Kirk Ferentz critical of Iowa kicking game while leading Nebraska 10-7 at half

Iowa finds itself with a 10-7 halftime lead over Nebraska after an action-packed first half from Lincoln. Even so, Kirk Ferentz isn’t completely pleased with his Hawkeyes in any phase of the game heading into the break.

Ferentz spoke with CBS as he headed to the locker room up three inside Memorial Stadium. He naturally started with the scoring opportunities as, right before the half, Iowa WR Kaleb Brown dropped a layup of a touchdown in the endzone. That led to another field goal attempt from Drew Stevens that, for the second time in the first half, Nebraska blocked to keep their deficit within a field goal.

“I thought we had a chance on that last possession for a catch,” said Ferentz. “Nonetheless, we’ve got to do better in the kicking game, certainly. Just minimize some mistakes.”

That was Ferentz’s criticism of his offense and special teams. However, his defense got some as well for giving up a 66-yard touchdown pass, the longest scoring play that they’d allowed all season, to Jaylen Lloyd on a pass from Chubba Purdy.

Pair that with the other two phases of their team and that’s why Iowa finds itself in a tighter matchup than maybe they think they should be in at the moment.

“That’s one more thing that we’re not doing well in this first half. A couple penalties that were untimely, kicking game not great. Then giving up that big play – a momentum swinger,” said Ferentz. “We’ve just got to get back on top here.

Still, even with those mistakes, the Hawkeyes still control the lead at the break. That’s a decent sign that, if they clean it up across the board, they’ll be able to secure the 10th win of their season by the time the game is said and done.

Iowa scores on Eagles’ ‘Tush Push’ vs. Nebraska

Iowa and offense aren’t two words that often go together in any sense. However, in order to open the scoring up in Lincoln against Nebraska, the Hawkeyes went with the reliable ‘Brotherly Shove’ to rush in the first points of the day.

The first quarter inside of Memorial Stadium had been a drag with all kinds of defensive-minded plays for both teams. In a key opportunity for Iowa, though, they shoved in QB Deacon Hill on third and goal to put the Hawkeyes up 7-0 early in the second quarter.

IOWA TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/QieCmtrErq

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) November 24, 2023

After getting the ball on their own 49, Iowa capitalized on that field position. Much of that production came on a 37-yard catch from TE Steven Stilianos to put them in the redzone. Then, after two runs for no gain, they were able to push Hill in for the score.