The Iowa Hawkeyes‘ defense is not what it seems to be on the surface.
The stats aren’t great. Iowa ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten in a lot of categories. Giving up 44 points in two games isn’t outstanding. The truth is, though, that the Hawkeyes’ defense has come up with big plays when it needed them through two games. In both games, the defense has set the offense up to win.
Against Northern Illinois, the defense got off the field and gave the ball to the offense near the end of the game with an opportunity to drive the field for a game-winning score. Last Saturday, there was a play made by Hawkeye linebacker James Morris and defensive back Desmond King. Morris forced a fumble and King recovered it for Iowa, setting the Hawkeyes up at the Missouri State 45.
Three plays and three yards later, Iowa punted the ball.
There have also been plays that have either scored points for Iowa or kept the opposition from scoring. Christian Kirksey‘s scoop and score against the Huskies helped keep it close. Tanner Miller‘s interception against the Bears stopped them from making the game a one-score affair. If this defense can stay healthy and continue to grow, it will keep the Hawkeyes in a lot of games.
No one is saying that this defense is one of the best in the Big Ten right now. The key word for Hawkeye fans in this season with this defense is patience. While this defensive squad develops and learns, they will make enough plays to give the Hawkeyes a chance to win most games.
Hawkeye fans should watch this defense and watch it often, because it will show a flash of brilliance a few times each game.
Derek Helling is a University of Iowa football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DRokSH, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
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