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One statistic shows just how dominant Iowa’s pass defense has been the past 5 seasons
By Nick Schultz
Published:
We know Iowa’s defense is good. But just how good has it been?
The numbers speak for themselves over the last 4 years.
Since 2016, the Hawkeyes have had more interceptions than touchdowns allowed every year except 2019. They’re following that trend again this season with 12 picks, including 4 first-half interceptions of Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa, and 5 touchdowns allowed.
Iowa has picked off Taulia Tagovailoa four times in the first half. Hawkeyes now have 10 INTs and allowed just four TD passes this season. Phil Parker's D has only allowed more TD passes than its INT total once since 2016. That's impressive.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) October 2, 2021
That’s the definition of domination.
Iowa’s defense is a big reason why the Hawkeyes are in the top 5 of the AP Top 25 and appear poised to make a run at the College Football Playoff. The Hawkeyes have held teams to a B1G-best 11.6 points per game and have three players with at least 2 interceptions. Star DB Riley Moss leads the B1G with 3 picks on the season, including 2 pick-sixes.
Yeah. Phil Parker has something special going in Iowa City.
Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.