Iowa not overlooking pilfered Troy in 'bounce back' game

IOWA CITY The offseason treated the Troy football program with little kindness.

After an 11-3 season with a Sun Belt Conference championship as the cherry on top, the Trojans emerged on the opposite side of the 2023-24 offseason a radically reshaped team.

A trio of Iowa defenders swarm Iowa State running back Abu Sama III during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Head coach Jon Sumrall left the Trojans for the opportunity to lead Tulanes football program and star running back Kimani Vidal, the No.

2 rusher in the nation with 1,661 yards and 14 touchdowns, went to the NFL.

Under first-year head coach Gerard Parker, the Trojans opened the 2024 season with a 28-26 home loss to Nevada.

Quarterback Goose Crowder came up short of the goal line on a two-point conversion with 21 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

In week two, the Trojans went on the road to Memphis, falling 38-17.

Despite their early struggles, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said the Hawkeyes (1-1) cannot overlook their final nonconference opponent on Saturday.

They were an 11-win team last year, Ferentz said.

Had a really good football team.

And now theyre a team in transition, if you will.

They have a new coaching staff.

Previous staff moved on.

And a lot of new players, too.

(The) bottom line is this: If were going to match-up against them, we have to be sound and have to be flexible not knowing exactly whats going to happen.

Every week thats the first challenge is matching up against your opponent.

And the bigger challenge is working to improve and working in the efficiency areas that we identify.

So really no different than any other week that way.

Defensive back Koen Entringer shared a similar message as Ferentz during his media availability on Tuesday.

The redshirt sophomore described the matchup as a chance for Iowa to bounce back from its 20-19 loss to Iowa State and gain steam heading into Big Ten play.

They have a team full of great players, Entringer said.

...

We have to play them hard.

They are going to come ready to play.

To Ferentz, the Trojans offseason overhaul makes for a unique challenge in Iowas preparation.

After facing two teams Illinois State and Iowa State with established identities in the first two weeks, Iowa faces a team with just two prior games for the Hawkeyes to analyze.

Now were piecing those things together a little bit and just, A, trying to figure out what to expect, what to match up against, Ferentz said.

Then secondly, you always have to project a little bit because theyre in the middle of installing new systems ...

Im not sure what their players are capable of taking or not taking, so what kind of changes well see from the first two games as part of the game that goes on.

According to Ferentz, Iowa expects Troy to be similar to the offense at West Virigina under Parker from 2020-21.

Theres a lot of DNA with West Virginia, whether it be him and both coordinators were there for several years in West Virginia, Ferentz said.

Theres some similarities and all those types of things.

We have two game films.

Its way better than it would have been two weeks ago.

In 2020, the Mountaineers finished 52 rd in total offense and averaged 412.4 yards per play.

They also ranked 83 rd in scoring offense with 26.5 points per game.

In 2021, West Virginias offense managed just 371.1 yards per game, ranking 88 th in total offense, and 25.2 points per game, ranking 88 th in scoring offense.

Troy averaged 321 yards of total offense through its first two weeks with a focus on the ground game, running the ball on 60.9% of its plays.

Defensively, Troys run defense struggled against both Memphis and Nevada.

The Wolfpack rushed for 214 yards on 34 attempts (6.3 yards per rush) and the Tigers rushed for 211 yards on 29 attempts (7.3 yards per rush).

The Hawkeyes host the Trojans on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) breaks free of a tackle during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws a pass as Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins (34) defends during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) celebrates after a big gain in an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

A trio of Iowa defenders swarm Iowa State running back Abu Sama III during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

An Iowa State player goes to one knee after the Cyclones beat Iowa in an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State defensive back Malik Verdon (7) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa wide receiver Kaleb Brown (3) during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs through a hole during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State's Myles Purchase (5) tackles Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Leshon Williams (4) lines up in the backfield during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) fires a pass during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) breaks free down the sidelines during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive back Sebastian Castro (29) tackles Iowa State running back Abu Sama III (24) during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) breaks a tackle during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) looks for open space during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

A group of Iowa defenders celebrate after sacking Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Leshon Williams (4) runs through contact during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara (12) walks onto the field ahead of an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive back Xavier Nwankpa (1) gives a signal during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.ack Xavier Nwankpa (1) motions Iowa Hawkeyes mascot Herky carries a flag during an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa's players swarm the field ahead of an NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, left, arrives at Kinnick Stadium before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa students run to their seats before an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, right, talks with Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara (12) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa wide receiver Jacob Gill (5) is tackled by Iowa State defensive back Jeremiah Cooper (4) after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa punter Rhys Dakin (9) celebrates after a punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs from Iowa State defensive back Myles Purchase (5) during a 27-yard touchdown run in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa wide receiver Jacob Gill (5) runs from Iowa State linebacker Jacob Ellis (44) after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) scores on a 27-yard touchdown run in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State tight end Stevo Klotz (49) catches a pass in front of Iowa defensive back Jermari Harris (27) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) celebrates with teammate wide receiver Jacob Gill (5) after a 27-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins (34) celebrates a missed Iowa State field goal during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs from Iowa State defensive back Jeremiah Cooper, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs up field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) is sacked by Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn (48) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa punter Rhys Dakin (9) punts during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins (34) is tackled after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) celebrates a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara (12) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State defensive back Cam Smith (13) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa tight end Luke Lachey (85) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) passes over Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins (34) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell calls a timeout during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz watches from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz watches from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State offensive linemen Tyler Miller, left, and Brendan Black (51) celebrate with the Cy-Hawk trophy after an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State defensive lineman J.R.

Singleton (58) celebrates with fans after an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State defensive back Darien Porter (10) falls to the turf after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell celebrates after an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) celebrates with teammate quarterback Rocco Becht (3) after catching a 3-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) scores on a 75-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State place kicker Kyle Konrardy (97) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 54-yard field goal during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State wide receiver Carson Brown (32) celebrates at the end of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) tries to break a tackle by Iowa defensive back TJ Hall (2) after catching a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State place kicker Kyle Konrardy (97) celebrates with teammate Tyler Miller (66) after kicking a 54-yard field goal during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State offensive linemen Tyler Miller, left, and Brendan Black (51) celebrate with the Cy-Hawk trophy after an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State defensive back Cam Smith (13) celebrates after an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) is tackled by Iowa State defensive back Myles Purchase (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State place kicker Kyle Konrardy (97) kicks a 54-yard field goal during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) celebrates with teammates Reece Vander Zee (15) and Luke Lachey (85) after scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State defensive back Beau Freyler (17) breaks up a pass intended for Iowa wide receiver Jacob Gill (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs from Iowa State defensive lineman J.R.

Singleton (58) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

Iowa State place kicker Kyle Konrardy (97) celebrates with teammate Tyler Miller (66) after kicking a 54-yard field goal during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept.

7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa State won 20-19.

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