So far, Iowa's offense is a very busy unit

Iowa has upped its offensive tempo this football season. And it's rushing and rushing.

The Hawkeyes are first in the Big Ten and 10th in the nation in plays from scrimmage, with 82.7 per game. Last season, Iowa ranked 104th nationally with 67.5 plays per game. Picking up first-downs makes a difference, doesn't it?

Iowa leads the Big Ten and is tied for sixth nationally in rushing plays per game with 53.3.

The Hawkeyes are sixth in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game at 239.3. If they're still at 239 rushing yards per game by Thanksgiving weekend, they're going to a Florida bowl for New Year's at the worst.

Of course, Wisconsin is averaging 337 rushing yards a game. That's the Big Ten's best. Then comes Ohio State (285.3), Nebraska (262.7), Minnesota (258.7), and Northwestern (249.0).

OFFENSIVE PLAYS PER GAME

1. BYU  96.0

2. California  94.7

3. Houston 92.0

4. Arizona State  86.5

5. Clemson  85.5

6. (tie) Fresno State  85.0

Washington  85.0

8. (tie) SMU  83.5

San Diego State  83.5

9.  Rice  83.0

10. Iowa  82.7

RUSHING ATTEMPTS PER GAME

1. Navy  66.0

2. BYU  62.5

3. Army  55.7

4. (tie) Air Force  55.0

Georgia Tech  55.0

6. (tie)  Iowa  53.3

Arkansas  53.3