Kirk Ferentz commits to keeping Spencer Petras at quarterback despite early struggles

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz commented on his decision to stick with Spencer Petras at quarterback despite his very slow start this season. Petras struggled again in the first half against Iowa State after completing 6-of-12 passes for just 33 yards and an interception as Iowa carried a 7-3 lead into the break.

Kirk Ferentz commits to keeping Spencer Petras at quarterback

Although Ferentz didn’t make himself available for a halftime interview with the broadcast team, Ferentz was asked off-camera if he had any intentions to switch from Petras as his quarterback and go with Alex Padilla.

“No, we are sticking with Spencer Petras,” said Ferentz simply.

Ferentz was asked a follow-up question about his decision, to see if he had shared any specific message with Petras at the halftime break. Ferentz explained that he didn’t feel Petras’ struggles were a result of his own issues — but rather a problem with their entire offense.

“No, he can’t do it by himself. We have to give our quarterback much more help in the second half.”

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After throwing an interception in the first half, Petras added to a streak of bad outings dating back to last season — now having thrown nine interceptions and just one touchdown in his last eight games. Despite Iowa scoring a total of 14 points through the first seven quarters of the season, the Hawkeyes were still poised as the fourth quarter started to begin their season with a 2-0 start as their defense and special teams continue to excel.

Iowa State reapplied the pressure with a massive drive to take a 10-7 lead, driving 99 yards to score their touchdown on a 21-play drive — leaving Petras and the Iowa offense with a chance to string together a potential game-tying or winning drive of their own.