Iowa City, Iowa ? Iowa quarterback Drew Tate always plays with passion.

Against Ohio State last season, however, he took it too far.

Late in the second half of a 31-6 blowout loss, Tate was slammed to the turf for one of the five sacks he took that day. The junior quarterback spiked the ball into the ground in a fit of rage.

That tantrum, which drew a penalty and the ire of coach Kirk Ferentz, epitomized Tate’s struggles with his composure.

Now a senior, Tate has guided No. 13 Iowa to its first 4-0 start since 2003. One of the biggest reasons the Hawkeyes are perfect heading into their Saturday night showdown with top-ranked Ohio State has been Tate’s maturity and leadership.

His secret? He’s finally learned how to chill out.

“I’m older now and more mature about it. I let a lot of things get to me last year, especially in that game. I’m more relaxed this year,” Tate said. “I’m trying to have fun and just enjoy being out there with the guys.”

The Hawkeyes have needed Tate more than ever this year. The receiving corps has been torn apart by graduation, injuries and transfers, leaving three first-year starters atop the depth chart. The running game, led by junior Albert Young, hasn’t performed to the level many thought it would.

“I think he’s the main piece of our offense. He has a big role to play, and that’s leading our team,” running back Shonn Greene said. “He’ll do something spectacular, and the offense will get rowdy. He uplifts us.”