Another year, another solid defensive group put together by long-time defensive coordinator Phil Parker.
The Hawkeyes have struggled to find consistency on offense and on special teams, relying on the defensive unit to be their rock once again this season.
Through three games this season, the stats might not jump off the page, but the defensive unit is putting up solid all-around numbers.
The Iowa defense is ranked No. 3 overall in total defense (allowing 178.0 yards per game), No. 6 in run defense (57.7 yards per game), No. 13 in pass yards allowed per game (120.3 yards per game), and tied for No. 14 in scoring defense (10.0 points per game).
While the Iowa defense has not forced many turnovers this season through the first three games, the defense is still getting pressure and being disruptive on the interior and outside.
That pressure starts with the defensive line, which is led by veterans Aaron Graves, Ethan Hurkett, and Max Llewellyn.
Llewellyn is confident that no matter who takes the field on the defensive line, they will be successful.
During his media availability this week ahead of the Rutgers game (posted by "The Hawkeye Report"), Llewellyn stated that regardless of who's out there, "there will be good energy."
For Llewellyn and the defensive line unit, it all comes down to repeating the same routine each week and then executing what they practiced in the game.
This week, Llewellyn was adamant that there would not be a whole lot of thinking; it would just be a more physical game up front.
The Hawkeyes have reviewed tape from quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and the offensive scheme developed by coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca during their time with Minnesota.
The defense is confident they can get pressure on the quarterback during Friday's game.
Rutgers has started the season strong, and it will not be an easy task for Iowa to go into Piscataway and defeat the Scarlet Knights at home.