Iowa dropped to 3-4 Saturday after a tough loss to Ohio State. In no way was this an enjoyable game for an Iowa fan. Regardless of that, there are still things to recap about the game.
Digging for positives
Just like everyone else I’m aware of the negatives in this game. Every writer in the world is going to recap this game with criticisms of Brian Ferentz’s play calling, QB troubles, O-line troubles, and essentially anything on the offensive end. These complaints and criticism are warranted, but I’m so tired of beating the dead horse every week. It’s the same critique every week. It’s not new. It doesn’t take creativity and knowledge to have that opinion. It’s just too obvious. So instead I will be discussing the unique positives of this game. Yes, most of them are about defense. Welcome to Iowa football.
If you were watching the first half of this game, you may have noticed that Joel Klatt would not stop talking about the Iowa defense despite the score-favoring OSU. It may not have looked like it but the defense was putting on a semi-clinic in the first half. Highlighted by Joe Evans eviscerating CJ Stroud for a scoop-n-score.
The delusional Iowa fan in me really got my hopes up after this play, but that is not the important part.
In the first half, Ohio State was staring at nearly every possession on the Iowa side of the field. The Iowa defense only allowed one touchdown from the offense (OSU had a pick-six), and held them to four field goals. Letting up points is never ideal, but considering the field position against what many consider the best offense in the country that is outstanding. Coming into the game Ohio State was 27/30 in red zone trips that ended in touchdowns. Against Iowa, they went 1/5 in the first half.
Additionally, Iowa forced 3 fumbles, had two interceptions, and held Ohio State to 200 yards below their average offensive output. The score won’t tell you the Iowa defense played well, but I will.
There is a good chance that we see some changes in the Iowa coaching staff this offseason. The athletics program needs to do everything it can to make sure Phil Parker stays around. He deserves every dollar this department has.
In Summary
I won’t sugarcoat it. This was ugly. It’s been an ugly season. Everyone knows that. I’m going to support Iowa every time they go on the field no matter what. With that being said, I would be much more enthused about it if there were signs of improvement week to week. Just going to throw the idea out there, not gonna pressure anyone.
Lets just beat Northwestern and get back in the win collum.
Scramble Sports 
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