Joel Klatt explains why Iowa could be a 'total fiasco' in 2023

The Iowa offense last year generated plenty of conversation. The Hawkeyes averaged just 17.7 points per game, which ranked eight-worst in the country and third-worst in the Big Ten, and much has been made about the clause in Brian Ferentz’s new contract that requires 25 points per game to hit an incentive in his contract.

All that, according to FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt, could cause Iowa to be a “total fiasco” in 2023.

Iowa — which Klatt ranked No. 22 in his top 25 rankings — made some big roster changes to help the struggling offense. Most notably, the Hawkeyes landed former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara and tight end Erick All out of the transfer portal. Those are clear upgrades on that side of the ball.

But the big focus is on Brian Ferentz’s contract and whether or not his offense can score 25 points per game. Klatt said that number could create problems for head coach Kirk Ferentz, McNamara and the Hawkeyes this season — even despite a defense that should, once again, be toward the top of college football.

“Iowa could be a total fiasco this next year with the whole Brian Ferentz has to score 25 points [thing],” Klatt said on The Joel Klatt Show. “I mean, it’s not fair to Cade McNamara. And yet, here they are, a defense that’s always good. Best defense over the last couple of years in college football outside of Georgia, which was on a totally different level. Here’s Iowa. They’re absolutely going to be fantastic on defense. We know that, and they should be better on offense. This is a team that should threaten in the Big Ten. They should. But they’ve got this arbitrary mark have 25 points.

“You’re telling me that they’re not going to take like, ‘Hey, you’re winning every every game by like 21 to 10.’ ‘Well, we’re not averaging 25 points.’ Who cares? Who cares? I think that this is gonna put an undue pressure on the play-caller, Brian Ferentz. It’s going to put undue pressure on Cade McNamara and the rest of the offense. This could be a total fiasco at Iowa. … They scored 17.7 points per game. Now, you put some arbitrary number out there, it’s not going to help anybody. But great defense. Kirk is still there. I think it’s gonna be an interesting one.”

Kirk Ferentz said multiple times last year that he didn’t plan to make a change at offensive coordinator during the rough season. Although Brian Ferentz is staying in the role this year, the 25 points per game incentive drew plenty of attention.

Iowa will lift the curtain on the 2023 season Sept. 2 against Utah State at Kinnick Stadium, which is when the 25 points per game watch will start.