2. Defensive line productivity
Iowa lost one of their best defensive linemen in program history to the NFL Draft last April in AJ Epenesa. While Epenesa was mostly known for his pass-rushing prowess, he was also a key cog in stopping the run.
Against Purdue, the Hawkeyes seemingly had no answer against the run game. Backup running back Zander Horvath rushed for 129 yards on 21 carries (6.1 average). Against Northwestern, Iowa did a better job of containing the run, but mainly because Daviyon Nixon had a career game, finishing with 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Iowa defensive end Chauncey Golston was arguably the most disappointing against Purdue, especially as a pass-rusher. The defensive line’s most tenured member failed to have any impact on Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell, especially on the Boilermakers’ game-winning drive.
While the Hawkeyes have been without senior defensive tackle Austin Schulte, it’s unlikely his presence would have turned the tide in either of Iowa’s losses. Iowa simply failed to generate enough pressure to affect Purdue’s passing attack and were porous against the run.
Save for Nixon, the of Iowa’s defensive line will need to be able to generate a more consistent pass-rush moving forward if they want to get off the field on third-downs.