The Iowa Hawkeyes‘ 2023 season began with a 24-14 win over Utah State. It featured a couple early touchdown passes from senior quarterback Cade McNamara to sophomore wide receiver Seth Anderson and senior tight end Erick All.
The touchdown pass from McNamara to Anderson was the Hawkeyes’ first on a season-opening drive since 1991. After those opening fireworks, though, the Hawkeyes’ offense stalled out.
Iowa’s inability to keep things rolling offensively was among the game’s biggest takeaways and left some fans frustrated. But, those early offensive highlights and the return of Hawkeye football in general had social media abuzz.
Defensively, sophomore safety Xavier Nwankpa juiced the Kinnick Stadium crowd with his second career interception. Overall, a 1-0 start had Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz pleased.
Here’s 10 items that stood out from his postgame press conference.