Hawkeye Defense has Strength in Numbers

Nov. 9, 2012

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa assistant football coach Reese Morgan is pleased with the progress his defensive linemen have made through nine games, and he is excited to see that improvement continue. The Hawkeyes have rotated more players in the defensive line in recent games and Morgan says he likes the results.

“It has been a real positive for us,” said Morgan, following practice on Friday. “It has increased our ability to play a number of guys in different situations and it allows us to keep fresh players on the field. The guys have adjusted to it and seem more focused when they are on the field. It is something we will continue to use as we move forward.”

While the Hawkeyes have started the same players up front in recent weeks, as many as eight and nine defensive linemen have seen action each week. Against Purdue on Saturday the Hawkeyes will be chasing as many as three different quarterbacks.

“Purdue plays as many as three quarterbacks,” said Morgan. “So it does make it a little unique in the preparation. We have to have an awareness for who is in the game and what their strengths and weaknesses are. All three are certainly dangerous.

“Purdue has a good front line as well,” continued Morgan. “They have three returning starters in the line, and six or seven guys who rotate in and play well. They run the ball well and throw it extremely well.”

The Hawkeyes host the Boilermakers at 11:01 a.m. (BTN) Saturday in Kinnick Stadium.