ESPN lists ‘Iowa point watch’ among most fun college football storylines
What is fun to one person or group, can truly be a miserable experience for others. Unfortunately, for many jokes, someone has to be the butt of the joke. In the case of offenses scoring points, the Iowa Hawkeyes get the short end of the stick here.
The story and joke have been beaten into the mud over and over again. We all know it. Iowa’s offense was subpar (to be generous) during the 2022 season. Something had to be done. The action that was implemented can simply be broken down into one sentence. The Iowa Hawkeyes have to average 25 points per game or Brian Ferentz is relieved of his offensive coordinator duties.
Sure, this isn’t fun for Iowa fans at all, but it is viewed as one of the intriguing storylines in college football. ESPN has “Iowa points watch” among their most fun storylines of 2023.
The Drive to 325 is on. Justifiably maligned Iowa Hawkeyes offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, has overseen one of the most appalling offenses in the country of late. The Hawkeyes averaged just 23.4 points per game in 2021 and, despite a nation’s-best six defensive touchdowns, only 17.7 per game in 2022. Ferentz kept his job and a robust salary, but his amended and incentives-heavy contract will require Iowa to score 25 points per game and win at least seven games to reach full compensation.
That average would have ranked 85th in FBS last season. It also includes defensive and special teams scores. In other words, the bar is incredibly low here. However, this should create a morbidly curious air around Hawkeye games this fall. I plan on soaking this in. – Connelly, ESPN
The 325-point total is Iowa’s mark, assuming they play in a bowl game, which is a safe bet to count on. That is 25 points over 13 games.
It isn’t fun for Iowa fans, players, or coaches to have this clause in the back of their minds each week. It has the potential to create some incredibly interesting scenarios this season for Iowa.
What if Iowa is up big on Utah State or Western Michigan in the second half? Do they pile it on to provide some cushion for the scoring average? Does this make Iowa more aggressive to go for it on fourth down? With the best punter in the nation, Tory Taylor, and a top defense waiting, going for it may not be the right call for the game but could be the right move to score points. There is truly potential for chaos and tough decisions ahead.
So, while ESPN calls this scenario fun, that term is subjective. This may be fun for the impartial viewer or fan, but those involved likely have some headaches awaiting them.
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