Video Sessions Part 1

Video 1

- This one is mostly about WR Derrick Willies and his sudden decision to transfer. It was sudden, as in Willies, a redshirt freshman from Rock Island and Burlington, told Ferentz last night.

Willies told Iowa he wanted to be close to his father who's having health issues in Arizona. He told teammates that he was frustrated with his role and playing time.

Is it validation for your feelings for Iowa's offensive struggles? I don't know. The lack of scoring already is a pretty big indictment.

Video 2

- Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is asked about all the distractions during bye week. He laughed and said he's actually happy about getting back into game mode.

He's asked here about respecting Northwestern, a frank assessment on his team after Maryland, Northwestern's offense and Iowa's rush defense (the problems it's had).

Video 3

- Kirk Ferentz talks about using every available resource, including RB Mark Weisman if he has to carry the ball more than he did against Maryland (10 times).

More on kicker (asked about Reggie Roby vs. Marshall Koehn on kickoffs), on CJ Beathard and his health and prospects for playing this week, on punter (close competition), on Jake Rudock's performance at Maryland and how the number of pass attempts (50-plus) usually means an L for Iowa.

On sacks (there were four, and KF said a little bit of everything), on the health of RB Jordan Canzeri (he's iffy this week) and the RB situation beyond him.

Video 4

- How important is it to improve the running game?

It's important, Kirk Ferentz said.

He also was asked about Iowa's turnovers against Maryland.

Former Iowa center Bruce Nelson was a topic. He's the ANF player who'll be honored at the game this weekend. (Great player, even better person, even better-er family.)

On the burgeoning rivalry with Northwestern.

l Comments: (319) 398-8256; marc.morehouse@thegazette.com