Before each Ohio State game, Eleven Warriors catches up with a media member who covers the opposing team to get his or her perspective on the Buckeyes' upcoming opponent.
Iowa
Hawkeyes
This week, we're joined by Iowa beat writer John Bohnenkamp of Hawkeyenation.com, who is on his 11th season covering the Hawkeyes and his 33rd season covering college football.
Bohnenkamp discussed Iowa's offensive improvement, standout running back Kaleb Johnson, the future of longtime coach Kirk Ferentz and more.
The biggest story surrounding Iowa the past couple of seasons had obviously been Brian Ferentz’s tenure as offensive coordinator. Since Tim Lester took over, Iowa is averaging more than 30 points per game this season. Having a standout RB like Kaleb Johnson helps, but what’s been the biggest difference in the offensive production from this year to last that you’ve seen?
John Bohnenkamp: The biggest difference is on the offensive line. Iowa has been known for great line play throughout Kirk Ferentz’s time as head coach, but injuries and inexperience led to problems the last couple of seasons. This group has been together for a long time, and it’s finally starting to click. That’s played a big part in the running game and allowed the passing game to be a little more efficient.
Speaking of Johnson, he’s no doubt been the Hawkeyes’ best player offensively and is second in the nation in rushing yards. What makes him such an explosive back?
Bohnenkamp: His running style reminds me a lot of Eric Dickerson (I grew up an LA Rams fan and remember Dickerson from the 80s). It’s a straight-up style, and with the way Iowa’s line is blocking (as well as the tight ends and receivers), it’s given him big holes and once he gets to that second level he’s gone. He’s learned how to read defenses better as well, and makes better decisions.
Linebacker Jay Higgins has gotten plenty of love nationally for his contributions in stifling opponents’ run game and the Hawkeyes are once again excellent in rushing defense nationally. But the pass defense has been a little more suspect than expected statistically. What’s been your overall impression of Iowa on defense so far?
Bohnenkamp: The stats are comparable to the great defenses over the last few years, it’s just the big plays they’ve been hit with are something that hasn’t been seen against a Phil Parker secondary. They were better in the last game against Minnesota, and I think it’s a good sign that the back end of the defense has figured things out.
Starting quarterback Cade McNamara hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Week 1 and has been held under 100 passing yards in two of the Hawkeyes’ four games. Do you think there’s any consideration being given from Iowa’s coaches to hand the reigns over to Brendan Sullivan if McNamara doesn’t improve quickly?
Bohnenkamp: The passing yards are a little skewed by Johnson’s play. Tim Lester talked last week about how he had some vertical pass plays ready, but Johnson was so dominant there was no sense using him. Sullivan has become Iowa’s go-to QB inside the 10-yard line in the last couple of games and it’s worked. There are packages in which you may see him used (or so we have been told), but a change will come only if McNamara really struggles or is injured.
The future of Iowa football has been pretty fascinating to think about. Kirk Ferentz and Iowa obviously go back a long time, with Ferentz leading the Hawkeyes to many years of success even if the product isn’t the prettiest style in the world, so I imagine he’ll have a job as long as he wants to. Still, he’s approaching 70, and the responsibilities of a head coach in the new modern era of college football keep changing. Has he given any indication that he might be close to considering riding off into the sunset, or do you think whenever it happens it will pop up out of thin air similar to the Nick Saban retirement?
Bohnenkamp: I think it will pop up out of nowhere, but I do think that time comes sooner rather than later. The sport is changing, with NIL, the playoff, etc., and I think eventually that’s what is going to drive a lot of older coaches from the game. For now, Kirk seems to be enjoying himself. When you start to see that disappear, that’s when the time will be up.
What does Iowa need to do to give itself a chance against Ohio State on Saturday?
Bohnenkamp: They have to a.) run the ball and control the clock and b.) limit the big plays. The longer they stay around, the better the chance, but they can’t be playing from behind early.
Finally, how do you see the game unfolding on Saturday and do you have a score prediction?
Bohnenkamp: The 2022 game was a disaster from the beginning. That’s not going to happen here. Iowa keeps it close until late. Ohio State 35-17.
