Husker Football: Iowa Report Card
Nov 28, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Jake Duzey (87) is tackled by Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Byerson Cockrell (28) and linebacker Zaire Anderson (13) against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Nebraska beat Iowa 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Line A
Without Randy Gregory it was hard to expect much from this unit that had issues in previous weeks. I’m glad no one told Vincent Valentine, Maleik Collins, Greg McMullen and Jack Gangwish that. The Husker starters played fantastic, helping contain Iowa’s run game to just 2.8 yard per carry on 50 attempts. Better yet was the ability shown to set an edge defensively which had been missing for a few weeks.
Collins, Valentine and Gangwish all added sacks and the two defensive tackles specifically provided a disruptive force in the middle. It was likely their best game this season. To watch those players grow and continue to develop will be fun.
Linebackers B
This unit has been much maligned throughout the season and for good reason, but I want to focus in on Saturday’s performance and give credit where it is due. Zaire Anderson was a monster against the Hawkeyes, adding 14 tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Trevor Roach contributed eight tackles and David Santos added five. They weren’t perfect, but they were good enough to help control the Iowa run game as well as forcing some pressure on pass plays.
Defensive Backs B
Nate Gerry has been a ballhawk for the Blackshirts in 2014 leading the team in interceptions and generally making plays when needed. Look no further than Iowa’s first drive when the South Dakotan stepped in front of a pass in the endzone and picked it off ending the Hawkeye threat.
He not only added the interception, but also contributed 15 tackles including three tackles for loss. No. 25 will be the straw that stirs the drink for this defense in 2015 and beyond. How good can he be? Only time will tell.
Beyond Gerry, Joshua Kalu played well adding six tackles as well as a Dejon Gomes-esque strip and fumble recovery. Byerson Cockrell, in place of an injured Corey Cooper, played admirably.