Whether its called a controversy or a competition Ricky Stanzi may have cleared up the situation at quarterback with his play in the Hawkeye’s 42-0 win over Florida International. In his first start, the sophomore completed eight on ten passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns in the opening half of play and now in two games has connected on 17-of-24 passes.
Stanzi says it was exciting to get out there and get out the nervous jitters, and he says the offensive line did a great job, and everyone was making plays. After starting the opener, Jake Christensen was eight-of-12 for 99 yards and a touchdown. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said just because Stanzi started on Saturday does not mean he has locked up the job.
Ferentz says they felt that both quarterbacks had been pretty even and the only thing they hadn’t seen was Stanzi in a starting role. He says it wasn’t a bold statement starting Stanzi, and he feels both played well.
The Hawkeyes will now get set for Saturday’s 57th meeting with the Iowa State Cyclones and Stanzi says even though he is a native of Ohio he is aware of what this series means. Stanzi says he definitely understands how big the game is and will put in the work to be ready to go.
Iowa leads the all-time series 36-20 but the Cyclones currently hold bragging rights after a 15-13 win in Ames in 2007. Ferentz says it will be a three-rng circus outside the stadium and through the state heading up to the game. Ferentz says he expects a very tough game as it always is in this series.