Iowa’s attempt to establish dominance in the running game has been something of an adventure throughout the 2018 season. Despite losing one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in program history in Akrum Wadley, Iowa’s run-heavy offense remains embedded in the program’s DNA, leaving no doubt that the running game would remain a critical component of the Hawkeyes’ offensive strategy in 2018. The carries would be there, it was only a question of how they would be distributed.
Hawkeye fans were initially excited by the prospect that two returning sophomore running backs (Toren Young and Ivory Kelly-Martin) could serve as a dynamic one-two punch to help replace Wadley and his capable backup James Butler.