'That's two checkers to one': Kirk Ferentz talks about attention AJ Epenesa received from Miami's O-Line
Week 1 has come and gone for the Big Ten.
Few games remain nationally on Sunday, but the B1G teams have each gotten their first games out of the way. For Iowa, the Hawkeyes defeated Miami (OH) Saturday night 38-14. It took a bit for Iowa to get going, but after halftime, the Hawkeyes outscored the Redhawks 28-7.
RELATED: Rapid Reaction: Nate Stanley, Hawkeyes overcome slow start with blowout win
After the game, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz spoke with the media and was asked about his star defensive end AJ Epenesa.
RELATED: Mel Kiper had Epenesa, 5 others from B1G in top 25 big board for 2020 NFL Draft
Here were a couple questions about Epenesa and the double-teaming he received from the Redhawks’ offensive line:
Ferentz referred to the whole thing as playing checkers. If Epenesa is getting double-teamed up front, it only allows other players to get more one-on-ones and have more of a chance to make an impact.
If teams want to do it, so be it. There’s nothing Ferentz can do to stop it. However, double-teaming just frees up everybody else to make plays and Iowa holding Miami (OH) to 14 points points to a good overall performance from the Hawkeyes’ defense.
In Week 2, Iowa hosts Rutgers on Saturday, Sept. 7.