Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says it is unclear when or if senior receiver Ed Hinkel can return this season. Hinkel suffered a broken arm after making a catch in last week’s 34-17 victory at Purdue. Ferentz says Hinkel had surgery Monday on the arm and everything went well, but he says he won’t be back until at least November.
Ferentz says two members of the defensive backfield are likely out after suffering ankle injuries. Antwan Allen and Charles Godrey will be replaced by Adam Shada and Miguel Merrick. He says both Adam and Miguel made some big plays against Purdue and they both have played and know what they’re doing. He says the only positive from an injury is that other players get a chance to step up.
The Hawkeyes are 4-2 and Ferentz says the Hoosiers will be tough to beat. He says they have a better record than his team and are playing very well with a veteran, experienced team. The Hawks yielded more than 400 yards but only allowed two touchdowns against Purdue and Ferentz says the defense is making strides. He says they’re getting great leadership, effort and emotion from the team. He says they’re moving in the right direction and now the key is to keep things on track and gain some ground.
But while things may be headed in the right direction Ferentz says it is way too soon to compared this season to 2004 when after a 2-2 start the Hawkeyes won their last eight games. Ferentz says they’re just trying to get one foot in front of the other right now and are emphasizing the small picture. He says they’re three quarters of the way done and have to keep playing to see how things go.