Defensive concern for Hawkeyes football

As each day passed this week, the more definitive it became that Jackson Stratton would get the nod over Michigan transfer Cade McNamara as Iowa football’s No. 1 quarterback Saturday at Maryland.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz pretty much exposed the truth on his Wednesday night radio show, saying, “Jackson looks like the guy who’s going to go.” He will start.

But the Hawkeyes’ ability to end a three-game road losing streak may depend more on which defense shows up.

For 32 consecutive games, Iowa’s defense had not allowed any opponent to cross the threshold of 400 yards of total offense. That streak was snapped Oct. 5 at Ohio State. What’s weird is that not only has Iowa allowed over 400 rushing yards in each of its last three road games, but it has also allowed over 200 rushing and receiving yards in the three – 203 rushing, 209 passing at Ohio State; 212 rushing, 256 passing at Michigan State; and 211 rushing and 204 passing at UCLA.

Location Why has been a challenge, but players are focusing on the difference between being “prepared” to play and being “ready” to play.

Winning requires both. Being prepared is all about 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 Hawkeyes certainly lacked preparation in losses to Michigan State (32-20) and UCLA (20-17) in which they forced a punt while producing 12 offensive scores (four touchdowns, eight field goals ground).

“I don’t know if we were ready to go the last few times,” defensive end Ethan Hurkett said Tuesday. “We need to stand up to Maryland and take care of it.”

Defensive back Sebastian Castro said he fell into the traps of success. Iowa led the nation in yards per game against 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 FBS).

“When you win, you can easily feel comfortable. It’s just human nature,” Castro said. “And so, as a unit or a team, that’s something that we have to be very aware of.”

Ferentz is perplexed by the lack of preparation for the match. He saw it coming at Michigan State during game week practice. He didn’t see it coming to UCLA. He provided a cryptic quote Tuesday, saying he was concerned about players being distracted by external factors.

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

Kirk Ferentz discusses various topics ahead of Iowa’s game against Maryland.

“Part of the challenge in this day and age and especially in November (is) that sometimes people forget that this is a weekly deal, just like the NFL,” Ferentz said. “And I think in that way we’ve become (in college) more like the NFL, where in general, if you’re not right on the money, you have a chance of being disappointed.”

That’s the challenge this week for Iowa. Come ready. He has the best team and is favored for a reason. But we won’t know for sure which defense will come forward until Saturday noon.

Chad Leistikow’s Iowa vs. Maryland Prediction

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

Time, TV, line: 11:00 a.m. 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 personnel package “12” (one running back, two tight ends), which should leave more room for Kaleb Johnson. run. Every time Iowa loses a game, it bounces back with at least 38 points in a convincing victory (Troy, Washington, Northwestern). All-American linebacker Jay Higgins (hamstring) is expected to return.

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

Running back Kaleb Johnson discusses various topics ahead of Iowa’s game against Maryland.

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

Prediction: Maryland 24, Iowa 23… One of the under-discussed factors is that Iowa’s red zone offense is more shaky without mobile quarterback Brendan Sullivan (ankle). And the Hawkeyes’ lack of passing skills with their front four is a bad recipe against a potent 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 require a complete team effort, which unfortunately isn’t a sure thing.

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