Hawkeyes Face Short Yardage Woes Ahead of Cy-Hawk Showdown
The 73rd edition of the Cy-Hawk game is set for Saturday night, and while both Iowa and Iowa State enter undefeated, the Hawkeyes have a glaring issue to fix before kickoff. After a dominant 40-0 win over Northern Illinois, Iowa's offense struggled in short yardage situations near the goal line, a problem that could prove costly against a hungry Cyclone squad.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff are working overtime to correct the redzone miscues that kept the Hawkeyes from fully capitalizing on their opportunities last Saturday. Penalties, incompletions, negative yard gains, and an interception plagued Iowa's goal-to-go scenarios, leaving fans and players alike wanting more.
What went wrong for Iowa in the redzone?
The Hawkeyes' running game was stuffed repeatedly in short yardage situations against Northern Illinois. Both quarterbacks, Hank Brown and the backup, struggled to connect with receivers who found little space against a determined Huskie defense. The lone bright spot came on the first drive when Brown found wide receiver Tony Diaz for a touchdown, though that play was set up by a defensive pass interference call and followed two stuffed runs.
“Down by the goal line it's a hard thing to execute when you're in the redzone,” said Hawkeye wide receiver Reece Vander Zee. “So, we got to know that, and I think there's a lot of room for improvement.”
Vander Zee acknowledged the missed opportunities, saying the team needs to continue repping those plays in practice. “I think we missed on a bunch of shots that we could've completed and came down with, me included,” he added.
Redzone struggles are nothing new for the Hawkeyes
This isn't the first time Iowa has struggled near the endzone. In offensive coordinator Tim Lester's first year in 2024, the offense sputtered until backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan was brought in for goal-to-go situations. Last season, Mark Gronowski served as the saving grace in those scenarios.
This year, however, neither quarterback appears to fit that mold, as both are pass-first players. The solution will require creativity from Lester, especially with power running back LJ Phillips sidelined by an ankle sprain. His return timeline remains unclear.
“We'll probably talk about all the possibilities, right personnel groups, wrong personnel groups, all of those types of things,” said Ferentz.
Iowa State hungry for a third straight Cy-Hawk win
The Cyclones visit Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, September 12, looking to extend their winning streak over the Hawkeyes to three games. Iowa State's defense, led by cornerback Beni Ngoyi, will present a significant challenge. Ngoyi made one of the best plays of college football's week one, snatching a pass out of the air with one hand while tumbling to the ground.
For Iowa's receivers, the film room will be a key battleground this week. “We'll stay focused on what the corner's techniques are and go take a look at that and then big picture as well,” said Vander Zee. “Just like what to expect on first and second down, what to expect on third down in redzone.”
Offensive line health could be a factor
A healthier offensive line could also help. Starters Kade Pieper and Cael Winter left the Northern Illinois game in the first half due to heat-related issues, though the Hawkeyes' struggles began from the opening kickoff. The offensive line will need to translate its dominance in the middle of the field to the goal line.
“We try to come out every snap and be on the attack, because I play with a bunch of fun guys next to me, really talented guys,” said fifth-year offensive lineman Jack Dotzler. “It's just fun to be a part of.”
Ferentz remains optimistic about the fixes ahead. “You don't want to rush off to a decision, some of the stuff is correctable, teachable from the film so we got to execute a little better,” he said.
The Cy-Hawk game kicks off at 6:30 pm Saturday night, with both teams looking to make a statement in this storied rivalry.