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Iowa Football: 2017 post-regular season position grades

By Quinn Douglas

(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Nathan Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes passes against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Nathan Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes passes against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

B. . QB. Iowa Hawkeyes. NATHAN STANLEY

A big story coming into the season was the quarterback battle brewing between sophomore Nate Stanley and junior Tyler Wiegers. In fact, Ferentz didn’t name a starter till the week of the season opener against Wyoming. The choice was Nate Stanley, and in retrospect, it was definitely the best choice. Stanley finished the season with 2,333 yards passing, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Stanley had his moments of brilliance this season including his two five-touchdown performances against Iowa State and Ohio State. Then again, he had his moments of a young quarterback, such as his game against Wisconsin or his gaffe of fumbling the ball against Michigan State inside the Spartans five-yard line. But no matter the situation, Stanley has been calm and collective in every situation presented to him.

Worst Game:

All around, the performance against Wisconsin is one that Stanley wants to forget or may have already blocked it from his memory. Stanley finished 8-for-24 passing for a mere 41 yards and interception. He was also sacked four times in the ball game, adding insult to injury.

Best Game:

The signature game for Stanley in the 2017 season was his masterful performance against Ohio State. Stanley finished the game 20-for-31 passing, for 226 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. The most memorable moment was Stanley firing a touchdown pass to T.J. Hockenson with Buckeyes defensive end Sam Hubbard desperately grabbing at his ankles. To loosely quote Hall of Fame Oakland Raiders broadcaster “Jascha Heifetz never played a violin with more dexterity than Nate Stanley was playing the Ohio State Buckeye defense”.

He’s got a bright future.

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