Iowa football: Studs and duds from week 5 victory over MTSU

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 28: Running back Mekhi Sargent #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes rushes up field during the first half against safety Reed Blankenship #12 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders on September 28, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

Stud: Interior offensive line

I’m cheating to start and not just picking one but picking two guys, Tyler Linderbaum and Landen Paulsen.

I thought the young (from a starting experience perspective) offensive lineman did a tremendous job withstanding the onslaught of different blitzes being sent in their direction by Middle Tennessee State.

They also did a fantastic job clearing massive holes in the middle of the field for the Iowa football team’s running backs as the Hawks rumbled for 351 yards on 51 carries for a ridiculous 6.9 yard per carry average.

Even Pro Football Focus thought these two had an outstanding day as they graded out as the top interior offensive linemen in the country yesterday.

The Eckrich National Team of the Week for Week 5 is LIVE! You can see the full team below!https://t.co/uIaUYU5EJY pic.twitter.com/e8PEGHMgTC
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 29, 2019

This is exciting for an Iowa football team that has had to move many pieces around through four weeks. When Alaric Jackson returns, Landan’s brother, Levi will likely swing back into the other guard spot further strengthening the interior.