5 keys for the Iowa Hawkeyes in their Week 1 opener versus Utah State
When the Iowa Hawkeyes open the season up against the Utah State Aggies on Saturday, they will be taking the field with a slew of cautious, but optimistic questions surrounding them.
Anything from the offensive coordinator to the quarterback and offensive line has some with a more cautious approach. Alternatively, the defense and special teams once again have people coming into the season optimistic about what those units offer.
Week 1 is telling but not always of the entire story. Teams come in with a reserved approach, especially Iowa, and don’t often show everything in their scheme. Don’t expect that to be any different this year as Iowa is still working through things.
That said, Week 1 is a great barometer to find out a few things that could be key throughout the duration of the season. What the Hawkeyes do in Week 1 could give us some insight to their plan this year. Here are five keys for the Hawkeyes in their opener.
The new linebackers
Jay Higgins, Kyler Fisher, and Nick Jackson are leading a linebacker group that is new faces across the board. Higgins and Fisher are getting their first starts while Jackson, an All-ACC transfer, is suiting up for Iowa for the first time.
Utah State’s run game and offense should be a good test for the trio to find their footing and gain confidence. The ability of these three to shut down the run game and put things into the hands of their pass rush and secondary will be key.
Trusting an elite secondary
Phil Parker might have one of his best secondaries yet this season. There isn’t much worry about this group aside from what some depth could look like if called upon. Against a Utah State offense that doesn’t have some of the talent or speed that teams in the Big Ten do, Iowa can really play free in the back end.
The front seven should shut down any sort of run game and hand it over to the secondary for third downs and obvious passing situations. The key for this secondary is to play fundamental and simply be in the right place at the right time.
Finding the right WR rotation
Iowa’s official depth chart (a stretch to call it that) lists Nico Ragaini and Diante Vines as the two starting receivers with Kaleb Brown and Seth Anderson, two highly touted transfer portal additions, as backups.
I wouldn’t look into the depth chart too much as Iowa rotates receivers. And that is the key this week. Iowa needs to mix and match this group early and often. Finding the right rotations, pairing, and personnel groups is key for the receivers.
Brian Ferentz's playcalling
We all know the situation. Brian Ferentz’s need to average 25 points per game has been talked about ad nauseam. How aggressive will he be? Does Iowa try to score more than we would normally see?
The playcalling will be key for multiple reasons. First is the desire for Iowa to have any pulse on offense after last year. The second is how this changes Iowa’s game plan. Iowa is fine conceding on fourth and short with a punt. A key to watch for is if there is an increased sense of urgency and aggression on fourth downs for this offense.
Cade McNamara's snapcount
Will he play? How much will he play? Does Iowa even suit him up or save him? These are the keys for Cade McNamara.
Personally, I let him play and get comfortable in this offense. He is a transfer quarterback and could use every rep of live game action that he could get. I know Iowa State could be down this season, but starting his first game on the road against a rival isn’t appealing to me.
The key to watch here is if McNamara plays, how much Iowa lets him play, and what all they ask of him.
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