Harlon Barnett taking Iowa's offense seriously despite criticism

It’s no secret that Iowa, as a football team, is offensively challenged. But Michigan State interim head coach Harlon Barnett isn’t overlooking the Hawkeyes as his squad prepares for a trip to Kinnick Stadium.

Barnett, who played for Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz when the two were a player and coach in the NFL in Cleveland, respectively, has the utmost respect for the Hawkeyes offensive staff, including offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, Kirk’s son. And Barnett would rather not be the coach of a team that Iowa uses to get right on offense following a shutout.

“So, we know they’re a tough team, especially at home. And don’t pay attention to what you see in the past. Each game is a new game that has a life of its own, so we’re taking them very, very seriously,” Barnett said.

He made reference to Michigan State’s last trip to Iowa City: A 49-7 loss, the largest margin of victory for Iowa ever against the Spartans.

“Last time we were up there, we got our butts kicked, so we’re taking them very seriously,” Barnett said.

Right now, though, the prospect of Iowa scoring 49 points seems a fantasy. Coming off a 31-0 shutout at the hands of Penn State, the Hawkeyes have are averaging 21.2 points per game — below the 25 per game Ferentz needs as OC — Iowa ranks No. 105 nationally in scoring offense.

In total offense, Iowa ranks second to last nationally, and is one of two teams to have played four games but failed to gain 1000 total yards. Currently, the Hawkeyes are averaging 4.5 yards per play. The rushing offense, which Barnett noted is a point of pride, is No. 104 and averaging fewer than four yards a carry.

Barnett thinks if he and his staff can cook up a plan to stymy the run, it could go a long way for a controlling defensive performance. Erasing what the Hawkeyes hope to do in the run game can unwind the entire offensive plan, Barnett said.

“Seriously, coach Ferentz, who I know from back in Cleveland Brown days is a great dude, great coach, great offensive line coach,” Barnett said. “And they pride themselves on running the football. And so we’re going to have to be able to stop the run. This is every week. Stop the run. And also control the passing game. We’re going to put together a plan that we hope will allow us to do just that.”