Stars Of The Game: Iowa Football 3, Florida Gators 30

Desmond King

Desmond King intercepting the 14th pass of his career was arguably the most feel good moment of the Outback Bowl. The senior cornerback didn’t get tested a lot this season, which makes this rare interception opportunity even more special in Iowa’s bowl game.

Not to mention he showed his athleticism and ball skills by leaping over Florida’s receiver and needing to use his legs to keep the ball in the air. Somehow, after bouncing around, it landed in King’s arm for his third interception of the season.

It wasn’t just the feel good moment, though. His interception set Iowa up at Florida’s 27-yard line and resulted in their only points of the game. Iowa could have been shutout for the first time since 2000 if King didn’t hand them starting field position in field goal range.

King also showcased his ability as a punt returner. While Eddy Pineiro didn’t give King many chances on kickoffs, King did average 35 yards per kickoff return on his two tries. King returned one of the kickoffs 49 yards and almost to midfield.

On punts, he returned his lone punt 19 yards to the 46 yard line, however a block in the back brought it back 10 yards. Still, Florida knew King is one of the best returners in the Big Ten and tried to avoid him, but King still made them pay whenever they gave him chances.

Desmond King didn’t have any huge hits or key pass breakups, but he recorded his 14th career interception and gave Iowa solid field position as a returner.