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Iowa’s DL has accounted for one sack this season: ‘Our pass rush is not where we want it to be’
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Iowa is 3-0 this season. Not too bad, right?
Well, sure. Perfect is perfect. Undefeated is exactly where you want to be. Except, every 3-0 team (and 4-0 team) isn’t playing at the same exact level. For the Hawkeyes, they got by their in-state rival in Iowa State 18-17 two weeks ago.
It was far from perfect. The team has since had a bye and gets to host Middle Tennessee on Saturday at noon. One aspect of the team that hasn’t been perfect has been the defensive line.
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So far this season, the starting DL for Iowa has accounted for one total sack. Now, sacks aren’t everything. Quarterback pressures are arguably more important. But regardless, Hawkeye DT Daviyon Nixon believes that the DL as a whole needs to rush the QB better:
“Our pass rush is not where we want it to be,” Nixon said. “We need to get more hits on the quarterback, more pass breakups, tipped balls. Just affecting the throw of the quarterback in any way we can. We feel like if we get that, our games will be a lot easier for us.”
Nixon is right about the pass rush. If it can be more effective, games will come easier. Iowa may not have to win one-point games anymore. The better every unit plays, the easier the game will come. That’s a fact.
We’ll find out at noon on Saturday if the pass rush can affect the game more often.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.