2 weeks Ago
IOWA CITY — Video of the play generated over 1 million views on X, formerly known as Twitter. In a moment seemingly scripted for the silver screen, Cooper DeJean fielded a punt off of one hop along the sidelines amid a crowd of Minnesota defenders. The former Iowa star and current defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles made one man miss with a spin before making five more touch grass with a jump cut to his left.
A punishing block from Koen Entringer opened up the field for DeJean as the OABCIG product transformed into a blur of black and gold, returning the kick 54 yards for a touchdown. Though an impressive display, most watched the return because of the controversy that followed. Upon review, officials overturned the touchdown after determining DeJean made an “invalid signal” resulting in a fair catch at the Iowa 46-yard line.
The Hawkeyes ultimately lost 12-10 thrusting the battle for Floyd of Rosedale into the national spotlight. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said the Big Ten conference addressed the call during the offseason. “We’re all on the same page on that,” Ferentz said.
“...
We’re in a better place right now. Bottom line, I think that play was open for interpretation, but it was more about the process afterwards that was kind of troubling. It is kind of what it is.
” Though Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins said the loss left a “bad taste” in their mouth, the Hawkeyes are not focused on the overturned touchdown as they prepare for a rematch with the Gophers on Saturday (6:30 p.m., NBC).
“(We) cannot change the call, cannot do anything,” he said. “(We) are not going to get that game back. They probably do not feel bad for us either.
” According to wide receiver Jacob Gill, all the more he knows about the call is what he saw on TV. A member of Northwestern in 2023, Gill said he “of course” sided with Iowa in the fair catch—no fair catch debate. “It has not really been talked about too much,” Gill said.
“Everybody knows about what happened and how it went down.” Though Iowa is not worried about the controversial ending to their last meeting, Gill added the entire team is on the same page in its goal to go 1-0 this week and bring Floyd back to Iowa City. “It is going to be a great game, a great opportunity,” Gill said.
“They are a great team. I am looking forward to getting that trophy back. That will be big for us.
I am looking forward to going 1-0.” During their media availabilities on Tuesday, Iowa’s players remained unified and consistent in their game-by-game approach. The rivalry matchup is a big game because it is the next game.
“Every time we step on the field it is a must win,” Higgins said. In looking ahead at the Gophers’ defense, quarterback Cade McNamara and Gill highlighted the play of Minnesota’s secondary. “They are just flying around,” McNamara said.
“They are not allowing a lot of points right now. It is because of the amount of energy and effort they are playing with.” The Gophers lead the Big Ten with seven interceptions.
“They fly around,” Gill said. “They are a great, aggressive group of guys. They have a lot of experience back there.
No. 5 has been there for a while. I remember seeing him throughout the years.
The safeties play aggressive. “At the end of the day, you have to go in and attack them with a full head of steam.” Kerry Brown leads Minnesota with two interceptions while Ethan Robinson, Koi Perich, Jack Henderson, Aidan Gousby and Justin “No.
5” Walley each snared one in the first three weeks. Offensively, defensive lineman Yahya Black and Higgins both mentioned the physicality of the Gophers’ offensive line. “It is going to be a physical game,” Higgins said.
“We are preparing to go in there and fight and be as physical as possible.” According to Black, the size of the Minnesota offensive line stands out. The Gophers starting offensive line consists of four seniors and one sophomore and, on average, stands 6-foot-6, 322 pounds.
“Minnesota, every year, has always had big offensive linemen,” Black said. Offensively, Ferentz described New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer as the right fit for Minnesota’s offense. “He’s a new player, but he is an older guy and is experienced,” Ferentz said.
“He’s playing well for them. He’s fit right in with what they were looking for.” Brosmer ranks eighth in the Big Ten with 627 passing yards and 12 th with three touchdowns with a 68.
8% completion percentage on 77 attempts. In addition to Brosmer, running back Darius Taylor, a 2023 All-Big Ten honorable mention as a freshman, rushed for 188 yards and three touchdowns through two games. According to Higgins, the Hawkeyes are not worried about 2023’s controversial ending.
We know it is all about this year and how we respond this year,” Higgins said. “We are most focused on winning this game this year.” Instead, they hope to put their bad habits from the first three games to rest.
“We are really focused on putting a full game together — two good halves of the way we play,” Higgins said. “In Big Ten play we understand we cannot start with the slow starts and we are going to have to finish games.” And, the Hawkeyes hope to build momentum going into the bye week and the remainder of the Big Ten slate.
“It is going to be an awkward bye week if you come off a loss,” Higgins said. “..
.You have a week to rest so there is no reason to hold back. Throw yourself on piles with guys.
“We will rest the following week.” Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins previews the Hawkeyes upcoming matchup with the Minnesota Golden Gophers during his midweek media availability on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz discusses the Hawkeyes' win over Troy and previews Iowa's matchup against Minnesota during his weekly media availability on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Iowa's Jermari Harris returns his third-quarter interception for a touchdown during Saturday's game against Troy.
Roy Dabner Iowa defeats Troy 38-21 on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa defeats Troy 38-21 on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa defeats Troy 38-21 on Saturday September14, 2024.
Roy Dabner Iowa defeats Troy 38-21 on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa defeats Troy 38-21 on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa defeats Troy 38-21 on Saturday September14, 2024.
Roy Dabner Iowa defeats Troy 38-21 on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa defeats Troy 38-21 on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson breaks into the open for a 33-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter of Saturday's game against Troy.
Roy Dabner Iowa runningback Kaleb Johnson is congratulated by three young fans following his 33-yard touchdown against Troy on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Troy quarterback Tucker Kilcrease has to hurry his throw as Max Llewellyn of Iowa rushes during the fourth quarter against Troy on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz congratulates his offense as they leave the field during the fourth quarter against Troy on Saturday September14, 2024.
Roy Dabner Iowa's Jay Higgins moves in to tackle Damion Taylor of Troy on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, center, gets a block from Logan Jones as he scores a touchdown during the second quarter of Saturday's game against Troy. Roy Dabner Iowa's Max Llewellyn gets two hands on Troy quarterback Matthew Caldwell during the second quarter of their game on Saturday September14, 2024.
Roy Dabner Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara (12) completes a pass to Kamari Moulton during the first quarter of their game against Troy on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa' Deontae Craig leaps for the loose ball after teammate Max Llewelyn causes Troy quarterback Matthew Caldwell to fumble during the first quarter on Saturday September14, 2024. Roy Dabner Iowa's Kamari Moulton heads upfield after catching a pass from Cade McNamara during the first quarter against Troy on Saturday September14, 2024.
Roy Dabner.
