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Iowa football: Storylines Hawk fans should watch for against Miami (OH)

By Matt Opad

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 01: Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes calls a play during the 2019 Outback Bowl against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 01: Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes calls a play during the 2019 Outback Bowl against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 13: Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hossiers is sacked by Parker Hesse #40 of the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN – OCTOBER 13: Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hossiers is sacked by Parker Hesse #40 of the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Defensive Dominance

The one thing that the BTN crew mentioned that I did not address was that Epenesa is the #3 DE in the Big Ten. As Iowa football fans, we all think this is ridiculous, and on Saturday, AJ needs to prove this.

It’s not just AJ, although a 2-3 sack game would make a statement. We need to see the 4-2-5 succeed without recently drafted hybrid safety/cornerback Amani Hooker. With Miami (OH) breaking in a new quarterback, this really shouldn’t be difficult for Iowa to do.

As you’re probably aware, the free safety position is up in the air. Similar to the middle linebacker position last season, Iowa needs to find consistency in this position, even if its just for the second half of this game.

This is a game where I expect that our starting defense would be able to limit the Redhawk offense to a few field goals. If we are giving up points, but only late in the second half with the backups in the game, I’ll be pretty happy.

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