I’ve posted it multiple times but Iowas biggest issue on defense right now is first down run plays are gaining 3-4 yards instead of 1-2 like they did from 2018-2023. It’s allowing teams to run it more on 2nd down so Iowas been facing way more 3rd and 2 or 3 than 3rd and 8 like we got used to.
They had way more depth on the defensive line from 2017-2023 than they’ve had the last 3 years. Their current defensive tackle rotation are 2 walk ons and an FCS transfer.
When Kennedy, Anderson, Campbell and Chineke committed with Epenesa coming the next year, I thought Iowa was going to be in good shape. They’re still young, but they’re not getting much contribution from 60% of them.