WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Perhaps the most crucial spring practice session of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz’s 17-year tenure reached the halfway point Saturday. For the third spring game in a row, the Hawkeyes travelled to West Des Moines, Iowa – just minutes away from the state capitol and about a 30-minute drive from Iowa State’s spring scrimmage on Saturday.

Iowa is coming off a disappointing 7-6 season and must replace key starters on both sides of the ball. The offensive and defensive lines are in flux, and C.J. Beathard has taken over at quarterback for Jake Rudock, who will transfer after losing the starting job. “It’s our ninth practice,” Ferentz said. “Depth is always an issue in spring practice and it’s certainly something we’ll continue to develop.”