The Iowa Hawkeyes are a perfect 3-0 as they shift the calendar into Big Ten play.

The Hawkeyes improved to that mark with a 41-10 win over Western Michigan. In the win, Iowa got a number of strong performances.

Defensively, the Hawkeyes were their typical stingy selves after surrendering  a couple of chunk plays early.

Offensively, Iowa overcame a slow start and turned the frustrating beginnings into the best day its had on the ground in several seasons.

Afterwards, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz met with the media to share his thoughts on the Hawkeyes’ victory. Here’s five quotes from coach Ferentz that stuck out afterwards.

Iowa’s slow start

(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

After scoring on each of its first two possessions versus Utah State and Iowa State, the Hawkeyes really struggled to get going against Western Michigan.

Senior quarterback Cade McNamara threw an interception on the game’s opening possession as he tried to feed a pass into double coverage intended for sixth-year Hawkeye receiver Nico Ragaini. Then, Iowa punted on its next possession before sophomore Drew Stevens missed a 41-yard field goal on its third possession.

It allowed Western Michigan to jump in front 7-0 to start and then 10-7 subsequently.

Ferentz shared his thoughts on the slow start.

I’m just glad we got it going. We were so slow at the beginning there.

It’s the ebb and flow of the season. It’s hard to read too much into any one game. We’ll probably have more games like this and probably some more like the ones before it. It’s the ebb and flow. What counts is your response. How do you maneuver through those things?

Happy to see that today and happy to see the run game get started a little bit. That’s a good thing.

Navigating adversity with QB Cade McNamara

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McNamara appeared in 21 games…