Just how much magic does Iowa Hawkeyes defensive coordinator Phil Parker have up his sleeve for this weekend’s matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes?
Whatever tricks he has, he needs to have them on full display to slow down Ohio State and keep the Hawkeyes within striking distance on Saturday. Winning the turnover battle is crucial in pulling off an upset and Iowa is no stranger to that.
ESPN previewed this Big Ten matchup and believes that if Iowa is to have any chance, it starts defensively with Phil Parker.
Almost seven years ago, in the most memorable Iowa-Ohio State game in recent memory, the Hawkeyes forced four Buckeyes turnovers (!) and gained 487 yards (!!) in a 55-24 romp in Iowa City. It was both exhilarating and shocking. It was also Iowa’s only win in the series since 2004. – Bill Connelly, ESPN
On offense, Iowa is going to have to find some running lanes. They need to possess the ball, eat the clock, and churn out first downs. The slower and more boring that Iowa can make this game, the longer they can stick around. And the longer they stick around, the more tense things get and leaves Iowa needing just one break to capitalize.
I’m going out on a limb: Iowa isn’t gaining 487 yards on Saturday in Columbus. But the Hawkeyes could still force a few turnovers. Phil Parker’s defense is as Iowa as ever, ranking seventh in points allowed per drive. It creates disruption without blitzing up front and gets hands on passes in the back. The offense has improved, too — primarily because Kaleb Johnson is incredible (171.3 rushing yards per game, 8.4 per carry) — but it still can’t pass, and it’s still awful on passing downs. Ohio State’s defense isn’t going to give it much, but this will still be an interesting test for the Buckeyes attack. – Connelly, ESPN
On defense, Iowa needs to fluster Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and force him to let some questionable balls fly. Arguably no team in America takes away errant throws as effectively as the Hawkeyes do and that could keep Iowa in this thing.
Everything’s working as planned for Chip Kelly’s offense: Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson are averaging 166.5 rushing yards per game, and the trio of Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate is averaging 236.3 receiving yards. Smith has already scored six TDs. But quarterback Will Howard threw double-digit interceptions twice at Kansas State. He can force the ball at times, and Iowa devours forced passes. Can Parker and his diabolical zone defenses force mistakes and make this a tighter game than expected? – Connelly, ESPN
It isn’t an overly complicated recipe, but it is surely a lot easier said than done. Ohio State is one of the most talented teams in America that can exploit you on the ground or through the air.
If Iowa can force a few turnovers, eat the clock, and limit possessions by the Buckeyes, Phil Parker could have his chance to dial up his magic late in this one.
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