Hawkeyes looking to fix short yardage woes on offense

The 73rd iteration of the Cy-Hawk game is right around the corner. Both Iowa and Iowa State enter undefeated after Week 1, but it was clear neither are a complete team yet. In the 40-0 blowout of the Northern Illinois Huskies, the Hawkeyes looked phenomenal, except for goal-to-go short yardage scenarios.

More times than not last Saturday, the running game was stuffed on those short yardage situations. Both quarterbacks struggled to find receivers who also found space hard to come by, save for a beautiful play on the first drive of the game where quarterback Hank Brown found wide receiver Tony Diaz for the touchdown.

Though that play only happened because Diaz drew a defensive pass interference on third and goal, then a false start dropped the Hawkeyes back to the six-yard line for another third and goal after getting stuffed twice.

"Down by the goal line it's a hard thing to execute when you're in the red zone," said Hawkeye wide receiver Reece Vander Zee. "So, we got to know that, and I think there's a lot of room for improvement."

Ultimately, it was those miscues - penalties, incompletions, negative yard gains, and interceptions that kept the Hawkeyes from taking advantage of each opportunity.

"I think we missed on a bunch of shots that we could've completed and came down with, me included," said Vander Zee. "I think, (we have to) continue to rep those plays down by the goal line."

Early season red zone struggles is not a new thing for the Hawkeyes. In offensive coordinator Tim Lester's first year in 2024, the team struggled mightily to score. The change that ignited the offense was bringing in backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan when the offense had the goal to go. Last season, quarterback Mark Gronowski was the saving grace in those scenarios. Neither quarterback this season seems to be off that same branch, they are both pass-first. The answer will have to test Lester's creativity.

Especially with power running back LJ Phillips out with an ankle sprain on Saturday. His return time is unknown.

"We'll probably talk about all the possibilities, right personnel groups, wrong personnel groups, all of those types of things," said Hawkeye head coach Kirk Ferentz.

The Iowa State Cyclones visit the Hawkeyes on Saturday. They are hungry for a third consecutive win over the Hawkeyes. One that could happen if the Hawkeyes aren't able to find success near the endzone.

"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," said Ferentz.

For the wide receivers, that means spending more time in the film room. Where this week they will focus on scouting the Cyclone defensive backs. One cornerback, in particular, will be easy to find his top play. Beni Ngoyi snatched a ball flying over his head with one hand while tumbling to the ground. It was one of the best plays of the thousands ran in college football during Week 1.

"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 red zone."

A healthier offensive line could help too. Starters Kade Pieper and Cael Winter left the Northern Illinois game in the first half due to heat issues. Though, the Hawkeyes' struggles started from the opening kickoff. The offensive line will have to find a way to push its middle-of-the-field dominance 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 5th year Jack Dotzler. "It's just fun to be a part of."

The Cy-Hawk game will off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday night.

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