Oct. 12, 2014
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By DARREN MILLER
hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Ten players had pass receptions, six with rushing attempts, and six scored points for the University of Iowa during a 45-29 Homecoming football win Oct. 11 against Indiana.
Seventeen Hawkeyes made tackles, four had tackles for loss, and three came up with interceptions.
“We have been playing more guys on defense, getting more guys involved, and giving them a chance to help the football team,” UI head coach Kirk Ferentz said Sunday during an exclusive interview with hawkeyesports.com. “Offensively we have done a good job; the ball has been spread around to all our receivers, backs, and tight ends. It’s a healthy thing.”
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Freshman running back Jonathan Parker made his first collegiate touchdown. So did sophomore cornerback Desmond King. Junior tight end Jake Duzey had his fourth touchdown reception and second of the season.
“It was good to see big plays out there, the guys are doing a nice job,” Ferentz said. “The more guys we get involved, the better off it is. (Senior running back) Mark Weisman has been steady and reliable for us, he has been doing a great job, too.”
Ferentz said the emphasis for the Hawkeye defense after Sunday film study was this: When they played, they played very well. But you have to play well all the time.
“It was a combination of everybody not quite fitting the way you need to,” Ferentz said. “You play a dynamic back like we played in this game and we paid a price for it. Hopefully it will be a good learning experience. Hopefully we can take what we did well and learn from that.”
Fifth-year senior offensive lineman Tommy Gaul stepped in at center when guard Jordan Walsh exited in the first quarter. Starting center Austin Blythe moved from center to guard.
“I can’t say enough about the job Tommy Gaul did,” Ferentz said. “Austin did a great job transitioning out (to guard), that’s a little like riding a bike for him. Tommy came in and we never lost a step and that’s a credit to him — he works extremely hard, hugely popular with his teammates, and everybody was happy for him. That’s a good story.”
Next up for the Hawkeyes is a first-ever trip to Maryland to take one of the newest members of the Big Ten Conference. The Terrapins are 4-2 overall, 1-1 in league play.
“We got a peek of Maryland against Indiana and they have a fine, veteran football team. We will have big challenge on our hands again,” Ferentz said. “The bottom line is when you get into the game day environment it is the team against the world and that’s how you have to look at it. Focus has to be on your opponent and perform as well as you can.”
