Phil Parker and the Iowa defense have been extremely successful during his tenure, but have often struggled against mobile quarterbacks. That won't be the case this season.
The Hawkeyes' defense is predicated on solid pressure from the front four and everyone staying in their lanes on the backside. They have been vulnerable against mobile quarterbacks in the past, but that is likely to shift this season with all the athletes they have on the outside. With one game against a legit dual-threat quarterback under their belt, the defense is ready to prove it can handle the challenge again.
Tyler Brown is confident that the defense is ready to stop Bryce Underwood
Although it was only one game, the Iowa defense was stellar against Jaylen Raynor in week two, limiting his elite rushing ability. Before transferring to Iowa State in the offseason, Raynor proved his dual-threat ability by logging 1,183 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in three seasons with Arkansas State. The Hawkeyes' defense limited Raynor to just 18 rushing yards on eight carries, but they face a tougher test in week four against Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood.
The Michigan offense has struggled to run in its first three games, averaging only 147.7 rushing yards per game, but Underwood has been a weapon in the running game. Underwood leads the team with 156 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, and has carried the football 33 times already. The Michigan offense hasn't found its identity, but Underwood is clearly a focal point. Although Underwood's running ability could be a problem, the Iowa defense is confident it's ready.
Tyler Brown on how having faced Jaylen Raynor helps Iowa's defense against another mobile QB in Bryce Underwood: "We're ready for it. It shows and proves that our defense can do it, and we're capable of it. So now, we're just excited to prove it again on Saturday."
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) September 22, 2026
Transfer safety Tyler Brown has been sidelined with an injury since spring ball, but is finally back in the rotation for Iowa's week-four road matchup against Michigan. When asked about dealing with Underwood's mobility, Brown said the defense is ready for it because of how they prepared for Jaylen Raynor in week two. The unit's solid work against Raynor proves they can do it, and Brown said they are ready to prove that again against Underwood in week four. Underwood is a better runner than Raynor, but they have similar skill sets. If the Hawkeyes limit Underwood's running ability, they have a solid chance of winning. It won't be easy, but if the defense can contain Underwood and keep him from breaking away outside, the Michigan offense hasn't proven it can throw the ball effectively, so they can drastically alter their game plan.
Iowa's defense has traditionally been better against the run than the pass, but with multiple new playmakers in the secondary, the unit is more well-balanced this season. Through three games, the defense has been slightly better against the pass (ranked No. 5 overall) than the run (ranked No. 11 overall), but there is a reason why Iowa boasts the No.1-ranked defense this season. Their new-look defensive line has multiple athletes, the linebackers are some of the best in the nation, and the secondary has been stellar.
That ranking will be tested this weekend, but if the defense can make the Michigan offense one-dimensional, they will be much better off. Containing Underwood's legs is easier said than done, and even if they limit his rushing, he's shown his passing ability before, even though it hasn't quite taken off this season. Stopping the run will be the most important thing against Michigan, and if they beat you through the air, so be it.
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