Sept. 7, 2014
- Hawkeye Football Game Day
- 2014 Fall Camp Central
- Read the September issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
- Download your Hawk Talk Monthly iOS app
- Download your Hawk Talk Monthly android app
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone/iPad app
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye android app
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
By DARREN MILLER
hawkeyesports.comIOWA CITY, Iowa — For a second week in a row, the University of Iowa football team responded when its back was against the wall. Now it has a 2-0 record to show for that determination.
The way the Hawkeyes handed adversity during a 17-13 victory against Ball State on Sept. 6 was a highlight of the afternoon for head coach Kirk Ferentz.
“Needless to say, we were in a tight situation in the fourth quarter. Ball State came in here and played well,” Ferentz said Sunday during an exclusive interview with hawkeyesports.com. “They played well and didn’t make mistakes and we did. We were looking up from the bottom of the scoreboard.”
But Iowa owned the fourth quarter, outscoring the Cardinals 14-0 and out-gaining them 182-45 in total yards.
“We played good team football, the way the guys hung together in the fourth quarter,” Ferentz said. “The defense did a great job getting stops and the offense moved the ball. Coming back and finishing up with two touchdown drives was great to see.”
The Hawkeyes allowed eight plays of 20-or more yards during the season opener against Northern Iowa. The only play more than 20 yards for Ball State on Saturday was a 26-yard pass from Ozzie Mann to KeVonn Mabon.
“We took a major step. A week ago we gave up way too many,” Ferentz said. “When you give up that kind of yardage, it’s hard to play the kind of defense you want to play. Yesterday was a little more representative. Hopefully we can build off that effort.”
Ferentz said it appears that every Hawkeye that played against Ball State will be ready against Iowa State on Sept. 13 as well…with the addition of redshirt freshman linebacker Josey Jewell.
“We have a few guys who are sore, it was a tough, physical game, but it looks right now like everyone is going to be ready to go this week and that’s something we’re excited about,” Ferentz said. “Josey realistically has a chance to be on the field Tuesday (for practice), which would be outstanding.”
The Hawkeyes will play in front of a sold-out Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 13 when they host intrastate rival Iowa State. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (CT).
“This is always a big, big game and it’s a great game for interest in football within the state borders and beyond,” Ferentz said. “This week all the focus, at least for most of the football fans in Iowa, will be on this ball game. It’s always an exciting environment whether it’s in our stadium or theirs. It is usually a tough, hard-fought competitive ball game as well.”
