PREGAME
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | IOWA VS. UCLA | ROSE BOWL STADIUM
Energy, effort, control
Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan provides a dynamic shift for the Iowa offense.
The Daily Iowan
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com
Executive Editor
Jami Martin-Trainor jami.martin.trainor@dailyiowan.com
Pregame Editor
Matt McGowan matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
Sports Editor
Colin Votzmeyer colin.votzmeyer@dailyiowan.com
Asst. Sports Editor
Brad Schultz brad.schultz@dailyiowan.com
Pregame Reporter Chris Meglio sports@dailyiowan.com
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5 things to watch
Matt McGowan Pregame Editor matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
1. Gaurding Garbers
Hailing from Newport Beach, California, UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers looked far from cold in his most recent outing in Lincoln, Nebraska. The senior completed 17-of-25 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns as the Bruins topped the Cornhuskers on Nov. 2. Standing at 6-foot-3, Garbers has thrown for six touchdowns over his last two starts but also is tied for second in the Big Ten with nine interceptions on the season. Despite being a volatile passer, Garbers boasts consistent ability on the ground, racking up 103 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Hawkeyes have faced quarterbacks with similar numbers, most notably Michi gan State’s Aidan Chiles. Keeping Garbers in the pocket or forcing him to make dif ficult throws on the run will be key to generating turnovers.
2. Travel considerations
Iowa hasn’t played on the west coast during the regular season since a 2010 trip to Arizona. Plus, the game against UCLA will be on a short week, which forces Iowa to condense more material into fewer practices. The Hawkeyes are no strangers to Friday games considering their annual Black Friday game against Nebraska. Nevertheless, this isn’t a trip to Lincoln, but a four-hour flight across multiple time zones. Leaving on Thursday afternoon, the team won’t have much time to adjust to new scenery. How quickly the Hawkeyes regain their footing will be key to their start against the Bruins.
3. Run game challenges
Carson Schwesinger, who ranks second in the Big Ten in tackles, UCLA’s defense won’t just let Kaleb Johnson and Brendan Sullivan eat up yards like against Wisconsin. With Beau Stephens back as a starter at offensive guard, the Iowa offensive line will have its work cut out for it on Friday night. With 6-foot-4, 310-pounder Siale Taupaki and 6-foot-5, 6-foot3, 325-pounder Jay Toia on the interior for the Bruins, gaining leverage will be a tall order on Friday night.
4. Passing game
The Hawkeyes will continue to be without tight end Addison Ostrenga and Reece Vander Zee against the Bruins. Tight end Luke Lachey, who did not play against Wisconisn, is questionable. In lieu of the trio, who combine for 37 percent of Iowa’s receiving yards, transfer wideout Jacob Gill and tight end Zach Ortwerth will have to carry over their production from last week. UCLA ranks 115th in the FBS in passing yards allowed, conceding over 260 yards per game. If the Bruins do prove stout against the run as their statistics project, then Sullivan will have to use his arm more than his legs. He just needs someone to throw the ball to.
5. Quarterback depth
Without quarterback Marco Lainez, who had thumb surgery and is out for the season, and Cade McNamara, who remains out with a concussion, Iowa’s second-string quarterback will be Jackson Stratton. A second-year transfer from Colorado State, the 6-foot-4 Stratton is dubbed “Shaggy” by head coach Kirk Ferentz and his teammates for his long hair and resemblance to the “Scooby Doo” character.
