Time is Now for C.J. Beathard to Step Up and Lead Iowa Offense

Shortly after a brutal loss to the Tennessee Volunteers in the TaxSlayer Bowl, Kirk Ferentz decided to make a change at quarterback for the Iowa Hawkeyes. The team committed to C.J. Beathard, paving the way for former starter Jake Rudock to transfer to the Michigan Wolverines. Now, with the team firmly in his hands, the pressure is on Beathard to lead an offensive turnaround for the Hawkeyes in 2015.

Last season, Rudock struggled to provide a spark to the Iowa offense as the team stumbled to a disappointing 7-6 record. The now-former Hawkeye quarterback showed strong efficiency at times, completing 61.7 percent of his passes on the year while compiling 2,436 yards and 16 touchdowns against just five interceptions. But Rudock could not deliver on the big plays down the field that could stretch defenses regularly, averaging just 7.1 yards per attempt, sixth best in the Big Ten.

Beathard, while he lacks the experience of Rudock, comes with a much higher ceiling that has kept the Iowa fanbase excited over the last two seasons. He’s only attempted 119 passes in his collegiate career up to this point, but he has a bigger arm than Rudock and has the ability to make plays with his legs. Last season, he completed 52-of-92 passes for 645 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing for 156 yards on 28 attempts (5.57 yards per carry). In his only career start last season, Beathard threw for 245 yards and a touchdown in a 24-10 win over the Purdue Boilermakers.

The key for Beathard will be to hit the ground running in fall camp to improve his command of the offense to match Rudock while simultaneously building rapport with his teammates to emerge as a leader in the huddle. If he can meet the mental challenge of taking over as a starter, his physical gifts should help open up the Iowa offense in 2015. His arm strength will stretch defenses vertically and force them to respect the deep pass while his athleticism will help take some pressure off an offensive line in the middle of a rebuilding effort.

The pressure is on at Iowa to return to Big Ten contention in 2015 and the team’s success this season hinges on their new quarterback, C.J. Beathard, stepping up and leading the turnaround. Is he up to the challenge?

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