Mark Gronowski, Iowa aim to ignite offense vs. UMass

Iowa and UMass each will try to rebound from close losses last week when they meet Saturday night in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa (1-1) dropped a 16-13 decision to then-No. 16 Iowa State on Saturday after the Cyclones made a 54-yard field goal with 1:52 to play.

UMass (0-2) is coming off a 27-26 loss to Bryant, which competes at the FCS level. It was the Bulldogs' first victory over an FBS opponent.

The Minutemen likely will be without starting quarterback Brandon Rose, who sustained a shoulder injury against Bryant. UMass coach Joe Harasymiak said X-rays on Rose's shoulder were negative, but he's not sure if he will be able to practice this week.

The Minutemen also used graduate student Grant Jordan and freshman AJ Hairston at quarterback against Bryant. Jordan, who took the majority of the snaps, spent four years at Yale before transferring.

"I feel very comfortable in both," Harasymiak said. "Both will compete this week and we'll make a decision. Ultimately it's what gives us the best chance to win the game."

Iowa will be looking for more production from quarterback Mark Gronowski, a transfer from South Dakota State. Gronowski has completed 21 of 39 passes for 127 yards with one touchdown and one interception in his two games with the Hawkeyes.

"It's a matter of him getting more comfortable, and us making him more comfortable," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said.

Iowa will be without tight end Addison Ostrenga, who sustained an Achilles injury during the loss to Iowa State. Ferentz said Ostrenga will be out for the season.

Ferentz said his team needs to keep moving forward.

"This week is like any week," Ferentz said. "Our goal is to win the game and then secondly, improve and grow. See what we can do to move forward as a football team."

Both Ferentz and Harasymiak served as the head coach at the University of Maine.

--Field Level Media