Iowa defenders played down the idea that Saturday’s matchup with the Mean Green could be a tune up for a lackluster pass rush.

By Charlie green
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A major question going into Iowa’s Saturday matchup with North Texas is how much, if at all, defensive end Drew Ott will see the field.

Ott played sparingly last week against Pittsburgh because of an elbow injury suffered against Iowa State. When he was in, he was ineffective.

“We’ll see what he looks like,” head coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday. “If he can play effectively, we’re going to let him play. That’s what he wants to do.”

But with a date at Wisconsin scheduled for Oct. 3 and a long Big Ten season to follow, the idea of resting Ott and his injured elbow might be appealing to Ferentz and his staff.

His limited status was visible in the victory over Pittsburgh on Sept. 19. The front four struggled greatly to bring pressure in passing situations, an issue that could plague the defense as the Hawks enter Big Ten action a week from Saturday.

“It’s something that us as a defensive line we take pride in,” redshirt freshman Parker Hesse said. “It’s our job, and it’s just about effort, working, and being relentless throughout the play.”

Hesse started in place of Ott against the Panthers, recording one tackle and helped limit Pittsburgh to 55 yards rushing.

Although there was success against the run, the lack of pass rush is an issue that might have an adverse effect on the rest of the defense.

“I feel like Parker’s done a great job filling in for Drew,” cornerback Greg Mabin said. “He’s still battling the elbow injury, but when he gets back, he’s a hard guy to block, and it definitely makes our job a lot easier, too.”

Given that the Hawks are heavy favorites against North Texas, one can only wonder if they are looking ahead to the Big Ten opener with the Badgers and beyond. Pass rush has been the defense’s glowing weakness so far. This game could be a tune-up in that area.

“I wouldn’t say we’re so much preparing for the Big Ten,” Hesse said. “We take it a week at a time, so we’re really focused on just stopping North Texas’ offense and what they do, and then after this game, we’ll look into the Big Ten season.”

Nonetheless, it’s something to keep an eye on. The unit has 11 sacks this season. Despite missing time, Ott has 2. Senior Nate Meier leads the team with 4. Linebacker Ben Niemann has 2, and linebacker Cole Fisher, defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson, and Hesse each have 1.

Although they collectively have the fourth most sacks of teams in the Big Ten, consistent heat on the quarterback hasn’t been there — especially against Pitt.

If Johnson and fellow defensive tackle Nathan Bazata can penetrate from the inside, it will collapse pockets and disrupt the rhythm of an opponent’s passing game.

These are all things to watch for against North Texas. The pass rush is an area that could have huge implications as the season progresses.

But based on what they have told the media, the Hawks aren’t thinking that far ahead.

“It’s the last nonconference game for us and a very important period of our schedule certainly,” Ferentz said. “So as we try to finish this phase up, we’ll try to get ready for this football game.”