Nebraska Opponent Spring Review: Iowa

Nebraska’s first offseason under new head Matt Rhule is fully underway. With that, it’s time to look at where things stand with the Huskers’ 12 upcoming opponents following spring practices.

We wrap up our Husker opponent spring reviews today with Iowa. Head coach Kirk Ferentz is back for a 25th year in Iowa City, but the Hawkeyes are adjusting to some notable changes this offseason.

We caught up with Tom Kakert of HawkeyeReport.com to get the latest on Iowa heading into the summer…

It’s the Cade McNamara show

Maybe Iowa’s most significant offseason addition was landing Michigan transfer quarterback Cade McNamara.

After dealing with one of the worst passing attacks in all of college football last year, the Hawkeyes are banking on McNamara to take their offense to the next level.

The 6-foot-1, 206-pound senior appeared in 21 games with 16 starts for the Wolverines, going 13-3 as a starter and guiding UM to a 2021 Big Ten title.

Along with his production, Ferentz and Co. wanted McNamara to take the reins on and off the field. Based on his first spring in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes saw everything they had hoped in that regard from the Reno, Nevada, native.

McNamara didn’t do much this spring as he recovered from offseason knee surgery. But he’s expected to be one of the faces of the program in 2023.

The precarious state of Brian Ferentz and Iowa’s offense

There might not be a more polarizing person in Iowa football than offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz. His situation with the team going into this season has never been more fascinating.

The head coach’s son has been the brunt of Hawkeye fans’ criticism for years, and never more so than following the debacle that was last season.

Iowa averaged just 17.7 points per game in 2022, ranking 123rd in the nation. Kirk Ferentz stuck with his son, but UI brass added clear requirements for Brian to stay on staff beyond this year.

The Hawkeyes must average 25 points per game (just below the national average last season) and win seven games. Defensive and special teams points will count towards that 25-point minimum, and a bowl game would apply to the seven wins.

Iowa did all it could to improve its offensive firepower through the transfer portal. Along with McNamara, the Hawkeyes brought in Ohio State receiver Kaleb Brown, Michigan tight end Erick All, and FCS All-American receiver Seth Anderson from Charleston Southern.

As far as scheme and offensive philosophy, though, the Ferentz’s didn’t change much. Will the improved personnel be enough to save Brian’s job?

Filling some massive shoes on defense

While much of the offseason attention for Iowa has gone to its offense, some glaring holes need to be filled on defense.

There might not have been a more important player on UI’s roster last season than all-everything linebacker Jack Campbell. A first-round pick by the Detroit Lions last month, Campbell leaves massive voids with his production and leadership.

Senior Jay Higgins looks to be the frontrunner to take over at middle linebacker, but he’ll have to hold off Virginia graduate transfer Nick Jackson in fall camp.

Iowa must also try to replace fellow first-round draft pick Lukas Van Ness (New England Patriots) on the defensive line and third-round selection Riley Moss (Denver Broncos) at cornerback.

Cooper DeJean, a likely preseason All-Big Ten choice at corner this year, will be the new leader of the secondary. Joe Evans, who’s averaged 6.5 sacks over the past three seasons, will hold down the defensive line, along with fifth-year senior Noah Shannon.

Early outlook on Nebraska vs. Iowa

Kakert: “It’s going to be a fascinating game simply because I always think there’s going to be something to play for in this one. That will probably be the case again this year for one or both teams. There will be something on the line for it.

“It’s a great mystery right now with Matt Rhule, but I think Nebraska’s probably got some confidence coming into this game simply because they were able to get a win last year. I think Iowa’s probably going to have some motivation coming in, and who knows if the point total is going to come into play to see if Brian Ferentz is getting to 25 (ppg) in that 12th game of the year.”

2023 win-loss expectation for Iowa

“I have them penciled in right now at about 10 wins, give or take a game either way. It could be better, or it could be 9-3. I know Vegas has them at 7-5; I think that’s just a tad bit too low. I think Iowa’s getting a little bit underestimated right now.

“We know the defense is going to be solid. I just can’t imagine the offense is going to be worse than what it was last year, and I think McNamara is going to help them there. If they can just get an average offense, instead of one of the worst offenses in college football, to go with a strong defense, they could easily win 10 games.”

The post Nebraska Opponent Spring Review: Iowa appeared first on On3.