CFB World Reacts to Iowa Offense’s Miserable First Half vs. Ohio State

The Hawkeyes trail by 16 at the half despite a strong effort by their defense.

Iowa’s defense has put together a solid performance against Ohio State through one half, holding one of the nation’s top offenses to just 133 total yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately for Kirk Ferentz’s club, the Hawkeyes offense absolutely can’t get out of its own way, a theme that has pervaded throughout the 2022 season.

Quarterback Spencer Petras was intercepted on the very first play of the game, setting up an Ohio State field goal to open the scoring. The Hawkeyes briefly took a lead just a few minutes later with a scoop-and-score off of a strip sack of CJ Stroud by Iowa’s Joe Evans. The Buckeyes would answer with a Miyan Williams touchdown run to go up 10–7.

From there, it’s been very ugly for Iowa. Petras lost a fumble on the ensuing possession, setting up another Buckeyes field goal. The Hawkeyes would add a field goal of their own, but the offense turned it over on downs late in the first quarter, and Petras threw a backbreaking pick six late in the second quarter. Thanks in large part to mistakes by the Iowa offense, Ohio State leads 26–10 at the half.

Petras is just 6-for-14 for 49 yards and two interceptions, while Iowa has managed just 18 rushing yards on 16 carries. The game has done nothing to assuage the myriad concerns about embattled offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz’s unit.

Really, it's utter coaching malpractice by Iowa.

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) October 22, 2022

There’s a legit case to be made that Iowa should quick kick anytime it gets the ball. pic.twitter.com/VZJOtqRJgV

— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) October 22, 2022

Amazingly, the Buckeyes have scored zero TDs on those three gifts. All field goals. Iowa DC Phil Parker needs to sue for lack of support. https://t.co/sSHbcF5fZ7

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) October 22, 2022

I don't know how the Iowa defense doesn't fight the Iowa offense.

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 22, 2022

Ohio State seeks to move to 7–0 on the season and bolster its College Football Playoff case. Iowa, meanwhile, sits at 3–3 on the year and seems likely to drop under .500 unless its offense can find something in the second half. 

• Inside The Hawkeyes: Monika Czinano Lands on Leslie Watch List 

For more Iowa coverage, go to Inside The Hawkeyes.