difficult.

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