OFFENSE
QB 1 Brendan Sullivan Jr 19 Jackson Stratton Soph
RB 2 Kaleb Johnson Jr 28 Kamari Moulton #Fr
WR 0 Jarriett Buie #Fr 7 Dayton Howard #Fr
WR 6 Seth Anderson Jr 21 Kayden Wetjen Sr
WR 5 Jacob Gill Jr 8 Terrell Washington Jr. #Fr
TE 48 Zach Ortwerth Soph 82 Johnny Pascuzzi Jr
LT 78 Mason Richman Sr 71 Jack Dotzler Soph
LG 70 Beau Stephens Jr 58 Kade Pieper #Fr
C 65 Logan Jones Sr 76 Tyler Elsbury Sr
RG 77 Connor Colby Sr 53 Michael Myslinski Jr
RT 67 Gennings Dunker Jr 56 Nick DeJong Sr
PK 18 Drew Stevens Jr DEFENSE
LE 45 Deontae Craig Sr 48 Max Llewellyn Jr
LT 95 Aaron Graves Jr 57 Will Hubert Soph
RT 94 Yahya Black Sr 55 Jeremiah Pittman Jr
RE 49 Ethan Hurkett Sr 90 Brian Allen Soph
OFFENSE
QB 4 Ethan Garbers Sr 6 Justyn Martin Soph
RB 25 T.J. Harden Jr 22 Keegan Jones Sr
WRX 7 Michael J. Sturdivant Jr 14 Carter Shaw #Fr
WRZ 1 Rico Flores Jr. Soph 87 Bryce Pierre Sr
WRSL 3 Kwazi Gilmer Fr 17 Logan Loya Sr
TE 88 Moliki Matavao Sr 28 Jack Pedersen Soph
LT 66 Niki Prongos Soph 77 Jaylan Jeffers Sr
LG 74 Spenser Holstege Sr 67 Yutaka Mahe Jr
C 54 Josh Carlin Sr 64 Sam Yoon Soph
RG 73 Alani Makihele Sr 56 Tavake Tuikolovatu #Fr
RT 72 Garrett DiGiorgio Jr 77 Jaylan Jeffers Sr
PK 94 Mateen Bhaghani Soph DEFENSE
DE 2 Oluwafemi Oladejo Sr 97 Jacob Busic Jr
DT 93 Jay Toia Sr 92 Siale Taupaki Sr
DT 95 Sitiveni Havili Kaufusi Sr 55 A.J. Fuimaono #Fr
DE 44 Devin Aupiu Jr 98 Luke Schuermann Sr
While not a great defense overall, conceding 29.7 points per game to its opponents, UCLA holds its own against the run. The Bruins rank third in the Big Ten and 11th in the FBS in rushing defense, allowing only 100.4 rushing yards per game. Headlined by senior linebacker and former walk-on
With only 17 collegiate pass attempts under his belt, Stratton has only been practicing with the starters for one full week.
Given this lack of experience behind Sullivan, protecting the quarterback will be a high priority for the Hawkeyes. Telling him to slide wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
CASH/ LEO
29 Sebastian Castro Sr 37 Kyler Fisher Sr
MLB 34 Jay Higgins Sr 41 Jaden Harrell Jr
WLB 10 Nick Jackson Sr 43 Karson Sharar Jr
CB 27 Jermari Harris Sr 3 Jaylen Watson Fr
SS 1 Xavier Nwankpa Jr 4 Koen Entringer Soph
FS 30 Quinn Schulte Sr 6 Zach Lutmer #Fr
CB 8 Deshaun Lee Soph 2 TJ Hall Jr
P 9 Rhys Dakin Fr
WLB 20 Kain Medrano Sr 17 Jalen Woods Soph
MLB 49 Carson Schwesinger Jr 10 Ale Kaho Sr
NB 7 K.J. Wallace Sr 29 Evan Thomas Sr
CB 9 Kaylin Moore Sr 3 Devin Kirkwood Sr
SS 11 Ramon Henderson Sr 32 Joshua Swift Sr
FS 4 Bryan Addison Sr 22 Croix Stewart Soph
CB 6 Jaylin Davies Jr
P 91 Brody Richter Soph
Gill
Taupaki
Garbers
Schwesinger
Dynamic competitor, respected teammmate
Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan leads a rejuvenated offense.
Colin Votzmeyer Sports Editor colin.votzmeyer@dailyiowan.com
When a 3-yard dump-off to tight end Johnny Pascuzzi looked like just another three yards, Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan’s mind jumped right to what his father taught him.
Once Pascuzzi turned to collect more yards, Sullivan’s football foundation returned to his conscience. And he took off, putting the speed of his dual-threat style of play to use in a different manner against his former team.
This time, it was darting ahead of Pascuzzi and pushing his momentum into Northwestern defensive back Devin Turner with a lead block, giving the tight end an extra handful of yards. Five seconds and 40 yards later, the Hawkeyes were inside Northwestern’s 20-yard line, ready to extend the lead of what would become a 40-14 Iowa victory.
No longer the scrawny, 180-pound teenager and high-major hopeful, Sullivan is now Iowa’s starting quarterback — 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, strong, and confident. And he uses his size to his advantage, never afraid to rush out of the pocket, get dirty, and chirp at whomever once the play is over.
