Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz does not care how the Hawkeye offense moves the ball as long as it does. Two weeks ago the Hawks used the ground game to rally past Michigan State. This past Saturday it was a rejuvenated passing attack that sparked a 28-17 win at Northwestern. Ferentz says they philosophically want to be balanced, but he says they’re just happy to score points any way possible right now.
Ferentz says they have to do whatever they can and they’re not built right now to dictate to the defense what they do. The Hawks host Minnesota this weekend and while the Gopher defense has struggled that does not mean the Hawks expect a field day on offense. Ferents says, "The thought of us exploiting someone right now is a little bit amusing." He says they’re not an offense of big stats and the Gophers defense is not one that creates big stats, but Ferentz says they just hope to play better.
At 5-5 the Hawksa control their own destiny when it comes to a possible bowl game but Ferentz says it is not time to think about that. Ferentz says now he would be really happy to win this week. He says you can talk about rivalries, but he says they know this game will be a challenge, and they have to play well to get a win.
After losing to Iowa State and Wisconsin this is Iowa’s last chance to claim a rivalry trophy. Ferentz says the atrium of the football office is kind of empty right now, so it would be nice to get a trophy. And he says you want to win ever game you’re in, trophies or no trophies.
Ferentz says a key to the reversal in fortunes has been a consistent attitude the players have had all season. He says nothing has changed, as the resolve of the team has been the same good or bad, and Ferentz says that’s what makes them a good group to work with.