COLUMN: How good is the Hawkeye QB?

     Just how good is Hawkeye quarterback Spencer Petras? Okay, I am probably one of the few asking that question. Most are asking just how bad could he be? I’ll say this, he sits at 3-0 and has helped guide the Hawkeyes to nine straight wins. I’d say he is doing his job.

     After the Kent State win Petras was vilified on a few Hawkeye forums. The one I subscribe to, Hawkeye Report.com, had some very merciless fans. They were especially brutal about the short passing game that occurred last Saturday afternoon.

     From my viewpoint, I saw things a bit differently. I think the coaches planned a lot of short passes and a steady diet of run plays to keep the ball out of the hands of the fast-paced Kent State offense.

     In the first half it worked, Iowa ran more plays than the Golden Flashes staking themselves to a 16-7 lead. Iowa finished the game running 75 snaps, Kent State just 64, way below their average.

     With Spencer, I am looking at the glass half full. Yes, he has room to improve. I am also a results guy. Just win baby! He is winning.

     There is an inherent fear that his average play will show up against some of the better teams on the schedule. He did beat Indiana and Iowa State, two good teams (Indiana may have been overrated).

     I feel Spencer is improving every game. He will need to get better against the likes of Penn State and Wisconsin. We all know the defense won’t keep scoring themselves every game. I’m in his corner. Go Hawks!