Former Los Angeles Laker Nick Young once famously declared his ink-less right arm was “strictly for buckets,” not for tattoos. It appears the blank right arm on Sullivan, opposite a full sleeve of his tattoos on the left, is strictly for throwing a football. Or, more often, running with it. And taking any hard hit given him, even if that requires him to lead block. Whatever it takes to win the game.
“It’s something about how I was raised,” Sullivan said. “How my dad taught me to play the game is with full effort. Give all your energy, all your effort, and control the controllables.”
Although Sullivan first thought his path to college athletics was basketball, it became clear football was the better option in his junior year at Davison High School.
After a stint at wide receiver, Sullivan flipped to quarterback and earned an all-state nod as a junior. He led Davison to its first-ever Michigan Division I state championship, throwing for 14-of-19 for 290 yards and a touchdown at Ford Field in the title game.
Sullivan compiled 3,044 yards, 33 touchdowns, and a 21-2 record as a starting quarterback. He was ranked the 55th quarterback in the class of 2021, which included the likes of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Chicago Bears star Caleb Williams.
“Just a couple of games into my junior year, I started getting college coaches texting me, and
I was like, ‘What the heck is going on?’” Sullivan said. “I’m not used to this. I thought I was going to be a basketball player, so that’s what hit me and made me start taking [football] a lot more seriously.”
Where Sullivan held mid-major offers from the likes of Akron, Ball State, Buffalo, and Western Michigan, he committed to coach Pat Fitzgerald and Northwestern three days after he was offered.
There, after redshirting in 2021, the Wildcats thrust him into game action the next season; he saw five games after making his debut against Wisconsin. In that contest, he threw for 114 passing yards — the most by a Northwestern quarterback in a college debut since 2002.
In his first career start that season, he completed 18 of 24 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown. Sullivan played eight games in
for 160 yards and two more touchdowns.
Sullivan showed his ability to place the long ball in the right spot, make the right play under pressure, improvise, and follow a lead block and take a hit. He threw for 10 touchdowns and 1,303 yards with just five interceptions.
Entering 2024, with the Iowa offense reshaping, Sullivan joined wide receiver Jacob Gill in transferring to play for the Hawkeyes — and trusting his faith along the way.
“You don’t have a guarantee to play anywhere you go,” he said. “My Lord and Savior — he’s given me the amount of faith and trust in myself to be able to go out there every day and just believe in myself and really take advantage of it when my number is called.”
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz first caught Sullivan on his radar when watching film of Northwestern last season.
learn … as quickly as he did,” Ferentz said. “That’s part of the benefit of being an older guy too, and he’s a smart guy. He works hard.”
Immediately upon arriving in Iowa City, Sullivan was leading his teammates and sprints, and they rallied around him. Even when he took a hard hit in his first week of practice, his offensive teammates swarmed to protect him as Sullivan talked back to the defense.
“Funny, though, it’s a bold move for a guy who shows up in June,” center Logan Jones said. “[He was] announcing his presence on authority like that.”
Now you won’t hear a teammate refer to Sullivan by anything other than “Sully.”
Sullivan gave starting quarterback Cade McNamara a test for his job. McNamara prevailed, but when he had his down days, many Hawkeye fans called for Sullivan instead.
Emma Calabro | The Daily Iowan
Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan runs out of bounds during a football game between Wisconsin and Iowa at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Oct. 12. The Hawkeyes defeated the Badgers, 42-10. Sullivan ran for 58 yards and a touchdown during the contest.
SULLIVAN from 3
“Brendan’s done a great job of playing his role,” Jones said. “We’ve used him well, and he’s done a great job. And I think now he’s got a great opportunity to go out there and play at a high level.”
Sullivan’s role through the first half of the season took advantage of his dual-threat capacity. Featured in the red zone, he refused to just sit in the pocket and opted to get mobile when he felt the pocket collapse.
Iowa was 7-for-7 in red zone scoring opportunities with Sullivan — six touchdowns and a field goal. His first pass attempt against Troy was a 2-yard touchdown flip to Addison Ostrenga, and he immediately celebrated as he held one finger up and ran ahead.
He scored his first rushing touchdown against Minnesota and second against Michigan State. On the latter, a high snap removed the run option to running back Kaleb Johnson, so his quick thinking brought him to scramble right and waltz into the end zone untouched, pulling the Hawkeyes within five.
