Before Iowa Football entered its second bye week, the Hawkeyes were on a roll.
All phases of the game were beginning to click, and defensive coordinator Phil Parker does not want to slow down.
Parker, a long-time assistant coach and defensive coordinator, called himself a "routine guy" and wants to play every week instead of integrating bye weeks.
During the bye week, coordinators get their chance to shine at the podium, and Parker was up first this week.
During the coordinators' press conference this week, Parker began by saying he is really proud of the way the guys have been playing, and it is encouraging to see.
The three main aspects of Parker's portion at the podium focused on success and improvement of the defensive line, the growth of the secondary, including Zach Lutmer and TJ Hall, and their preparation for Oregon in two weeks.
The defensive line has improved every week
Throughout his press conference, Parker said the word "practice" close to 20 times, but used it as a barometer for how much guys have been improving this season, especially the defensive line.
He praised the defensive line because they have shown improvement each week in practice and have integrated what they have learned into the games.
All of the players are focusing on being perfect in practice, and the effort has been "unbelieveable" from the vantage point of Parker and the rest of the coaching staff.
It has gotten to the point where the guys know what they need to improve, and they only want to get better.
The secondary has really excelled during the past few games
The Iowa secondary had a lot of question marks heading into the season because they had a lot of guys competing for positions.
Deshaun Lee and TJ Hall returned this year and were penciled in as starters from day one, but apart from those two, no one knew what to expect.
It has gotten to the point where the coaching staff feels they now have five guys who can start, and that has given Parker depth an options at the back end of the defense.
Parker was specifically asked about two players, Hall and Zach Lutmer, and what they have meant to the squad this season.
Parker said Hall has worked hard to get where he is and overcome some of his early struggles. He also stated that Hall is always in the building "talking football" and has become a leader in the back.
Lutmer has also been a bright spot for the defense this season, and Parker believes he can play five positions for the squad.
Parker also said he is very quiet, but diagnoses plays faster than most players, and he has elite vision.
Parker knows Oregon presents a lot of challenges
Parker wrapped up his time at the podium, discussing their preparation for a tough Oregon team in two weeks.
Oregon will also be coming off a bye week, so Parker says the only advantage they will have is it will be at home. He was also adamant that the game will be won between the lines, not on paper.
Parker stated that Oregon is a "the whole package," and are "well-funded" on both sides of the football.
He did not address specific tactics for the game, but he mentioned that they have three to four quality backs, good tight ends, and good receivers. However, he emphasized that they won't change who they are or what they do.
After a bye week this week, the Hawkeyes welcome the Oregon Ducks to Kinnick Stadium on November 8.