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Kirk Ferentz ‘really pleased’ following incredible defensive performance vs. Indiana
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Kirk Ferentz is often a man of few words, but he was pleased with what he saw in Week 1.
It is not hard to see why considering how Iowa played against Indiana in the season opener. Offensively, the Hawkeyes were balanced with Tyler Goodson finishing with 99 yards and a touchdown.
However, the story of Saturday was an Iowa defense that picked off Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. 3 times in the big win. Two of those interceptions were of the pick-six variety, courtesy of Riley Moss.
After the game, Ferentz discussed what stood out from the performance:
“I don’t want to say I’m surprised, but just really pleased, a lot of respect for them, their football team, all three phases,” said Ferentz. “They’re a big-play outfit, and they made some big plays, explosive plays between the quarterback and No. 3, those guys are really dynamic.
“For us to do that, to play that way against them and our DBs really looked quick to the football and good anticipation. We’re veteran back there, so I’m not going to say we expected that, but that really helps us if our veterans play like that. But a big part of it, too, is the guys up front getting pressure. It’s not always about sacks, but if you can keep the quarterback uncomfortable, that factors in, too. Seemed like we were playing cohesively.”
Now with a win in hand, Iowa will pivot to the Cy-Hawk Rivalry and a visit to Iowa State next Saturday. The Cyclones are coming off a narrow escape in Week 1 against FCS foe Northern Iowa.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.