“It’s all about timing,” Sullivan said. “If I get through my first couple of reads, I’m feeling like I’m off timing or I feel like something’s breaking down in the pocket, I’ll try and get out of there and look to pass first. I’m seeing those guys going downfield, breaking coverage, and then I’m trying to use my feet as a last resort.”
Sullivan’s threat on the ground makes it much harder on defenses to contain what he makes a flexible offense.
“When you’ve got a guy who can break away and run forever … it definitely opens things up,” Jones said. “It’s harder on defenses to have to guard inside zone, outside zone, then a quarterback who can possibly pull it, and then
the pass game as well.”
With McNamara’s inconsistent, on-andoff play, Sullivan’s flexible playstyle looked increasingly attractive.
After McNamara struggled to complete the proper read and place passes on open receivers against Michigan State in what became a painful 32-20 loss, fans were as loud as ever in demanding Sullivan take over. But it seemed Ferentz wouldn’t budge.
“Probably the biggest thing is it’s easier to talk about putting somebody in a game than just doing, especially at that position,” Ferentz said at his midweek press conference after the loss. “I think [McNamara] has done enough good things to where we have the confidence that he’ll play well Saturday … And when Brendan gets an expanded role, or if he gets an expanded role, I think he’ll do well.”
The stars aligned when McNamara took a hard shot mid-throw against Northwestern the following week and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown on the next possession. Thereafter, Hawkeye fans had reached their brink; the air sucked right out of 70,000 fans as McNamara trotted back to the sideline with a blank face.
And Kinnick Stadium roared as Sullivan entered the game on Iowa’s ensuing possession. But with three straight three-andouts, it seemed the offensive woes were only continuing.
Then Sullivan let his dual threat skills shine and refused to let the “protect yourself first” quarterback mantra rule him too much, keeping his head up but sprinting and pressing hard forward on his rushes.
By the end of the 40-14 win over the Wildcats, Sullivan completed 9-of-14 passes for 79 yards, and a 111.7 passer rating, adding 41 yards rushing and a diving touchdown.
But with two minutes left and the Hawkeyes up big, Sullivan didn’t take his helmet off. He talked his progress over with his coaches and with Gill before firing his offense up in the huddle with a pep talk and taking the field.
That initiative to motivate his teammates showed Sullivan’s leadership qualities, especially as he led the block for Pascuzzi and turned the short pass into a big gain.
“It says something about his personality too, him wanting to get down there and help the play,” Ferentz said after the game. “He could have stood there and been a spectator, but he threw the ball and then he started basically trucking down the field. That to me was being a good teammate.”
Still, Ferentz wasn’t too pleased with Sullivan’s physicality, opting to protect what was looking like his starting quarterback for the rest of the season.
“If he’s going to run the ball, slide,” Ferentz said. “[I’d] just ask him to be smart. But you don’t want to harness the guy back or throttle him down too much. But, yeah, hopefully he’s old enough now to have good judgment when to do what you’ve got to do.”
The play did more than push the ball into the red zone — it lit a fire in his teammates.
“You want to play for a guy like that, so I love seeing that,” Jones said. “You don’t see quarterbacks do that very often.”
Sullivan spent much of the game talking smack to his former teammates on the Northwestern sideline, loving the chance to tell the defense when he’s playing well, but he stayed on the field afterward to greet them.
“It was weird all week, watching film and
Wildcat running back Cam Porter, whom Sullivan calls his best friend. The two spent each day together while in Evanston, training in the offseason and pushing through the late nights, early mornings, highs, and lows. The two were even baptized together.
“I’m always talking about our dreams and our ambitions,” Sullivan said of Porter. “He’s someone that was a leader in my faith, in my life … So we just said a quick prayer together … I wish nothing but the best for him.”
And Sullivan hugged each member of his family before jogging up the tunnel, pausing abruptly and grinning ear-to-ear upon seeing Fitzgerald — his former coach, since gone from Northwestern, spending some weekends at Kinnick Stadium as his son is a quarterback commit. The two embraced tightly, locked in on one another and exchanging words like father and son, mentor and mentee.
“He’s the guy that believed in me out of high school and recruited me, so it’s just nothing but respect for him and his family,” Sullivan said. “He’s done nothing but amazing things.”
With McNamara sidelined with a concussion from the Northwestern game, Sullivan got his first start in 52 weeks. Facing off against Wisconsin, Sullivan stuck to his bedrock, to what he’s known best, completing 7-of-10 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown to fellow Northwestern transfer Jacob Gill. And he rushed nine carries for 58 yards to reach the end zone once again.
