Cade McNamara's Big Day Can't Hide Iowa's Quarterback Crisis

Iowa's offense stalled for the second straight game as backup quarterback Cade McNamara struggled against a physical Ohio State defense.

The Hawkeyes lost 54-10 Saturday in Columbus, dropping to 1-2 on the season. McNamara was 13 of 29 passing for 124 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He was also sacked three times. Starting quarterback Spencer Petras did not play due to a shoulder injury.

McNamara's performance was a step back for an Iowa offense that had high hopes entering the season. The Hawkeyes were averaging 36.5 points per game through their first two outings but managed just 10 points against Ohio State. Iowa's running game was also ineffective, rushing for just 48 yards on 23 carries.

The Hawkeyes' offensive struggles put a lot of pressure on a defense that was already shorthanded. Iowa was without two starting linebackers and a starting defensive end against Ohio State. The Buckeyes took advantage, piling up 580 yards of total offense.

After the game, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said he was "disappointed" with his team's performance. He said the Hawkeyes need to "get better in all phases" if they want to turn their season around.

Iowa's next game is Saturday at home against Nevada. The Hawkeyes are a 26-point favorite in that game.

Here are five takeaways from Iowa's loss to Ohio State:

1. Iowa's offense is in crisis. The Hawkeyes have scored just 10 points in their last two games and have struggled to move the ball consistently. McNamara's performance against Ohio State was particularly concerning. He looked overwhelmed at times and made several poor decisions.
2. The Hawkeyes' defense is struggling to stay healthy. Iowa was without several key players on defense against Ohio State, and it showed. The Buckeyes were able to move the ball at will and score points in bunches.
3. Ferentz is under increasing pressure. Iowa fans are growing restless after the Hawkeyes' 1-2 start. Ferentz is now in his 24th season as Iowa's head coach, and some fans are wondering if it's time for a change.
4. Iowa's schedule doesn't get any easier. The Hawkeyes have a tough road ahead of them. They play at Michigan next week and at Penn State the following week. Both of those teams are ranked in the top 10.
5. Iowa needs to find a way to turn things around quickly. The Hawkeyes have a lot of problems to fix, and they need to do it soon. If they don't, their season could be over before it really gets started.

If Iowa fans could tell Kirk Ferentz "I told you so" about Cade McNamara, they would.

Many Iowa fans were skeptical of McNamara when he was named the starting quarterback this season. They pointed to his lack of experience and his poor performance in the spring game. McNamara's performance against Ohio State only served to confirm their fears.

Ferentz has been criticized for his handling of the quarterback situation. He has been slow to name a starter and has not given McNamara enough playing time to develop.

Iowa fans are now calling for Ferentz to make a change at quarterback. They believe that Petras gives the Hawkeyes a better chance to win. Ferentz has said that he will not make a change at quarterback unless he sees a significant drop-off in McNamara's performance.

But if McNamara continues to struggle, Ferentz may have no choice but to make a change. Iowa fans are losing patience, and they want to see their team win.