Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz views all five of his defensive backs as starters, but last weekend, they decided to bench veteran Deshaun Lee.
Lee has been much maligned over the past few seasons, but has put in the work to become one of Iowa's top defensive backs.
After getting benched, he could have hung his head or had a negative attitude, but Ferentz stated he is one of the most positive players on the team and kept working hard.
Lee showed up big time on Saturday in the 25-24 win against Penn State as he came up with a diving interception in the second quarter, and broke up a pass on Penn State's final drive to help seal the victory.
Lee could not stop smiling postgame and credited the success of the Hawkeye defense to their continued focus on the little things in practice.
During his postgame media availability (posted by "247Sports"), Lee discussed the success of the defense as they continually stopped Penn State on third and fourth down.
Lee attributed their success to upholding the standard that great players set before them, and stated that if you love the game of football, you learn from the guys doing what you want to do.
Lee also stated that it boils down to trusting what you practiced all week, and competing and pushing each other every day.
He was also adamant that if they continue to focus on the basics, the ball will find them eventually.
Lee was appreciative of the crowd at Kinnick, stating that there is nothing like it, and after a big win, it is a feeling that "you cannot buy anywhere else."