But what’s more is that he was just as gritty, just as willing to take a hit and pop back up, and just as willing to fight for those around him.
Emma Calabro | The Daily Iowan
Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan celebrates a touchdown during a football game between Wisconsin and Iowa at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Nov. 2. The Hawkeyes defeated the Badgers, 42-10. Sullivan threw for 93 yards and a touchdown during the contest.
Emma Calabro | The Daily Iowan Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan pushes through a tackle during a football game between Wisconsin and Iowa at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Nov. 2. The Hawkeyes defeated the Badgers, 42-10, running for a season-high 329 yards on the ground.
Weekly Wager
PETE RUDEN College Football Editor, Action Network Daily Iowan alumnus
The Daily Iowan’s official bettor’s guide to Iowa football’s Week 11 matchup with UCLA.
MATT MCGOWAN Pregame Editor
The main handicap comes down to one thing: Kaleb Johnson. The second-leading rusher in the FBS has run for at least 100 yards in seven of his nine games. Well, UCLA ranks 111th in both rushing success rate allowed and rushing expected points added allowed.
The Bruins’ streak of success ends with the Hawkeyes. Despite scoring 62 combined points over its last two contests, UCLA still averages 18 points per game – a field goal away from where Iowa was last year. UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers’ knack for turnovers will prove costly.
As long as Brendan Sullivan remains Iowa’s starter, I’m going to lean toward this over. The Hawkeyes have also scored 40 points or more on four separate occasions this season, ranking fourth in the Big Ten in scoring offense. Plus, UCLA ranks 124th in defensive finishing drives.
The Dukes are hosting a Georgia State team with five straight losses and a defense that allows 410 yards per game.
The Bruins are allowing 27.9 points per game to their opponents, ranking second-to-last in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes should have another field day against the Bruins, who rank dead last in the FBS in opponent third down conversion percentage.
The Gophers have forced 22 turnovers this season and should take advantage of a struggling Rutgers squad.
Each week during the Iowa football season, Daily Iowan Pregame Editor Matt McGowan and Action Network College Football Editor
YTD: $915 YTD: $1,454
Pete Ruden will place three hypothetical bets of $100. The score of the contest will be kept in the piggy banks to the right and left with a winner to be declared at the end of the season.
Ruden’s 2024 record: 10-16-1
McGowan’s 2024 record: 16-11
Friday | 8 p.m. |
Iowa (6-3, 4-2)
UCLA (3-5, 2-4)
Rose Bowl Stadium Pasadena, CA
Maybe this time the Hollywood sign will read “System of a Down.” But Kirk Ferentz could mistake that as telling him to punt on 4th-and-1.
Line: Iowa -5.5 O/U: 44.5
Power Rankings Game Guide
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Minnesota (6-3, 4-2)
Rutgers (4-4, 1-4)
SHI Stadium Piscataway, NJ
NBC on the broadcast for an 11 a.m. kickoff? It’s no longer Big Ten Saturday Night. Instead, it’s Big Ten Mediocre Midmorning.
Line: Minnesota -6 O/U: 46.5
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Purdue (1-7, 0-5)
No. 2 Ohio State (7-1, 4-1) Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH
This game is as egregious as Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox’s couples costume. Know the Star Wars canon! It’s just nine movies.
Line: Ohio State -38 O/U: 53.5
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. |
Michigan (5-4, 3-3) No. 8 Indiana (9-0, 6-0) Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN
Credit Coach Cignetti for not endorsing smoking. But with a bunch of Hoosier frat guys, that’s like talking to a brick wall with a vape in its hand.
Line: Indiana -14 O/U: 49.5
Saturday | 6 p.m. |
Maryland (4-4, 1-4) No. 1 Oregon (9-0, 6-0) Autzen Stadium Eugene, OR
The Ducks are just as dangerous as the gargantuan hat Chappell Roan wore on SNL. Just the slightest movement can take someone’s head off.
Line: Oregon -25 O/U: 57.5
Saturday | 7 p.m. |
Washington (5-4, 3-3) No. 6 Penn State (7-1, 4-1) Beaver Stadium University Park, PA
Which will be more damaged: that terrible Penn State fan’s phone or the pride of the Huskies after this game?
