Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester says the passing game will become more explosive if the running game remains productive. The Hawks are 11th in the country in rushing and had 272 yards in a 31-14 win at Minnesota while throwing for only 62.

Lester likes the progress of quarterback Cade McNamara despite the Hawkeyes averaging only 147 yards of passing per game.

Lester says the key for running back Kaleb Johnson was learning to be patient as the play develops. He currently leads the nation with 685 yards of rushing.

Lester says the off week allows the Hawkeyes to go to work on the passing game.