Pressure mounting up on Brian Ferentz as Iowa’s offense implodes
Iowa Offensive Coordinator Brian Ferentz glances at the ground during drills before game against Iowa State Saturday September 10, 2022 at Kinnick Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
There’s no denying the future of Brian Ferentz with Iowa is starting to look gloomy after the blowout loss at Penn State.
The debacle was the first time the Hawkeyes got shutout since 2000, and the fans have put the blame on Ferentz. After all, Iowa ranks dead last in the Power Five, and 129th nationally in total offense. And that’s mind-boggling, considering Ferentz has stipulations to his contract, that requires the Hawkeyes to average at least 25 points per game this season.
Iowa continues to struggle though, and is currently averaging 21.2 points per game, which ranks 105th in the FBS. There’s no excuse for only generating 76 yards of total offense in a Big Ten game. Now the stakes are higher as the Hawkeyes approach the gauntlet of their conference schedule.
Injuries have plagued the offense, and that has left Ferentz short-handed for the past two games. Tight end Luke Lachey, who’s Iowa’s top pass catcher, suffered a season-ending injury. Running backs Kaleb Johnson, and Jaziun Patterson are still banged up too. It’s almost to the point where it seems like the walls are closing in on Ferentz.
However, if Iowa scores 40 or more points at home against a distracted Michigan State team this Saturday, it’ll benefit Ferentz. The Hawkeyes will be back at averaging 25 points per game, while Ferentz controls his own destiny. That’s easier said than done if the offense hasn’t made adjustments.
Quarterback Cade McNamara doesn’t have a receiver that can take the top off a defense. That means Iowa has no downfield threat, and it’s putting more pressure on McNamara. Iowa fans want to see veteran receiver Nico Ragaini get back in his 2019 form, when he caught 46 passes. Tight end Erick All has stepped up in Lachey’s absence, and been a reliable safety net for McNamara.
Depth could become an issue for Ferentz if injuries continue to pile up for the offense. The big boys up front need to hold their own in the trenches, and allow McNamara proper time in the pocket. The Hawkeyes are tied for 75th nationally in sacks allowed, so the protection has been subpar. That’s an area that must improve, or Iowa’s offense will sink faster than the Titanic ship.
Several fans from across the state believe the writing is already on the wall for Ferentz. Still, he has plenty of opportunities to prove his doubters wrong. As long as Iowa (3-1) gets back on the winning track, all will be forgotten. And it starts at Kinnick Stadium this Saturday, where the Hawkeyes are undefeated on the year.