Line: Penn State -14 O/U: 46.5
1. Oregon
It’s just having fun. Draw some trees on the football field, please.
2. Ohio State
Buckeyes weren’t fazed by daytime Beaver Stadium. Who isn’t?
3. Penn State
Gus Johnson called a Penn State touchdown on what was actually an interception. He couldn’t recognize the Nittany Lions as frauds.
4. Indiana
Trap game for the Hoosiers with Ohio State on the horizon?
5. Iowa
Is this the Hawkeyes’ peak?
6. Minnesota
Hold on, what are the Gophers doing here? It’s like they popped out of a hole!
7. Illinois
What happened? Colin must’ve cursed it.
8. Washington
There’s not even a legitimate top-10 in this conference anymore.
9. Michigan
Davis Warren, what a comeback! Wolverines could use Cade McNamara.
10. Wisconsin
Luke Fickell is making the Badgers look, well, fickle.
11. UCLA
The Bruins know how to win on the road. Take note, Matt Eberflus.
12. Nebraska
Will a bowl game happen after all? If so, for which car insurance?
13. Michigan State
It’s got potential, but not this year. At least there’s tailgating on campus.
14. Northwestern
Get ready for expensive beer and overpriced food at Wrigley!
15. USC
Underperforming. Sad. College.
16. Maryland
Good thing it’s on the road this week. Could be a little busy in D.C.
17. Rutgers
Scarlet Knights are as disappointing as Christopher Moltisanti. Get it together!
18. Purdue
A Zach Edey night will cover for the firing of Ryan Walters.
Matt McGowan Pregame Editor
One on One: Jacob Gill
The Daily Iowan Managing Print Editor Marandah Mangra-Dutcher spoke with the Hawkeye wide receiver at Iowa football media on Aug. 9.
Marandah Mangra-Dutcher
Managing Print Editor
marandah.mangra-dutcher @dailyiowan.com
The Daily Iowan: Tell me about your background. Jacob Gill: My mom’s from New Jersey, my dad’s from New York. I have one brother, he plays at Fayetteville State for basketball.
Do you have any background in other sports besides basketball?
I played a little basketball. AAU a little bit until I was in
“He’s tremendously attentive, very detailed in his work, his preparation, and he practices every day and practices hard. So there’s a lot of value in that, and that’s true at every position. Just being reliable, dependable, so the quarterback can really count on you being there.”
Kirk Ferentz Iowa football coach
eighth grade. I ran track a little bit to keep my body right for football. Never really competed, but I did some track.
#5 Jacob Gill
Junior
Wide receiver
6-foot
Raleigh, NC
play in before she passed. She’s pretty meaningful to me.
What’s your favorite part about Iowa so far? I would say just the guys on the team. They’ve been a great bunch of guys, a great group of guys. Just hanging out with them has been awesome. The food has been
What’s your favorite food spot in Iowa City? I’d say Estela’s. It’s a hotspot on the team. A lot of the guys like it, they put me on to it. It reminds me of Chipotle
“Just being a leader in that wide receiver room. A young room that has a bunch of potential, and just showing them the right way. He came in camp and he was blocking his butt off from day one. Just being able to see that as a young receiver helps that room tremendously.”
Brendon
Prepared for the moment
Iowa tight end Zach Ortwerth embraced the details early in his career.
Matt McGowan
Pregame Editor
matt.mcgowan @dailyiowan.com
Iowa tight end Zach Ortwerth didn’t think he would be on the field – much less have a ball spiraling toward him. Yet there he was, a true freshman from St. Louis, Missouri, more than 200 miles away from his hometown beneath the bright lights of Kinnick Stadium. A snap of the ball. A dash up the field. In less than two seconds, Ortwerth’s black
jersey was all alone amid a sea of green turf. All he had to do was secure the catch –something he’d never done in his young college career.
“When I saw [the ball], I was a little [like] a deer in headlights,” Ortwerth said with a smile.
Once caught off guard, Ortwerth is now as comfortable as ever on the field. Nearly a year after his first collegiate catch against the Scarlet Knights – a 54-yard gain – he tight end was once again alone
near midfield, called into action after injuries to starters.
Filling in for Lachey and fellow tight end Addison Ostrenga in Iowa’s game against Wisconsin on Nov. 2, Ortwerth again made a 50-plus yard grab in the second half, leaping to snag quarterback Brendan Sullivan’s throw and putting the Hawkeyes within scoring range.
