Iowa’s (3-1) offense needed a spark in the second half. Perhaps a quarterback change was just what the Hawkeyes needed to avoid a second straight loss. C.J. Beathard replaced Jake Rudock in the second half in Pittsburgh and was effective and accurate as Iowa battled back form a double-digit halftime deficit to hand Pittsburgh (3-1, 1-0 ACC) its first loss of the season. Iowa held on for a 24-20 victory on ACC soil, getting a good afternoon started for the Big Ten.
Beathard breathed new life into the Iowa offense in the second half, but the Hawkeyes also managed to get an advantage on the ground at the line of scrimmage as well to muscle their way downfield at times. Mark Weisman carried the offense on the ground with 89 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Iowa did well spreading the ball around as well with 10 different players catching a pass and no player catching more than two passes.
Does this mean Iowa now has a quarterback controversy? That will be something to keep an eye on. It sure felt like this may have been a permanent change for Iowa, which will be aided by the fact Iowa escaped with a win. Had Iowa lost this game, Jake Rudock‘s job may not have been pulled just yet. And, in fairness, Kirk Ferentz may give Rudock another chance again next time out, perhaps with a shorter leash.
Pittsburgh running back James Conner led all players with 155 rushing yards, but when it came time to make a stop it was Iowa’s defense that forced the Panthers from counting on Conner and take to the air. James Conner led all players with 155 rushing yards, but when it came time to make a stop it was Iowa’s defense that forced the Panthers from counting on Conner and take to the air.
Next week will mark the opening of conference play for Iowa. The Hawkeyes will remain on the road to take on Purdue in another early kickoff. Pittsburgh will play one more non-conference game, again at home. The Panthers will welcome Akron, with the Zips making their second trip to Pennsylvania this season. Akron previously played on the road at Penn State in week two. Pittsburgh will return to ACC play the following week at Virginia.