Much of the offseason football buzz centered on the Hawkeye tight ends. This is for good reason, because the young group enjoyed great success last year. Expectations were met on Sept. 1, when the tight ends played a major role in the passing offense and in pivotal blocking situations.

The trio of T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant, and Nate Wieting caught 8 of the team’s 13 receptions, accounting for 104 yards.

Fant caught the lone Iowa passing touchdown, and Wieting and Hockenson caught the two longest passes of the day for 30 and 24 yards, respectively.

Though there is much room for improvement in Iowa’s passing game, these three guys leave many possibilities for Brian Ferentz’s offense.

Several other tight ends played pivotal roles in rushing touchdowns, as well. Early in the second half, Shaun Beyer and Fant laid out key blocks to break the scoring open and put the Hawkeyes up 10-0. Wieting, a veteran, protected Stanley on the Fant touchdown reception.

This is all very promising with Iowa State coming to town Saturday. The Cyclone defense has improved coming into this season, so the role of blocking and receiving by the Iowa tight ends will be imperative in moving the ball.