The First Half: The Quarterbacks

Stanley has been good until the current skid

A first-half breakdown of the Iowa position groups.

Nate Stanley looked like a third-year starter in the first four games of the season, all wins.

Stanley was 76-of-118 (.644) for 965 yards and eight touchdowns. The more important statistic — he didn't have an interception.

Those numbers have changed in the current two-game losing skid against Michigan and Penn State.

Stanley is 47-of-85 (.553) for 546 yards. He has thrown just one touchdown pass and has thrown four interceptions, three in the 10-3 loss to Michigan.

He's also been battered — Stanley was sacked eight times against Michigan and twice against Penn State.

"I've never been around a good quarterback that wasn't physically tough and mentally tough, no matter what kind of style you are, what your skill set may be," Ferentz said. "Those two characteristics, to be a good quarterback, you have to have that. He certainly possesses that. He has since he's been here."

If Stanley is getting frustrated, he's not showing it.

"We put in so much time with each other in the offseason that I know what every single one of my teammates has invested," Stanley said. "In those moments, I know my teammates are counting on me. So I just have to do everything in my power to perform well."

Spencer Petras has appeared in a mop-up role in three games, completing 6-of-10 passes for 25 yards. Petras also has a touchdown run.

Best game — Stanley was sharp right away, with a 21-of-30 day for 252 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener against Miami (Ohio).

Worst game — He was harassed all day in the loss at Michigan.

Second-half outlook — The offensive line has to be better, there is no doubt about that. But Stanley also admits that he's been holding the ball too long and that's cost him.

Stanley has been a steadying influence for this offense, and he'll have to be that way in the final six games. If the protection and the decision-making improves — and you can argue that those two things go hand-in-hand — he'll be better.