Mailbag: What was biggest factor in Iowa’s beatdown at PSU?

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — There is no shortage of concerns following Iowa’s 31-0 blowout loss at Penn State on Saturday.

The Hawkeyes were embarrassed in what now sets up an early-season crossroads. How will Iowa respond to this? Iowa has back-to-back home games, starting with Michigan State on Saturday and then Purdue the following week. Both games should offer Iowa a chance to get back on track.

Anything short of two wins would be cause for more skepticism. If Iowa isn’t able to show resolve out of this game, it would point to a season that might be starting to unravel. But if Iowa learns from this loss and shows significant improvement, it would be an encouraging sign that it can achieve its ambitions this season.

Let’s dive into some questions.

Is there a root cause of Iowa’s offensive struggles?

Iowa’s offensive struggles can be attributed to multiple factors. Quarterback Cade McNamara was just 5-of-14 for 42 yards against Penn State. The rushing attack was lacking, as well. Iowa’s leading rusher against Penn State was Kamari Moulton, who had 18 yards on the ground. Erick All led Iowa in receptions with just three.

Each individual and position group contributed to the offensive shortcomings. But what shouldn’t be overlooked in the equation is Iowa’s offensive line struggles.

The state of Iowa’s offensive line was a major storyline entering this season. That unit underperformed last season and Iowa’s offense as a whole felt the effects of it. There was optimism that Iowa’s O-line was improved entering the season. But the first three games of 2023 were a mixed bag of results. The first two games produced good pass protection but not-great run blocking. Against Western Michigan, it was flipped.

Against Penn State was that unit’s worst performance of the season. Iowa’s offensive line was dominated by a stout Nittany Lions defense. The Hawkeyes ran for just 20 yards. They also allowed three sacks.

Various aspects of Iowa’s offense are in need of improvement but the offensive line might determine the destiny for the unit as a whole. McNamara can’t get the ball out to playmakers if he doesn’t have the time to do so. Iowa’s running backs can only do so much if there aren’t holes. It feels like a lot of Iowa’s offensive outlook hinges on whether the offensive line can get things figured out. Saturday was not a good sign.

How can Iowa get its wide receivers more involved?

Iowa’s wide receivers had another slow day. Diante Vines and Nico Ragaini were the only wide receivers to catch the ball. Each had just one reception.

Iowa has enough playmaking wide receivers. It brought in Seth Anderson and Kaleb Brown from the transfer portal. Ragaini and Vines have been in the Iowa program for a while.

But the production hasn’t been there. Part of that is because Iowa has not had many sustained drives. That means fewer plays to get them the ball. On top of that, McNamara has favored throwing to tight ends. Luke Lachey was a major part of Iowa’s offense before being injured in the game against Western Michigan. Erick All, who was teammates with McNamara at Michigan, has also been one of McNamara’s frequent targets.

Because Iowa’s tight ends are seeing a considerable amount of action, that means there’s less to go around for the wide receivers.

And again, Iowa’s offensive line plays a role here. If they aren’t able to consistently protect McNamara, it significantly hampers his ability to survey the defense and get the ball out to wide receivers.

Outside of punter Tory Taylor, who was the most impressive player for Iowa?

Jay Higgins is a clear candidate. The linebacker led Iowa in tackles on Saturday with 18.

Higgins has been nothing short of incredible this season. He had a tall task to fill in the role of star Jack Campbell, who has now moved on to the NFL. But the seamlessness with which Higgins has fit in is impressive. He has been exactly what Iowa has needed in that position.

If you want to look at one of the few positives from Saturday, it should include Higgins. He is what you’d want out of a leader, not only with his words but also his actions.

“The locker room will rally together,” Higgins said postgame, “and just being a leader on this team, I look at those guys and I know they’re completely bought in.”