Iowa’s defense has been good enough to carry plenty of weight this season, but there’s one lingering number that still hangs over the unit: 18 straight years with an interception returned for a touchdown.
Phil Parker’s group has made a living on turnovers and sudden momentum swings, yet the Hawkeyes are still waiting for the kind of pick-six that can flip a game in an instant. Through nine games, Iowa has only six interceptions, which leaves the defense ranked No. 71 in the country in that category. That’s not the usual takeaway production people expect from an Iowa defense.
Still, there’s reason to think the opportunity could show up against Purdue. The Hawkeyes already have 34 pass breakups, and that kind of disruption can turn into tipped balls and rushed decisions. Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne is completing 62.2% of his passes this season, so if Iowa can get him uncomfortable, the ball may start bouncing the Hawkeyes’ way.
The other piece of the puzzle is game flow. If Iowa jumps out early and forces Purdue into catch-up mode, the Boilermakers will have to lean on the pass. That would suit Iowa just fine, especially with Purdue averaging only 3.5 yards per carry on the ground.
One name keeps coming up when you look for the Hawkeye most likely to make the play. Veteran cornerback Deshaun Lee has turned into a steady starter in Phil Parker’s secondary, and he leads Iowa with three interceptions this year. He’s got six picks in his career, and if he comes down with one against Purdue, it could be the biggest interception of his time in Iowa City.
In Other News...
Iowa Basketball Just Brought A New Look To The Court
Iowa mens basketball is adding a new detail to its uniforms this season, with Iowa Athletics announcing Brava Roof Tile as the programs first official jersey patch partner. The companys logo will sit above the Big Ten conference emblem, giving the Hawkeyes a fresh look when the patch debuts Nov. 10 against Virginia Tech.
Bravas deal goes beyond the jersey, too, with student-athlete influencer marketing opportunities built into the partnership and featuring Iowa basketball players. It is another sign of how college programs continue to expand the business side of the sport, while also giving the Hawkeyes a new branding element fans will notice right away once the season gets rolling. [Read more 🡒]
Iowas First Loss Exposed A Problem This Team Cant Ignore
For most of the night, Iowa had enough offense to keep pace with Virginia Tech, even after the game stretched into overtime. Cooper Koch led the way with 26 points, TyReek Coleman added 20, and Isaia Howard turned in a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds, giving the Hawkeyes plenty to work with on the scoreboard.
But the first loss of the season also laid bare a problem Iowa cant brush aside. Virginia Tech shot 54% from the field, and the Hawkeyes left too many points at the line by missing 16 free throws, two issues that can undo a good offensive showing in a hurry. For a team trying to build on an unbeaten start, the margin for error just got a lot smaller. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Fans Got Encouraging NFL Signs Alongside One Concerning Scare
Iowa fans had plenty to track across the NFL in Week 9, and the early returns were mostly encouraging. Kaleb Johnson made a noticeable impact for Green Bay in its win over New England, helping the Packers' running game and scoring the first touchdown of his pro career. Nick Niemann also found a meaningful role on defense in that same game, giving Hawkeye followers another reason to keep an eye on Green Bay.
Not every update was as upbeat. Riley Moss left Denver's win over Carolina with a concussion and did not return, a reminder of how quickly a good Sunday can turn concerning for former Iowa standouts. Elsewhere, Amani Hooker was dealt from Tennessee to Buffalo in a move that sent him to join Geno Stone, while several Hawkeye tight ends had only modest outings in their respective games, leaving the weekend with a mix of progress, movement and one injury scare. [Read more 🡒]