Game Report: Iowa vs. Louisiana Monroe (with videos)

BY THE NUMBERS

6 - Iowa's red-zone opportunities

6 - Iowa's red-zone scores

10 - True freshmen who have played this year

10 - Touchdown passes thrown by James Vandenberg in Iowa's four games this season

20 - Touchdown receptions hauled in by Iowa senior receiver Marvin McNutt, one shy of tying Danan Hughes and Tim Dwight for the school record

REPORT CARD

A-minus - Keep Brett Greenwood in your thoughts and prayers. The world is better with him in it.

 -Marc Morehouse

A-minus - Kevonte-Keenan Marvin Martin-Manley McNutt Davis has good hands.

 -Mike Hlas

A-minus - Iowa turned the Warhawks into doves by the second quarter.

 -Scott Dochterman

GAME BALL

Iowa QB James Vandenberg. The junior from Keokuk started strong on Iowa's first possession, completing all four passes and concluding the drive with his own 1-yard plunge. Vandenberg followed up last week's a 399-yard output with 270 yards and three touchdowns Saturday. He completed 21-of-32 passes and helped Iowa convert 6-of-11 third-down opportunities and both fourth-down chances against Louisiana Monroe.

"I say it every week: this guy's a leader and he comes out and competes," Iowa junior wide receiver Keenan Davis said. "Gives his heart out."

HURRY UP AND SCORE

Iowa's late-game success in the hurry-up offense propelled the coaching staff to implement its two-minute drill from the opening possession. Iowa's first seven plays were from a no-huddle attack with a set that included three wide receivers. On four consecutive plays Vandenberg was lined up in the shotgun.

The strategy paid off. Iowa went down the field and scored a touchdown on its first drive. Iowa mixed up its formations on its second drive, but the results were the same with a second touchdown.

Vandenberg said he, Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz and offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe discussed the parameters of the no-huddle attack before he takes the field. 

"It's got to be two formations and any of our pass plays are pretty much open," Vandenberg said. "So they gave those options and I can call any pass play I want to get us the right protection. For the most part, I think everybody's comfortable with it."

"I think it starts with the quarterback,"" Ferentz said. "You know, James, since he's gotten here, has always seemed pretty comfortable in that mode, if you will, and then he did that in high school. I think he's pretty comfortable for that part of it.  But you know, you can talk about all of those things, and still it's down to execution and everybody else doing their jobs and doing a nice job that way."

FRESH FACES

Iowa has played three true freshmen running backs this season, and it appears two will see plenty of action in backing up starter Marcus Coker.

Damon Bullock, who played more of a slot receiver role earlier this season, moved back to running back and rushed seven times for 21 yards and lost a fumble. In the second half, Jordan Canzieri played for the first time and ran five times for 31 yards. Mika'il McCall ran for 62 yards in the season opener only to break his ankle. He could return later this season.

"Jordan gave us a little spark out there," Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said. "He really looked comfortable and decisive.

"Bullock right now, he's got to be a little more decisive. He ran like a high school guy today. You can't make four cuts in a run. Last week he hit it and went."

Iowa also played true freshman Quinton Alston at middle linebacker, a necessary move after senior Bruce Davis quit the team this week.

"He's in the Army now, too," Ferentz said. "We'll use him on special teams."

NO COMPARISON

Louisiana Monroe annually plays for pay when it comes to stepping up in competition. Last year the school played Auburn, Arkansas and LSU and earned nice checks from each one. This year, Louisiana Monroe has played Florida State, TCU and now Iowa.

Berry said this year's schedule is "certainly less challenging" that last year's slate. The Warhawks were beaten by a combined score of 134-10 to the SEC schools last year. This year, Louisiana Monroe was beaten 117-34 by Florida State, TCU and Iowa.

But Berry, who compared this year's schedule to last year's, refused to compare Iowa with Florida State and TCU.

"I won't go there," he said.

UP NEXT

The old 2011 schedule reads "Wisconsin" for Oct. 1 at Camp Randall Stadium. The upgraded version reads "Off." I think the Hawkeyes like that version better ... at least right now.