This time around, the sight of the incoming pass didn’t set off any alarm bells. Rather, he had maintained confidence that he was put in the situation for a reason.
“That just comes down to
the preparation that I’ve been trying to put in,” Ortwerth said.
Basketball was his main sport while football was only played in the backyard with friends. Craig had one rule –no organized football until high school.
While Ortwerth stayed on the hardwood for all four years at St. Louis University High School, he finally popped on a football helmet his freshman season. His next season was cut short before it even started due to a broken collarbone.
With only one season of organized football under his belt, Ortwerth got the attention of several schools after a stellar junior season on both sides of the football. The tight end caught 20 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns while also recording 76 tackles,
including 14 for loss.
Ortwerth said recruiters had reached out to him the fall of his junior season, and added that when they continued messaging him during basketball season, he realized football might be in his future.
By the summer of 2022, Ortwerth had offers from Memphis, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and UConn, but couldn’t forget Iowa’s first impression when he visited.
Whether it was pad level of route running, Ortwerth learned to take note of not just his own film but those of his teammates – comparing what the starters did with his own performance. No matter how minute the information, it was worth writing down.
While it was still a surprise to find himself on the field so early
in his Iowa career, Ortwerth doesn’t lack in preparation. It didn’t take long for Hawkeye head coach Kirk Ferentz to take notice.
“He’s now all of a sudden carrying a heavy load and it doesn’t seem to faze him at all,” Ferentz said. “He’s been the same guy since he’s been here, which I think is impressive.”
Last year on his catch against Rutgers, Ortwerth ran for a few extra yards before getting caught from behind my two defenders. On his catch against Wisconsin, the tight end didn’t go down easy – evading a would-be-tackler before advancing toward the end zone. He doesn’t have a touchdown to his name yet, and Ortwerth knows he still has plenty of room to improve, but his journey is already in bloom.
Sullivan Iowa quarterback
Emma Calabro | The Daily Iowan Iowa wide receiver Jacob Gill avoids a defender in in a football game between Iowa and Michigan State on Oct. 19.
An Iowa Hawkeye from birth
Kid Captain Nataleigh Mochal still faces ongoing health conditions after being born prematurely, but has a love for all things Black and Gold.
Mia Boulton Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
Though Nataleigh Mochal was too young to remember most of her treatment at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, she confidently says it’s “the best hospital ever.”
At 9 years old, Nataleigh will get to represent that special place as a Kid Captain for Iowa football’s game against UCLA on Nov. 8.
Nataleigh was born prematurely at 25 weeks with various complications. Moments after she was born, UI doctors resuscitated her and addressed two brain bleeds.
Meanwhile, Nataleigh’s mother, Kelsie Mochal, only saw her daughter through pictures for the first 24 hours.
“I knew her eyes were fused shut,” Kelsie said. “Her lungs weren’t ready yet. Her heart wasn’t ready yet. I really had no idea what was going to happen.”
Nataleigh was also born with a hole in her heart, which Kelsie says is common for premature babies. However, when her body didn’t respond to the medication attempting to repair it, Nataleigh’s doctors decided she would need to undergo heart surgery at two weeks old.
“I remember talking to the heart doctor ,and he mentioned it was one of the biggest holes in a premature [baby’s heart] he had ever seen,” Kelsie recalled.
Nataleigh was finally released from the hospital after 128 days. At this point, she was four months old and still only about eight pounds.
Eventually, as Nataleigh began to grow and experience life outside of the NICU, she developed a lung condition called bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Nataleigh also has a weakened immune system and experiences bad allergies.
In August, Nataleigh attended Kids’ Day at Kinnick, where she enjoyed going on the field, meeting the football players, seeing the visiting team’s locker room, and signing autographs.
“My favorite part was the locker room,” Nataleigh said. “It was pink. Even the toilets.”
Nataleigh also met Iowa head coach Kirk
Ferentz. After watching Hawkeye football games from home, Nataleigh remembered Ferentz’s knack for chewing gum on the sidelines.
Kelsie says Nataleigh came up with the idea to give him a pack of gum.
“He said he really appreciated it,” Nataleigh said. “He said he was getting low.”
Another highlight of Kids’ Day was when Nataleigh and Iowa offensive lineman Mason Richman took turns autographing each other’s shoes. Nataleigh says they are now “best friends.”
