1. C.J. Beathard is getting everyone involved
This is a good thing, even if it came against a lackluster opponent. Beathard’s incredibly efficient passing performance saw him complete passes to seven different Hawkeye receivers in Sept. 26’s 62-16 victory.
Getting everyone in the mix is something the best quarterbacks do. It keeps defenses from keying in on one or two guys and will open the playbook if Iowa can continue in Big Ten play.
Beathard’s quarterback efficiency climbed to 157.8 after the blowout victory. That’s No. 1 in the Big Ten, besting a whole bunch of Heisman hopefuls and consensus NFL Draft first-round talent.
2. LeShun Daniels, Jr. is not 100 percent
For the third straight week Daniels was limited and struggled to get anything going — rushing just five times for 21 yards.
The Hawks didn’t need him against the Mean Green, and likely saw an opportunity to rest the tailback for the upcoming Big Ten schedule. Even so, Daniels is a major question mark for this team going forward.
Beathard’s play will be even better if he can lean on a strong run game. Jordan Canzeri has shown he can step up and carry the load when needed, but history has shown his health can’t hold up as the premier back over the course of the year.
The two backs pose a formidable one-two punch to compliment Beathard and the passing game, but only if Daniels is getting the bulk of the carries and is healthy enough to be effective.
3. Receivers flash big play ability
Critics of Iowa’s offense might point to the fact that the group still isn’t taking a lot of shots downfield. It’s something one would hope to see attempted more against a weak non-conference opponent — and it was with great success against the Mean Green.
Both Tevaun Smith and George Kittle had big touchdown receptions against North Texas — displaying the type of athleticism that can present matchup problems for opposing secondary and linebacker units.
Like the running game, it’s an element that can bring balance to the offense. Long pass plays keep safeties honest, which in turn can open things up for Canzeri and Daniels.
4. Questions arise on run defense
Iowa’s hot-streak against the run came to an end, as the defense surrendered 183 yards on the ground. Entering the game the leading rusher against the Hawks totaled 38 yards. Three Mean Green backs eclipsed that mark.
It’s fair to wonder the intensity level brought by Iowa’s defenders, especially coming off an emotional and physical win last week. It would be logical to assume that the sense of urgency was not the same as it was against Pittsburgh or will be against Wisconsin Saturday.
But North Texas is such a step down from the competition the Hawks will be facing going forward that the performance is enough to raise some concerns
Wisconsin starter Corey Clement is out of action, but the Badgers are going to run the ball early and often. Whether Iowa’s defense plays like it did against Pitt or like it did against North Texas could be the difference in Madison.
5. Suddenly, Iowa is a favorite in the West
Putting up 62 points is not something people are used to seeing from a Kirk Ferentz offense, no matter what the opponent is (the last time Iowa scored 62 points was in 2002 against Northwestern).
The offense is multi-dimensional with strong play at the quarterback position. That alone makes the Hawkeyes a contender in a Big Ten West division with no clear standout.
Northwestern and Wisconsin look like the teams Iowa will have to go through. But at this point, there’s no reason to believe the Black and Gold can’t earn a spot in the conference championship.
Many predicted a five or six loss season for the Hawks. Now, losing three games might be considered a disappointment at season’s end.
Follow @CharlsGreen for news, updates, and analysis on the Iowa football team.