Video: Cade McNamara on Tim Lester, Big Ten opener against Minnesota
QB Cade McNamara discusses various topics before Iowa’s game against Minnesota.
The Iowa football team’s offense, led by quarterback Cade McNamara and offensive coordinator Tim Lester, looked lost in the first half in Minnesota on Saturday night.
The Hawkeyes managed just 62 yards in the first 29 minutes. Their only point came after Jay Higgins set up the offense with an interception at the Golden Gophers’ 38-yard line. Running back Kaleb Johnson then needed an incredible 23-yard run to put his team in scoring position.
Late advances by Johnson of 21 and 24 yards in the final minute proved meaningless.
The touchdown came with eight minutes left in the first quarter, and Iowa could do little to nothing on offense after that before heading to the locker room trailing 14-7.
Lester’s unit seemed to lose its rhythm. McNamara completed just 7 of 13 passes for 16 yards and suffered a 13-yard sack on third down. After Johnson’s touchdown, three of the Hawkeyes’ next four drives ended in a 3-and-out punt, with the last two ending in a total of minus 12 yards.
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Whether it was missed throws, dropped passes or blocks from behind, the passing game never got going. And aside from three big runs, only one of which resulted in anything significant, Johnson was largely stifled.
The good news was that the Hawkeyes only rushed for more than 10 yards once, proving in Week 1 that a poor first half for the offense doesn’t doom the entire game.
But McNamara and Iowa must find a way to complete passes to someone other than tight end Luke Lachey.
Iowa football offensive stats in the first half against Minnesota
- Cade McNamara: 7 of 13, 16 yards
- Caleb Johnson: 12 runs, 88 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, -1 yard
- Lukas Lachey: 3 catches, 9 yards
Gus Martin is Digital Producer/Content Director for The Des Moines Register. Follow him on X at @GusMartin_DMR.
