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    Defensive concern for Hawkeyes football

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    As each day passed this week, it became more definitive Jackson Stratton will get the nod over Michigan transfer Cade McNamara falls that Iowa footballOn Saturday, the defender no. 1 of his Maryland.

    Head coach Kirk Ferentz spilled the beans on his radio show Wednesday night, saying, “Jackson looks like the guy that’s going to go. He will have the beginning.”

    But what if Hawk eyes can snap a three-game losing streak may depend more on the defense showing up.

    For 32 straight games, Iowa’s defense has not allowed an opponent to break the 400-yard mark in total offense. That streak was snapped on Oct. 5 at Ohio State. What’s bizarre is that not only has Iowa allowed over 400 yards in each of its last three road games, but it has allowed over 200 rushing and receiving yards in all three – 203 rushing, 209 transfer to Ohio State; 212 rushing, 256 passing at Michigan State; and 211 rushing and 204 passing at UCLA.

    location Why it was a challenge, but players focus on the difference between being “ready” to play and being “prepared” to play.

    The winner requires both. Being prepared means X’s and O’s and a lifetime of strength, conditioning and practice. Being ready means showing up on game day with full intensity. Iowa has always been prepared under defensive coordinator Phil Parker. But the one Hawk eyes Of course, they lacked that game-day preparation in losses to Michigan State (32-20) and UCLA (20-17) in which they forced a punt while racking up 12 offensive scores (four touchdowns, eight of land).

    “I don’t know if we were ready to go the last two times,” defensive end Ethan Hurkett said Tuesday. “We’ve got to come out against Maryland and go after it.”

    Defensive back Sebastian Castro has shown that he has fallen for the trappings of success. Iowa has led the nation in yards per play in each of the last two seasons (3.99 in 2022, 4.08 in 2023). That number dropped to 5.11 this season (35th in the FBS).

    “When you win, you can feel comfortable. That’s just human nature,” Castro said. “And so as a unit or as a team, that’s something we should be very careful about.”

    Ferentz was perplexed by the lack of game day preparation. He saw her come to Michigan State during practices the week of the game. He didn’t see it coming at UCLA. He offered a cryptic quote Tuesday, saying he was concerned about players being distracted by outside factors.

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    Video: Kirk Ferentz on the QB situation, taking on his son Brian at Maryland

    Kirk Ferentz discusses a variety of topics ahead of Iowa vs. Maryland.

    “Part of the challenge in this day and age and especially in November (is) sometimes people forget that this is a week-to-week business, just like the NFL,” Ferentz said. “And I think in that way I became (in college) more like the NFL, where generally if you’re not right on the money, then you have a chance to be disappointed.”

    That’s the challenge this week for Iowa. It appears ready. He has a better team and is favored for a reason. But we won’t know for sure which defense will show up until noon Saturday.

    Chad Leistikow Prediction Iowa vs. Maryland

    Football Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) at Maryland Terrapins (4-6, 1-6)

    The time, the TV, the line: 11 am CT, Big Ten Network, Iowa by 6½ points

    Where Iowa has the advantage: The returns of Luke Lachey and Addison Ostrenga at tight end allow the Hawkeyes and coordinator Tim Lester to return to their “12” personnel package (one running back, two tight ends), which should allow Kaleb Johnson more room to run. Every time Iowa has lost a game, it has come back by at least 38 points in a convincing win (Troy, Washington, Northwestern). All-American linebacker Jay Higgins is expected to return.

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    Video: Kaleb Johnson talks about being named a Doak Walker Award semifinalist

    Running back Kaleb Johnson discusses a variety of topics ahead of the Iowa vs. Maryland matchup.

    Where Maryland has the advantage: Tai Felton (86 catches, 1,040 yards) is the Big Ten’s top receiver, and the 6-foot-2 senior is a major matchup problem, especially going against 5-10 Deshaun Lee. The Terrapins are outgaining opponents by nearly 40 yards per game and are right in the turnover margin. They looked competitive at No. 1 Oregon despite the final score (39-18). They also have the Big Ten’s top punter in Bryce McFerson. And it’s senior day in College Park, which can provide an emotional boost.

    Prediction: Maryland 24, Iowa 23… One of the less discussed factors is that Iowa’s red-zone offense is more precarious without mobile quarterback Brendan Sullivan (ankle). And the Hawkeyes’ lack of a pass rush with their front four is a bad recipe against a strong passing attack led by Billy Edwards Jr. (297.8 yards per game in total offense). The Hawkeyes have a chance to win decisively, but it will take a complete team effort, which is unfortunately not a sure thing.

    Hawkeyes columnist Chad Leistikow has worked for 30 years with The Des Moines Register and USA TODAY Sports Network. Chad is the 2023 INA Iowa Sports Columnist of the Year and NSMA Iowa Co-Sports Writer of the Year. Join Chad’s texting group (free to subscribers) at HawkCentral.com/HawkeyesTexts. Follow @ChadLeistikow on X.

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