Question of the week: Is the Iowa OL better?

Each week the staff of HawkeyeReport.com tackles a question of the week. This week we once again dive into the world of Iowa football and discuss the performance of the Hawkeye offensive line. They are coming off their best performance of the year by helping lead the way to 254 yards rushing against Western Michigan.

The question this week is…. Kirk Ferentz said during fall camp that the Iowa offensive line was better. After three games are you convinced?

DENNIS SCHEIDT: When Ferentz made these statements, it automatically raised expectations in the fan base, and rightfully so. But, to even the least skeptical mind, proof would need be in the pudding. In the first game Iowa still had difficulty establishing a ground game that would even be considered mediocre, so most observers remained critical.

However, the pass protection was noticeably improved just based on only giving up one sack in the opener. Against the Cyclones it was more the same, but I thought the OL took another step forward as Jaziun Patterson had a breakout performance. The combination of the OL winning some battles and Jaz’s quick and decisive running style provided increased hope.

In week 3 there were more sacks allowed but the holes were definitely there for each and every RB on the roster to hit. I believe Ferentz made those statements in the context of seeing an overall higher maturity level of the lineman. I think with what we’ve seen the last few weeks with the blocking schemes being more fluid to change with the opponent, the maturity as well as the physical attributes are certainly there.

I think it’s still a work-in-progress, but at least so far we’ve seen progress each week without regression. Now, this week the level of difficulty increases dramatically. The question will be how to play to the strengths of the offense and overcome the injuries of the playmakers. It all needs to come together quickly in Happy Valley, keep it close and find a way to grind it out. What else would we expect in this rivalry?

BLAIR SANDERSON: Yes, definitely improved from last season, but how much and is it enough? Those are the next questions to answer as they step into Big Ten play and face their first quality opponent this weekend. No one is expecting Iowa’s offensive line to dominate Penn State, but if they can do just enough to give the Hawkeyes a chance offensively that will tell us more than non-conference games against the #43, #89, and #125 ranked teams in the Sagarin ratings.

The rushing performance against Western Michigan was impressive, but that’s a team that’s now been outscored 89-17 in their two FBS games this season. The tall task as a two touchdown underdog at Penn State aside, the more the unit can grow and gel as they get further into Big Ten play, the better chance Iowa has of winning the West.

KYLE HUESMANN: Am I convinced that the offensive line is better? Yes, there is no doubt that the offensive line has been better compared to last season. The pass blocking was solid over the first two weeks, but did take a step back allowing ten hurries and four sacks against Western Michigan. The run game struggled the first couple of weeks, but the running backs broke out for 249 yards on 35 carries last weekend against the Broncos. There were positive performances in the run and pass blocking through three games.

Overall, there has been improvement along the offensive line that can’t be ignored. Mason Richman (52.0 to 90.3), Gennings Dunker (25.1 to 79.1) and Nick DeJong (56.4 to 73.2) have seen large improvements in their Pro Football Focus pass blocking grades. Connor Colby (69.5 to 82.9) and Nick DeJong (64.0 to 73.4) have made solid improvement in the run blocking department, but Mason Richman (58.6) and Gennings Dunker (59.6) are still working on it.

When Kirk Ferentz raved about improvement along the offensive line, some people (maybe me included) expected it to be noticeable and consistent every game and that was probably unfair. The group has improved, but there is still room to get better and this week against Penn State is not a game where they can afford to be subpar.

TOM KAKERT: I was one of those folks that really needed to see it to believe it. I tend to always believe Kirk Ferentz when it comes to the offensive line, but I was skeptical and really didn’t see it this spring or at Kids Day.

I have to say that I think they are better now. In particular, I think Logan Jones has taken a pretty significant jump. This past week he was the top graded center by Pro Football Focus, which is impressive.

I think the pass protection has improved and they are getting a good push up front in the run game. Plus I like the adjustments in the run game made by Brian Ferentz to run more counters instead of being totally married to the zone run scheme.

Having said all that, this weekend will be a massive test for the offensive line. If Iowa is going to pull off the upset in Happy Valley the story will have to be the dominance of the front five. If they struggle, get ready for folks to start question if they are actually better.

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