It’s the understatement of the century to say that Iowa (3-4, 1-3 Big Ten) is looking for offensive improvement over the course of its final five games. By now, everyone pretty much knows the stats.
The Hawkeyes own the nation’s worst total offense, averaging just 227.3 yards of total offense per game. Of course, in the all-important scoring offense category, Iowa ranks 128th with a 14.0 points per game scoring average.
Plenty of Iowa’s problems can be attributed to an offensive line that just hasn’t grown up quite enough just yet. Per Football Outsiders, Iowa’s stuff rate—carries by running backs that get stopped at or before the line of scrimmage—is 21.6% or 114th nationally. The Hawkeyes’ opportunity rate—percentage of carries (when four yards are available) that gain at least four yards, i.e. the percentage of carries in which the line does its job—is 38.1% or 129th nationally.
Moving left to right, Iowa’s primary starting offensive line has been redshirt sophomore left tackle Mason Richman, redshirt junior left guard Nick DeJong, redshirt sophomore center Logan Jones, redshirt freshman right guard Beau Stephens and sophomore right tackle Connor Colby. Richman, Jones, Stephens and Colby have started each game, while DeJong has five starts and redshirt sophomore Tyler Elsbury also has a pair.
According to Pro Football Focus, the snap counts look like this: Jones has played 415 snaps, Richman 410, Colby 366, Stephens 281, DeJong 224, Elsbury 193. Redshirt freshman Gennings Dunker has also seen 127 snaps and redshirt senior Jack Plumb has seen 87.
Regardless of whichever combination has been starting or seeing the bulk of the snaps, none of it has worked consistently well. Iowa ranks just 127th nationally in rushing offense, averaging a measly 81.4 rushing yards per game on 2.56 yards per attempt. The Hawkeyes have also surrendered 23 sacks in seven games, which ranks tied-117th nationally.
“It’s a little bit of a mixed bag to that point. I thought we made strides a couple weeks ago. I said that after whatever game it was, game four or five. I thought we made real strides and stalled out a little bit the last time out. Then, we had a bye. Last week was a tough outing. And so we’ll see how we bounce back this week. The guys are practicing well.
“I do think we’re seeing improvement on the field day to day. And so we’ll just keep pushing forward and I wish I could give you an exact answer when it’s going to happen or a timetable. But I’m confident the guys are working hard. They’ve got good attitudes. They’re good young people. We’re going to get there. It’s a matter sooner would be greater than later, that’s for sure,” Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz said of his team’s offensive line play thus far.
Ferentz was asked if the staff has considered moving Colby back inside to guard where he started 11 games last season. His response to the question illustrates some of the problems Iowa has run into.
“He actually played inside some later in the game later in the day. I think one of the takeaways if you looked at the first third down we had, he didn’t get out. Didn’t get out well. That’s something he struggled a little bit. It’s a technique thing. It’s not ability or mental. My takeaway on that would be that’s really been improving in practice. Like we’ve seen improvement. Been focused on that. He’s been focused on it. He’s been working on it. And then Saturday, that first third down, it didn’t happen for him.
“So as a coach, that’s our job to figure that out and say, maybe this isn’t the time for it because it’s not happening the way it needs to happen under game circumstances. Going back to the point of competition and live work versus lower tempo work. So we’re definitely looking at that and considering that. And that’s our job is to get guys in the best possible positions and ask them to do things they can be successful at. So we’re definitely looking at that,” Ferentz said.
What Ferentz mentions there with Colby is a proper illustration of some of the issues it seems Iowa has run into. For whatever reason, some of the positives the staff has been seeing in practice from its offensive line simply isn’t translating to games. Whatever the issue is or if a position change or two is the answer, Iowa is hoping it starts finding solutions soon before an opportunity at a bowl berth slips away.
The Hawkeyes host Northwestern today at 2:30 p.m. from Kinnick Stadium where Iowa looks to reverse its fortunes against the Wildcats.
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