Iowa quarterback Drew Tate has been cleared by doctors to play in Saturday’s 54th meeting between Iowa and Iowa State. Tate missed last week’s game at Syracruse with an abdominal strain and was replaced by fellow senior Jason Manson. Tate was set to return to practice Tuesday after and Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz will decide if he plays.
Ferentz says how Tate looks in practice will be the deciding factor, as he says it’s like a sprained ankle, if Tate can’t perform the way he needs to perform, he won’t play. Ferentz says he intends to play Tate, and if he doesn’t he’ll start whichever backup gives them the best chance to win.
Ferentz says they want to win every game and will do whatever it takes to do that, but he says they have to think about what’s best for individual players. Ferentz says he doesn’t want to play someone and get them hurt worse so they’re out for more games down the road.
Ferentz says this has the feel of a big conference game, as he says “It’s not just another game, it’s a huge game.” Ferentz says big games are fun and the weeks go a lot faster before big games.
Ferentz says Iowa State’s veteran offense will tough to slow down because the Cyclones can run it, throw it and quarterback Bret Meyer adds the dimension of a quarterback who can run. Ferentz says that’s one more thing they have to defend.
Ferentz says what most big games come down to is showing up with intensity and playing hard. He says you have to operate and have success in critical areas.