The Iowa Hawkeyes’ offense has had a lot of trouble over the last couple of weeks, but one bright spot for the team has been its running game.

It’s not just Kaleb Johnson, either.

A new star may be emerging for Iowa, as sophomore running back Jaziun Patterson carried the ball eight times for 72 yards and a touchdown in the Hawkeyes’ Week 3 win over the Troy Trojans.

Well, Patterson is being rewarded as a result.

Iowa has released its depth chart ahead of its Saturday matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and Patterson has now established himself as the No. 3 halfback on the squad behind Johnson and Kamari Moulton (h/t Black Heart Gold Pants).

Patterson supplanted Leshon Williams to grab the role.

The 20-year-old electrified the crowd at Kinnick Stadium with a 39-yard touchdown dash in the fourth quarter of the Hawkeyes’ victory against Troy, putting an exclamation point on what was a breakout performance for the youngster.

Patterson arrived at Iowa City in 2022, but played in just three games. He redshirted and received more playing time last year, but he was mostly unproductive, rushing for 206 yards and a couple of touchdowns while averaging 3.6 yards per carry.

As a result of Patterson’s lack of output, he began the year off Iowa’s depth chart entirely, but he has now worked his way into the mix thanks to his strong showing in Week 2.

Considering that Moulton has not exactly been lighting it up in the early stages of 2024, it may only be a matter of time before Patterson becomes Iowa’s No. 2 running back.

LEE COUNTY, Iowa (KWQC) – A man is wanted by the Lee County, Iowa Crime Stoppers on drug charges.

Dakota William Burgund is wanted on felony warrants for drug trafficking between 5 grams to 100 kg of meth, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, eluding over 25 mph over the speed limit, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, speeding, and passing in a no passing zone, according to Lee County, Iowa Crime Stoppers.

If you know where Burgund is, submit a tip by clicking the link or by calling 319-376-1090, officials said. Both options are anonymous. If yours leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Copyright 2024 KWQC. All rights reserved.

Leaders of the Iowa Medical Society say the state faces a workforce crisis in the health care sector. Dr. Christina Taylor is president of the Iowa Medical Society’s board of directors.

“We actually have a very looming physician shortage and it’s a real issue and we’re concerned about the ability to maintain proper access to Iowans,” Taylor said during a weekend appearance on “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS.

Iowa already ranks 45th in doctor-to-patient ratio. “As of recent data, we have about 5778 doctors, down from 5900 a year ago,” Taylor said, “so we are seeing the number of practicing physicians decrease.”

Dr. Gerard, a clinical professor of psychiatry and emergency medicine and one of five deans at the University of Iowa’s College of Medicine, said the number of physicians, nationally, does not match demand.

“It’s a complex issue. We have a terrible mismatch of demand for health care versus the supply of health care workers, including the physicians,” Clancy said. “Ten thousand Baby Boomers are retiring every day in America right now. Those Baby Boomers need more health care.”

Iowa Medical Society CEO Steve Churchill indicated the group will ask the 2025 Iowa Legislature to provide state funding to significantly increase the residency slots for medical students at Iowa hospitals and academic centers.

“That is the leading indicator of where a resident will choose to practice is where they went to residency school, a residency slot,” Churchill said on “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS. “In Iowa, we have a shortage.”

The group will be asking lawmakers to fund creation of 200 more residency slots, at a cost of $20 million a year according to Dr. Clancy’s calculation The Iowa Medical Society will also recommend expanding state programs that erase college debt for physicians who choose to practice in Iowa after getting their medical license.