If there’s one thing Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz preaches every week to his football team, it’s execution.

As the Hawkeyes left Jack Trice Stadium with a 35-3 win over Iowa State, one thing was clear — their execution on offense, defense, and special teams was precise for 60 minutes.

From a defensive perspective, Iowa’s performance last weekend was much better against the Cyclones than it was during the Hawkeyes’ 17-16 victory over Northern Iowa. Iowa State struggled to throw the ball all afternoon and ended up turning it over on six occasions, including five interceptions by Hawkeye safeties Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood.

Iowa failed to create a single turnover against the Panthers.

“With six turnovers in a game, we just had guys in the right place at the right time, flying to the ball, everybody doing his responsibility, taking care of his job,” senior linebacker A.J. Edds said. “When you have guys wanting to make plays, that’s what happens.”

Then there’s the offense. It may not have been evident at the very start, but as the game with Iowa State progressed, balance became evident.

The Hawkeyes were able to run the ball efficiently with two freshman running backs — Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher. Wegher, who made his first appearance lining up at running back, rushed for 101 yards on 15 carries.

The success Iowa had running the ball was enough for Ferentz to say without hesitation that Robinson would start again against Arizona on Saturday, with Wegher listed right behind him on the depth chart.

“We came out, and made a statement, and showed everybody that Iowa still is a run team and our running game is solidified,” Robinson said.

In the passing game, junior quarterback Ricky Stanzi struggled early. However, he recovered to throw a career-high four touchdown passes.

One of those touchdown passes came with 2:56 left in the first half to junior wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. The 18-yard touchdown catch was significant not just because it put Iowa ahead by double digits, it also was one of two receptions by the Campbell, Ohio, native on third down.

His lone reception against Northern Iowa also came on third down, which Johnson-Koulianos said he relishes.

“It’s really one of the most pivotal times of the game,” he said. “If you can be a guy to become trustworthy on third down, then that’s a pretty good thing.”

And who can forget about special teams executing as well? Ferentz wouldn’t refer to it as the turning point, but the failed onside kick attempt by Iowa State in the first quarter undoubtedly shifted momentum.

The Hawkeye who made key special-team plays was sophomore linebacker Bruce Davis. Afterwards, the Cleveland native said it was a matter of him knowing his role and doing his assignment.

What made it even more special for Davis was seeing Iowa’s offense respond with a touchdown that gave the Hawkeyes a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

“You want your offense to put points on the board, help the team out,” he said. “I’m just doing my role, just trying to help the team as best as possible.”

TV slates announced

Hawkeye fans might want to set ABC on their favorite channels lists for at least the next two weeks.

Not only will Iowa’s 2:30 p.m. contest at Kinnick Stadium against Arizona be televised by the network on Saturday, but the Hawkeyes’ prime-time showdown at Penn State on Sept. 26 will also be carried by ABC.

Calling the Iowa-Arizona game this coming weekend will be Mike Patrick, Craig James, and Heather Cox.