Big Ten Quarterbacks Will Start To Throw Away From Iowa CB Desmond King

Iowa has been one of the more complete teams in the Big Ten this season and it’s led them to a surprising record of 7-0 which has them sitting atop the west division.

The Hawkeyes rank third in total defense and third in scoring defense in an effort which has been led by defensive back Desmond King. The junior from Detroit, Michigan has accumulated six interceptions through seven games and has two multiple-interception performances. King has been a contributor since his freshman year and added two interceptions last season. He’s defended 13 passes which ranks second in the conference.

Iowa’s defense has yet to give up more than 24 points in a game while scoring less than 29 just once. They have a dynamic and high-scoring offense led by quarterback C.J. Beathard which is complemented by a ball-hawking defensive back.

Outside of King, the Hawkeyes have three picks as a team which is why teams will probably start to look away from the Big Ten’s interception leader. He hasn’t just taken advantage of weak offenses as the Hawkeyes have played a challenging conference schedule as well as a non-conference tussle with Pitt who is unbeaten outside of this particular matchup and currently ranked 23rd in the country.

Coming up for the Hawkeyes is Maryland at home at Kinnick Stadium. On paper, Iowa should run away with this game. The question is whether Terps quarterback Perry Hills will test King in the secondary. His interception totals may begin to drop through the latter part of the season, but that just means offenses are game planning for him more than others in the secondary.

Jason Shawley is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com covering Big Ten football. Follow him on Twitter @jshawls.