The Iowa Hawkeyes moved the ball on Saturday against Purdue. Don't believe me? How does 460 yards of total offense sound? Sounds like a win in my book. But sometimes the numbers don't make sense. Despite moving the ball, Iowa fell at Purdue 24-20.

It was a day of mixed results for the Hawkeyes. At times, their offense was crisp and efficient. Running backs found lanes to run through. New starting quarterback Spencer Petras made completions to eight different Iowa receivers. All great things. But with the good, comes the bad. Two lost fumbles. Four false start penalties. Five straight failed third down conversions. And lets not even get into the clock management late by coach Kirk Ferentz.

The Des Moines Register points out the mixed bag for Iowa. Tyler Goodson had a spectacular 40 yard catch and run. But then fumbled after running into his own blocker. Iowa intercepted Purdue late in the first half, with a chance to add some points before half. It finally did add a Keith Duncan field goal, but not before nearly running out the clock first.

It was more sloppy play in the second half. But Iowa clung to a 24-20 lead until Mekhi Sargent fumbled late, and gave Purdue the momentum they needed to drive for the winning score. Iowa had a final drive, but it ended with four straight incomplete passes.

In the end, the Hawkeyes didn't play Iowa football. Too many penalties and turnovers. Uneven play on the offense side of the ball. But, it was only the first game of the season. Iowa has a young quarterback in Petras who is only going to gain confidence. Despite his troubles on Saturday, I think the kids the real deal. He has plenty of talent around him and Ferentz and the coaching staff will tighten things up. Lets hope so anyway. Only 7 games remain.

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