Bend Don't Break Wins Again

Bend don't break defense.

How many times have you heard this sentence and wanted to throw something at the TV or onto the field? Admit it, at least since Norm Parker became the Iowa Defensive Coordinator, you became frustrated with the defensive scheme.

No blitzing + soft zone coverage = ability to turn any wannabe quarterback into Peyton Manning.

Two years ago I wanted to rip Norm Parker's head off. Last year I wanted to rip Kirk Ferentz's head off for keeping Norm Parker around.

This year, however, I have come to the conclusion that it is a good thing Ferentz is the one making the big bucks to make those decisions and not me. Norm Parker's defense has proven that with the right personnel, it can be a frustrating scheme to go up against. It has worked effectively 10 out of 11 games this season, the lone exception being against Illinois.

The other three losses were within one possession because of the defense. The offense struggled and turned the ball over in all of those defeats, but the defense rarely allowed the opposition in the end zone, resulting in field goals. This is the reason why Iowa even had a chance at the end.

The past two games are perfect examples.

Penn State came into Kinnick Stadium with 52 plays of 20+ yards in 9 games. The "bend don't break" defense allowed just one, for 23 yards. In the Red Zone through 9 games, the Nittany Lions scored touchdowns 70% of the time they entered. Against Iowa they were just 2 for 5 (40%). Because of the ability to keep a high octane offense out of the end zone, Iowa was only down by 6 at halftime, and never trailed by double digits.

On the last drive of the game today, Purdue had an opportunity to go down the field to score the winning touchdown in the final minute. Except one problem. The Iowa defense had already allowed two touchdowns on the day, and weren't about ready to give up another one. Purdue drove down to the 27 yard line with ease, but from there, didn't have a chance to cross the goal line.

Today's final drive was the reason why I am now the biggest fan of "bend don't break". Big plays don't happen. Ever. With a defense that only gives up passes under 10 yards, Iowa had confidence in going for it on 4th and 1. If they get it, the game is over. If they don't, Purdue is forced to go 80 yards in one minute, without the ability to convert a single play longer than 20-25 yards. That is a tough task for any offense to accomplish.