Iowa's defense stifled Washington, but they lost a critical player in the process.
Starting safety Zach Lutmer has established himself as one of the defense's leaders and is still adjusting to being a full-time safety. Lutmer has played well, but he has been hampered by a few injuries, including another injury against Washington. Lutmer was limited to three tackles after suffering an injury, but he gave a great update before Iowa heads to Minneapolis.
Lutmer revealed that he is feeling 'quite a bit better' after the bye week
Iowa's defense played very well against Washington in week six, allowing only -3 total rushing yards, and it has another opportunity against Minnesota this weekend. Minnesota's offense has been inconsistent, especially the run game, and Iowa's defense excels at stopping the run. If the defense forces Minnesota's offense to be one-dimensional, the secondary will need to step up, and Lutmer shared good news about his health.
Iowa star safety Zach Lutmer says he feels “quite a bit better health-wise” and he said he feels “like himself again” after the bye week.
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) October 20, 2026
Would be a huge development for the Iowa defense if Lutmer is closer to 100% healthy. pic.twitter.com/fOlPMwjzUB
Lutmer revealed that he feels "quite a bit better" after the bye week, and he feels like himself again. If Lutmer is close to 100 percent, that is big news for the defense, which is already down one starting safety. Tyler Brown is still out for an undetermined amount of time and was listed as "Out" on Iowa's initial injury report. Xavier Styles played well opposite Lutmer in week six, and will likely get the start against Minnesota, but losing two starting safeties would have been devastating to an already thin group.
If Lutmer is close to 100 percent, the secondary is in good hands, and they will need to perform well against Drake Lindsey. Iowa obliterated Lindsey last season, forcing him to throw two interceptions, including a pick-six. The game plan has to be the same, especially against an inconsistent rushing attack. Iowa has multiple things going for it, and Lutmer is a big part of that. The Golden Gophers know the Hawkeyes very well, and they will try to keep the defense off balance. Slowing down the run and forcing Lindsey to pass more often is a solid strategy, and it will be interesting to see if Iowa continues its dominating run against Minnesota.
If it wasn't for a fluke game in 2023, when Iowa was forced to use quarterback Deacon Hill and Cooper DeJean's game-winning punt-return touchdown was called back, Iowa would have been 10-0. 9-1 is solid, and to keep the streak alive, the defense must step up and hold the Golden Gophers' offense down.
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