Iowa Football: 3 takeaways from last-second win over Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 29: Wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette #6 of the Iowa Hawkeyes dives into the end zone ahead of the tackle from cornerback Lamar Jackson #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

1. Flaws were exposed on both sides

This game exposed the glaring flaws of both teams and why they are who they are at this point in the season. Scott Frost has found in year two it’s not as easy to turn around Nebraska as it was Central Florida. He and the Huskers still have a long way to go before they become a power in the Big Ten West.

The Cornhuskers are lacking in the most important area you need in this era of college football; they haven’t been consistent at quarterback. Nebraska played three quarterbacks today which shows Frost isn’t completely sold on Adrian Martinez behind center. Even with three quarterbacks calling signals, the Huskers had a pedestrian 100 yards in the air.

Also, Martinez is looking to recruit more speed at the skill positions. Defensively, they’ve flashed, but no one is going to confuse this unit with the Black Shirts of Nebraska past.

The Iowa Hawkeyes don’t have any dynamic playmakers on offense. They have some really good players, but there isn’t anyone who scares you offensively. Nathan Stanley is simply a heartbreaker. He looks the part, but doesn’t always play the part. Friday’s game was a perfect example. One thing Iowa wants to run the football offensively, and the run game has been average at best.

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The offensive line hasn’t been the typical dominant Iowa group, and it has shown with the run game averaging only 3.7 yards per carry. Iowa, however, has nine wins simply because they have one of the best defenses in the Big Ten and Nebraska has a ways to go in that area.

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