The quarterback problems that have killed Iowa football for years still aren't going anywhere.

The Hawkeyes' passing attack went a combined 20-for-37 for 198 yards and three interceptions, resulting in what was a confident offense coming in completely falling apart and losing the game and the Floyd of Rosedale trophy to Minnesota on Saturday, 13-10.

Normally this article is a Sunday staple, but considering the circumstances, we have to use it on Saturday. Here are three things we saw in Iowa's loss that it should keep doing for the rest of the season (the do's) and three things that need to be fixed before next weekend's homecoming game against Wisconsin.

Do's

Bryce Hawthorne leads impressive defensive outing: Bryce Hawthorne has been such a valuable piece for this defensive line and he continued his stout performance on Saturday, chipping in two tackles and half a sack. Though it wasn't a lot on the stat sheet, Hawthorne played a vital role in holding Minnesota to just 72 yards. This defense as a whole was excellent, too. Despite blowing coverage at the end of the game that allowed the Gophers to win the game, you can't fault this group for keeping the offense in the game.

Tony Diaz gets loose: Tony Diaz needs to be receiving more than four targets per game, but his 57-yard catch and run did allow the Hawkeyes to score their only touchdown of the game. Will that spark him to a strong finish to the year? We'll see, but it depends on the quarterback.

(I couldn't find another positive, sorry).

Don'ts

Turn the ball over four times: Iowa doesn't turn the football over very often, but it was absolutely dreadful in this one. The Hawkeyes committed four turnovers in this game - their most since 2023 against Penn State. It's one thing to cough up the football when your opponent is playing great defense, but Iowa just shot themselves in the foot here. Jeremy Hecklinski threw a bad interception midway through the first quarter that halted a likely touchdown drive, but the worst mistake of the day came from punt returner Evan James.

James hasn't been exactly careful will the ball this year, but he broke free for a 32-yard return late in the game that would've set Iowa up with the ball at the Minnesota 20. The only problem? He fumbled the ball and the Gophers recovered. Though it ended up being negated after a Minnesota illegal formation penalty, it still cost the Hawkeyes valuable field position. Just a sloppy game from Iowa overall, which is unacceptable considering it was coming off a bye.

Not at least try and go back to Hecklinski: Kirk Ferentz probably made the right decision to remove Hecklinski at the end of the first half because of his poor play, but why not try and at least go back to him for a drive to see if he has a redemption moment in him? He told the press after the game that he never considered going back to Hecklinski despite Brown's struggles, but Hecklinski's running ability may have allowed Minnesota's defense to bust a coverage.

Penalties, penalties, penalties: Penalties have been a problem for Iowa all season long, and they reared their ugly head on Saturday. The Hawkeyes were a ridiculously disciplined team last year, but the rare red zone sequences were all you needed to see. Trevor Lauck jumped twice when Iowa picked off Drake Lindsey on its second and final red area offensive trip, while Jaylen Watson lined up offsides on a 4th and goal that led to Minnesota's only touchdown. Not good.

Up Next

Iowa returns to action next Saturday, October 31 for a matchup against rival Wisconsin. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium.