Iowa football: 3 reasons the Hawks could make the CFB Playoffs in 2019

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AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones scrambles for yards as defensive back D.J. Johnson #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes blocks in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

The defense is getting better

This isn’t the same defense we have seen in the past from the Iowa football team. They haven’t put a ton of pressure on the quarterback in terms of sacks, but their bend-but-don’t-break philosophy has worked perfectly through three games. More impressive though is how they’ve done this while managing injuries that have decimated their secondary.

Against Iowa State, save for two big plays, the secondary looked pretty good despite having two guys in the lineup who had made a combined 1 start before that day.

Through three games, the Hawkeyes defense is 10th in the nation in points allowed per game with 10.3, and I have a feeling that will improve after they take on Middle Tennessee State next week. Moreover, this defense is 15th in the nation against the run allowing just 76 yards per game, and even though the injuries have been rough, they are still in the top third of the nation in passing yards allowed with 186.7 per game.

While the defense is a concern going forward as I would like to see them hit the quarterback more, force a few more turnovers, and tighten up in the passing game, there is room for optimism as Phil Parker figures out more ways to free AJ Epenesa up or get Chauncy Golston to take advantage of the attention being paid to Epenesa and as the secondary gets healthy.

Next. Hawks lack of movement in AP Poll shows poll flaws. dark

We are still 9 games away, but with a fourth of the season completed, it’s not a ridiculous thought to think the Hawks are CFB contenders.

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