Inside The Hawkeyes

Iowa Star Exposes Major Issue With Hawkeyes' Defense

This Iowa Hawkeyes star has identified a major issue with the team's struggling defense.
Matthew Schmidt|
Sep 21, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jermari Harris (27) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1)during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jermari Harris (27) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1)during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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Iowa Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes are known for having a very stout defense, but it has looked anything but the sort in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, Iowa surrendered 28 second-half points in a blowout loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Then, last week, the Hawkeyes were surprisingly shredded for 468 total yards and 32 points in a crushing defeat to the Michigan State Spartans.

So, what exactly is going on with Iowa's defense, and why did it struggle so much against a pedestrian opponent like Michigan State?

Star cornerback Jermari Harris has identified a very big problem: missed tackles.

“Definitely a lot of missed tackles," Harris said, via Tyler Tachman of The Des Moines Register. "Lost a lot of leverage. Things that are uncharacteristic of us and things that we’ve prioritized during this week of practice. We had a good day of practice. (Monday) was a good day of practice."

The Hawkeyes missed 19 tackles against the Spartans, which certainly played a role in their horrific defensive showing.

Apparently, they are working toward correcting the issue.

The thing is, it may be too little, too late.

Iowa dropped to 4-3 with its most recent loss, effectively ending its chances of legitimately contending for a Big Ten title.

Not only that, but the Hawkeyes seem to be in danger of missing out on a bowl game altogether, even if their upcoming schedule is relatively easy.

Harris has logged 17 tackles, three interceptions, five passes defended and a defensive touchdown this seaon and has definitely been a bright spot in what been a disappointing campaign for Iowa overall.

The Hawkeyes will face the Northwestern Wildcats this Saturday.

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Matthew Schmidt
MATTHEW SCHMIDT

Matthew Schmidt is a sportswriter who covers NFL, MLB, NBA and college football and basketball. He has been writing professionally since 2011 and has also worked for Bleacher Report, FanRag Sports, ClutchPoints, NFLAnalysis.net and NBAAnalysis.net. He was born and raised in New Jersey and has a rather eclectic group of favorite teams: the Boston Celtics, New York Giants and Miami Marlins.

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