Iowa Must Keep Jeremy Hecklinski As QB1 Moving Forward
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Iowa football looks the part of a contender with Jeremy Hecklinski leading the offense in win over Washington.
With Jeremy Hecklinski at the controls, Iowa football looks the part of a contender.
And not just for the Big Ten Conference title, but for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Leaving the comforts of Iowa City and traveling thousands of miles west, the Hawkeyes completely dominated Washington Friday night, 41-24.
Related:The Jeremy Hecklinski Era Appears Set For Iowa Football Friday Night
Hecklinski, making his first career start for an injured Hank Brown, was exceptional. Not only did he complete 14 of 19 passes, but he provided big play after big play after big play.
Reece Vander Zee had a 31-yard reception, DJ Vonnahme had a 24-yard catch and Braeden Jackson hauled in a 33-yard pass from Hecklinski. In all, the quarterback threw for 202 yards and three TDs, averaging almost 11 yards per pass.
Iowa Needs Big Plays To Contend With Big Ten Elites
It was evident in the loss to Ohio State that Iowa lacked something. While Hank Brown fared well prior to that game, he struggled vs. the Buckeyes.
Related:Iowa Football Needs to Make a Change to Compete in Big Ten
The explosive play just was not there throughout. And to not only hang with, but beat, a team like Ohio State, you need that.
Hecklinski showed poise and composure in the pocket. He gave his receivers time to get deep and get open. And when they did, he converted.
A Healthy Kamari Moulton Makes Things Interesting
Not to be forgotten was the night for Kamari Moulton.
The designed RB1 going into the season, injuries hindered Moulton the past few weeks.
But he looked healthy vs. the Huskies.
Moulton ran for 208 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, adding fuel to the fire that Hecklinski provided. Reserve L.J. Phillips also had 42 yards rushing on the night.
Factor in strong games from both Vander Zee and a returning Vonnahme, and Iowa looks like they have what it will take to run the table.
Oh, And The Defense Was Exceptional
Not to be forgotten was the play of the Iowa defense throughout.
They recorded six quarterback sacks, including two each from Cam Buffington and Preston Ries, and had nine tackles for loss while holding Washington to minus-3 yards rushing as a team.
Yes, the Huskies finished with negative yards rushing on the night on 25 attempts.
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