The Iowa Hawkeyes host their final pre conference tuneup this weekend when they host Louiosiana-Monroe. The Hawkeyes are 2-1 after erasing a 21 point second half deficit in a 31-27 victory over Pitt. Ferentz says it was a “real good win” and almost like two different games. He says the game showed they have a lot of work ahead.
Ferentz says Liouisiana-Monroe was competitive in their loss at TCU as it was 21-17 before the half and they missed a field goal. He says it was a hard fought game all the way and if they look at that and then look at their game, it is evident they have a lot of work to do.
Ferentz says through the first three games the receiving corps has developed faster than expected. He says Marvin McNutt was the only proven veteran coming back, but Keenan Davis and Kevonte Martin-Manly also played very well after having a good practice.
Ferentz says the defense still has a long ways to go but did make strides. He says they gave up some big plays, and they can’t be a good defense if they do that, but he says part of that is a credit to Pitt. After being the victim of several fourth quarter rallies a year ago Ferentz hopes Saturday’s win sets a new trend.
He says they hopefully will learn and says in 2008 they had a break through game and maybe this one will be one of those. Ferentz says the kick coverage made significant strides against Pitt, as he says they actually looked like a college team covering kicks.
Ferentz says the Hawks will go back to the no-huddle offense if they need it but says the program has always thrown the ball more than some people think. He says people have an idea they are a run team, but he says they do what they have to do to win and do throw the ball to their receivers. Ferentz says they always try to get the ball to the guy who can make the plays for them.