Six Years To The Day On The Same Field, Did Iowa Resolve Another Quarterbacking Controversy?

September 20, 2008. It was Iowa's fourth game of the season, and Jake Christensen started for the second time of the season and final time of his Iowa career. He was replaced in the first half by Sophomore Ricky Stanzi who went seven for ten for 79 yards. Much to my dismay, Christensen returned to play the entire second half and Iowa lost 21-20 to drop to 3-1 heading into conference play. The venue? Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, against the Panthers.

Fast forward six years to September 20, 2014, again in Pittsburgh. Jake Rudock starts his fourth straight game to begin the season and goes five for ten for 80 yards in the first half. He throws one touchdown and one interception. The pick goes through the hands of Damond Powell and into those of a Pitt defender. It's definitely not Rudock's fault, but Iowa's offense is for the most part ineffective.

Following halftime, Sophomore C.J. Beathard relieves an injured Rudock and Iowa looks like a different team. Beathard's second pass is a 62-yard bomb to Powell who quickly made up for his first half bobble with an incredible one-handed catch. The pass seemingly comes out of Beathard's hand like a rocket and suddenly Iowa is a different football team. They can run the ball... their defense makes stops... and Iowa wins by four.

Six years removed from a quarterbacking controversy settled on the East coast, has another one been resolved, or is it only beginning? Will the Sophomore Beathard step to the forefront like Stanzi did more than a half-decade ago? Then again, will he get the chance?