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Michigan running back Blake Corum runs against Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins and defensive lineman Logan Lee during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Luca Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.
Ah, yes. What the Hawkeyes are known for. Punishing, fundamentally sound defense.
The Iowa defense finished seventh in the nation should be every bit as good, if not better. It doesn’t seem like the Hawkeyes are doing anything special, and then all of a sudden, it’s midway through the third quarter and you have ten points on the board. Fiutak, College Football News.
It really is amazing to watch this unit go to work for the black and gold. Even when the offense provides literally nothing, there’s the Hawkeye defense smothering opponents. As Fiutak notes, Iowa brings back one of the finest linebacking duos in America. Iowa linebackers Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson combined for 281 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, six sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception last season.
In addition to the linebacking duo, Fiutak really likes Iowa’s safeties, Xavier Nwankpa and Quinn Schulte. Though there might not be a splash name, Fiutak says count on Iowa’s defensive front delivering.
There might not be a sure-thing pass rusher to count on, but the Iowa rotation inside and out will once again be enough to get the job done. It’s Iowa. The defensive front will be great, and so will the defensive backs. – Fiutak, College Football News.
Iowa’s takeaways dipped to just 15 last season after coming away with 23 in 2022 and 30 in 2021. That’s an area where the Hawkeyes would like to see an uptick.
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