Iowa City, Iowa — The Iowa defense has been working on tackling leading up to Saturday’s game against Minnesota.
Despite a 17-12 win at Northwestern the Hawkeyes had several missed tackles and safety Jack Koerner says that needs to be shored up against a Gopher team that averages 207 yards on the ground.
Defensive back Kaevon Merriweather says being out of position leads to missed tackles.
Merriweather says while the Gophers are run first you can’t afford to give up on the pass.
Iowa defensive end Joe Evans says he and the Hawkeye defensive line will have a big challenge this week against the Minnesota offensive line. The six-two Evans checks in at 248 pounds and is second on the team with four sacks.
Evans says it is impossible to replicate that size in practice.
Defensive lineman John Waggoner says quarterback Tanner Morgan does a good job of directing the Gopher’s run heavy offense.
Waggoner says it will be about reading your keys.
Waggoner says the Minnesota offensive line is by far the biggest they have faced this season.
Iowa freshman receiver Arland Bruce says Alex Padilla is ready to make his first start at quarterback against Minnesota. Padilla replaced Spencer Petras in the opening quarter of a 17-12 win over Northwestern. Bruce says the two have spent a lot of time working together with the twos since fall camp began.
Bruce says Padilla was composed in his first extensive action.
Freshman running back Gavin Williams says he offers a different style than starter Tyler Goodson. With Ivory Kelly-Martin sidelined with a foot injury Williams saw his most extensive action at Northwestern and had 10 carries for 41 yards in a 17-12 win.
Williams says he has learned early that a key to success in the college ranks is making people miss.
