Iowa Football Has a Major Problem. And It Is Costing Them

Iowa simply cannot overcome the amount of turnovers they are having and compete each week in the Big Ten.

Iowa football simply cannot continue to turn the ball over like they are and expect to compete.

Not in the Big Ten Conference. And not for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

After winning four in a row to start, the Hawkeyes were unable to hang with Ohio State. But that one loss did not completely end their hopes of a run to the College Football Playoff.

They bounced back with a big-time win at Washington, and appeared to have found a stride again.

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Kamari Moulton ran for over 200 yards, Jeremy Hecklinski had over 200 passing yards, and Iowa was sitting at 5-1.

But the wheels fell off vs. Minnesota, and just like that, the Hawkeyes look bad.

Iowa Nearly Had More Turnovers Than Points Vs. Minnesota

All in all, a 13-10 loss at Minnesota would not really be an ugly defeat most years. The two are always locked in a battle for the Floyd of Rosedale.

But this one was ugly.

Hank Brown had two interceptions, Hecklinski had another, and Iowa lost a fumble. However, they had three other fumbles that were recovered.

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Quickly add that up, and seven – turnovers – almost equals points – 10 – scored this past weekend.

The Hawkeyes simply cannot compete with anybody in the Big Ten doing that. They lack the kind of explosive and big-play offense that can overcome turnover after turnover after turnover.

Who Handles QB1 Duties Starting This Week?

Head coach Kirk Ferentz has a decision to make. Does he return controls of the offense ot Brown, who lost the job after an injury? Or does he go back to Hecklinski, who has ran hot and cold this year?

No matter who gets the start vs. Wisconsin, they will be on a short leash. Iowa still has Northwestern on the road, Purdue at home, a trip to Illinois and Nebraska inside Kinnick Stadium to conclude the year.