Iowa keeps on trucking with another big win and keeps its College Football Playoff hopes alive for another week.
The Hawkeyes still need some help from some teams above them, but they earned a big 28-7 win over Purdue. This game was never really in doubt, and for the second straight week, Iowa earned a blowout victory. The defense held Purdue to seven points and dominated yet again, while the offense was well-balanced. Every game is an elimination game for the Hawkeyes from now on, and they are one step closer to their first CFP appearance.
L.J. Phillips Jr. and Tony Diaz have been worth every penny
Iowa sprinkles in transfers from the portal, but is more calculated than a lot of Power Four teams. Kirk Ferentz has admitted in the past that Iowa might not have the NIL resources that other programs have, but they have a clear strategy. The program pursues players with multiple years of eligibility, or guys at lower levels who want to make the jump to the next level. Iowa brought in 16 players during the transfer portal window this offseason, with many of them making an immediate impact.
Tony Diaz and L.J. Phillips were among the 16 players Iowa brought in, and they have been worth whatever contract Iowa signed them to. Diaz has been one of Iowa's most lethal offensive weapons, showcasing his pass-catching and rushing ability all season. Diaz was quiet to start the Big Ten Conference slate, but has woken up in a big way over the past three games. Diaz has tallied 163 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, and has also added 47 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. The offense has been looking for No. 14 early and often, and it has made them even better.
After a slow start to the season, propelled by some injuries, L.J. Phillips Jr. has turned it around over the past few weeks. With Kamari Moulton out for the season, Phillips has stepped up in a big way, and although he hasn't found the end zone, he's tallied 120-plus rushing yards in back-to-back games. He finished with 128 yards against Northwestern in Week 10 and 123 yards in Week 11. The offense needs Phillips Jr. down the stretch, and he looks ready to deliver.
Braeden Jackson needs to be on the field more often
Iowa's special teams haven't fallen off, even after losing coordinator LeVar Woods, starting punter Rhys Dakin (transfer to Michigan State), starting kicker Drew Stevens (NFL), and star returner Kaden Wetjen (NFL). Braeden Jackson has been a major reason why the unit has succeeded, with multiple return touchdowns this season. Jackson has been brilliant this season, and he has made the most of his time on the field. Jackson is a highlight waiting to happen when he gets the ball, and he showcased that again against Purdue. Jackson took a screen pass to the house from 44 yards away, further proving why he needs to be more involved.
Jackson is a capable runner and excels in space, but the running back room is crowded. Tim Lester and the offense must find ways to get Jackson on the field, whether in the backfield, the slot, or at wide receiver, taking advantage of his running ability. He is a lethal option on screens and in the backfield, and he's earned more playing time as the season progresses. Iowa made the mistake of pigeonholing Wetjen as a return specialist, and the offense will be better if Jackson is on the field more.
Iowa's defense remains elite on third and fourth down
Death, taxes, and Iowa's dominating defense. Iowa will always be in games thanks to its defense, and Parker's unit is having another stellar season. The Hawkeyes are allowing 12.4 points per game this season and have been especially good on third and fourth down. Iowa ranks No. 4 in college football in third- and fourth-down conversion rates, and they were solid against Purdue when it mattered. The defense held Purdue to 5/11 on third down and 0/2 on fourth down, including a massive red zone stop on fourth and one in the fourth quarter.
Iowa has always been known for its defense, and that isn't different this season. The offense has improved since Tim Lester took over, but the defense is usually the reason Iowa succeeds. The unit picked up a turnover against Purdue, but hasn't forced many this season. They have relied on a "bend, don't break" mentality, and it has worked very well. If Iowa makes the CFP, the defense will be a major reason why, and with only two regular-season games left, the program is in great shape.
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