After Iowa’s season-opening win over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes move on to Week 2.
It’s also not worth reliving that 7-3 from last weekend.
That’s especially the case this week, with in-state rival Iowa State arriving in Iowa City on Saturday for the annual Cy-Hawk game.
Prior to the matchup, Ferentz held his weekly news conference where he discussed the rivalry game, potential quarterback changes and how injuries will affect his lineup this weekend.
These are some of the most important conclusions:
Keagan Johnson, others are out for the foreseeable future
After missing the team’s week one game against South Dakota State, wide receiver Keagan Johnson has yet to return to practice, with Ferentz confirming he would miss this weekend’s game.
Also out of action this week is fellow catcher Nico Ragaini. That, too, was expected, but Ferentz said he hopes to have him back before the end of the month.
The defensive players on the inactive list will be starting linebacker Jestin Jacobs, who was injured during Saturday’s game. It also seems doubtful that his defensive back Jermari Harris is doubtful to play as well.
Ferentz did not give a timetable for how long each player would be out.
Despite slow start, Spencer Petras maintains control over starting quarterback job
After a lackluster performance under center on Saturday, many questions have surrounded the team about whether Spencer Petras will remain the team’s starting quarterback going forward.
However, Ferentz reiterated that Petras would remain as the team’s starter against Iowa State.
“He did a lot of good things on Saturday,” Ferentz said. “He has some things he could have done better, but right now my biggest goal is to improve our team’s execution.”
Offensive line growing pains are to be expected
After bringing up several different offensive linemen on Saturday, it looks like the Hawkeyes are trying to figure out what combination of players gives them the top five.
This will require offensive line coach George Barnett and Ferentz to be patient as they team up.
One of the highly anticipated players is starting right tackle Connor Colby. Although he spent much of his time at guard last season, Ferentz said he believes he can thrive as Iowa’s starting right tackle.
“It’s been a learning process for him,” Ferentz said. “Technically, he did some things Saturday at guard that a tackle can’t do. But I think those are quick and easy fixes.”
Raven Moore covers high school sports for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] Follow her on Twitter at @Raven_XReport.