Ex-Michigan QB shakes off boos, throws for 3 TDs in Iowa’s dominant win

Cade McNamara’s first game since last September couldn’t have started any better, coming Saturday in Iowa’s season opener.

The former Michigan quarterback completed just 3 of 8 passes for 17 yards in the first quarter as the Hawkeyes failed to pick up a first down on their first three drives. Boos rained down on Kinnick Stadium, but McNamara, who suffered a torn ACL against Michigan State in Week 5 of last season, found his rhythm and sizzled the rest of the way, completing 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in a 40-0 victory over FCS school Illinois State.

Iowa scored 34 points in the second half and relied heavily on McNamara’s arm in the third quarter. He completed 10 of 11 passes for 147 yards and two scores in the quarter, then hit Reece Vander Zee for a 19-yard touchdown to open the fourth quarter.

The Hawkeyes made a switch at offensive coordinator this offseason, hiring Tim Lester to try to reboot an anemic unit that finished last in the FBS by a wide margin last year. With just one game on Saturday, the team finished with 492 yards of offense — its most since 2019.

Their competition is fiercer when they host Iowa State next week.

After the 2022 season, McNamara transferred to Iowa, but in Week 2 he lost his starting spot to JJ McCarthy. The following week he suffered an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season.