Nataleigh and her family have had a few chances to watch Richman and the rest of the Hawkeyes play at Kinnick Stadium. She also got to experience the Wave tradition, complete with a Wave temporary tattoo and shirt.
I knew her eyes were fused shut. Her lungs weren’t ready yet. Her heart wasn’t ready yet. I really had no idea what was going to happen.”
Kelsie Mochal
Nataleigh Mochal’s mom
Kelsie says the most heartwarming part of the tradition is watching everyone– including the opposing team, coaches, and fans, unite as they wave toward the hospital.
The UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital will hold a special place in the Mochal’s hearts for many reasons, one being the attention to both the children and parents.
“The doctors and nurses there really take into account how the parents want to be a part of their child’s healthcare journey,” Kelsie said. “Everyone is so caring and can communicate what is going on.”
Kelsie believes the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is the best of the best, and will be her first call if any of her children have medical concerns.
“It’s always going to be the top one on the list because of the level of care exceeds anywhere else.”
is the 15th year
Isabella Tisdale| The Daily Iowan
Nataleigh Mochal, 9, poses for a portrait at Kinnick Stadium on Kids’ Day at Kinnick on Aug. 10.
This
Iowa has included kid captains in game day celebrations.
On The Line
The Daily Iowan staff share their predictions and thoughts on this week’s upcoming games.
Matt McGowan Pregame Editor 33-21 Colin Votzmeyer Sports Editor 35-19 Asst. Sports Editor 32-22 Chris Meglio Pregame Reporter 33-21
IOWA
“It never rains in Southern California” - Kirk Ferentz and Albert Hammond.
ALABAMA
Nick Saban will be back on the sidelines. Can’t lose to his former team.
UTAH
Cam Rising will get his chance next year when he qualifies for AARP.
GEORGIA
The Dawgs are back. Just don’t get distracted by a doorbell like mine.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Get back to the baseball diamond, Commodores.
COLORADO
Eric Bieniemy revenge game over Patrick Mahomes?
IOWA
Nice to play in some sunshine for once.
ALABAMA
The Crimson Tide are a playoff team. Believe that.
BYU
As much as I’d like to call BYU frauds, too...
GEORGIA
A strong resume for a No. 1 team.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Mikey says the Gamecocks are dangerous.
COLORADO
Call me crazy. The Buffaloes are better than half of the top 25.
IOWA
Hawkeyes finally conquer their Rose Bowl demons.
LSU
Bama will be eliminated from the CFP before the regular season finale.
BYU
One of college football’s most underrated rivalries. Cougs win.
GEORGIA
The Bulldogs will speed past the Rebels in this one.
VANDERBILT
Diego Pavia is a dawg.
IOWA
A trip all the way to to California just to come back victorious.
ALABAMA
Matchup of the week for sure. Lock in. .
BYU
Two Utah schools right here. I know this one, Matt.
GEORGIA
Won’t ever forget about Carson Beck’s cringy snapchat.
SOUTH CAROLINA
The Gamecocks will play hard on every snap.
Reisetter DITV Sports Director 33-22 John Bohnenkamp Sports Writing Coach 31-23 Publisher 36-18
IOWA
Hawks need one in the Rose Bowl.
LSU
Goal posts will find a river in Baton Rouge.
BYU
The state of Utah lives for this game.
OLE MISS Jaxson Dart might be HIM.
IOWA
Hawkeyes finally get a win in the Rose Bowl.
LSU
You never replace a legend. You replace who replaced the legend.
BYU
Not exactly your classic Big 12 showdown.
GEORGIA Bulldogs have figured it out.
SOUTH CAROLINA Gamecocks beat the baseball.
COLORADO
Coach Prime and the Bufs have a legitimate shot at the CFP.
COLORADO
Unlike last year, this team is worth the hype it’s getting.
COLORADO
Travis Hunter needs to transfer to the NFL ASAP.
A ranked Vandy team still amuses me.
TEXAS TECH
Lot of fake IDs in that Big 12 runner-up spot.
A rare Rose Bowl victory in November.
LSU Alabama knocked out of the playoffs? That’s a shame.
BYU No rivalry has a better name than the Holy War.
OLE MISS Lane Kiffin is not happy this isn’t a night game.
This is an academic bowl, right?
COLORADO
Texas Tech is still dizzy from the Ames win.
IOWA
VANDERBILT
VANDERBILT
