Kirk Ferentz opened his remarks this week reflecting on Iowa’s opener. “As I said Saturday, it was good to get the win first and foremost. Overall I was pleased with the guys’ preparation. I thought our guys were focused and certainly gave great effort,” Ferentz said. “A lot of good things, certainly a lot of things to clean up.”
Injury news was straightforward. “Kamari Moulton will not be able to play. Vander Zee will be out, and Bryce George, who got injured in pregame, he’ll be out, too. I don’t see those guys having any chance to play,” Ferentz said.
Attention quickly shifted to Iowa State. “They’re off to a really good start, not a big surprise. They’re a really good football team, worthy of their ranking,” the head coach said. “Overall, a really well-coached team. They’re good where it counts and veteran where it counts, and strong in all three phases.”
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Ferentz praised the Cyclones’ offense. “Seven-eight guys that have played a lot of football for them. Quarterback obviously has played a lot of good, winning football and a big part of them winning is his performance. They have good backs, veteran backs that run tough. Really strong at the tight end position,” he said.
Asked about Iowa’s quarterback Mark Gronowski, Ferentz acknowledged nerves. “He was a little bit anxious and pressing too hard. Good to get that first game done, and really looking forward to him leading the team Saturday.”
As for the rivalry, Ferentz expects more of the same. “It’s going to be, my guess, a close game. Five of the last five games have been separated by four points on the average. That’s kind of indicative of this series, two good teams, and we’re going to have to certainly be at our best.”
Iowa faces Iowa State on the road Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET. The game will be aired nationally on Fox.
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