By Danny Williams Posted on

Iowa Preview: Washington will have its hands full in the trenches on Friday

After a Pac-12 throwback last weekend, Washington (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) will be reintroduced to prototypical Big Ten play on Friday against No. 20 Iowa (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten).

Where Washington struggles, Iowa dominates. For almost thirty years, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz has built his teams on strong line play and a powerful rushing attack. Iowa ranks fifth in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (180.2) and ranks seventh in rushing yards allowed per game (102.2).

Iowa offensive line and running game

The Iowa offensive line doesn’t just excel in the run game; it dominates in pass protection, too. The Iowa offensive line has only allowed five sacks all season: third in the Big Ten. Iowa quarterback Hank Brown is listed as questionable for Friday, but even if backup Jeremy Hecklinski starts under center, it’s safe to assume he won’t have to worry about a lack of protection.

“They’re big like Minnesota, but they’re nasty, man, they try to finish blocks, you see a lot of pancakes on tape,” Washington defensive coordinator Ryan Walters said. “You see a lot of second level pancakes. They work well and get them on double teams and climb to their perspective assignments based on what the scheme is called.”

In the run game, running back Kamari Moulton headlines the unit. In four games the junior has totaled 50 carries for 311 yards and two scores. However, it’s not just Moultan that the Washington defense has to prepare for. Iowa boasts a stable of quality backs that have led Iowa to averaging 5.9 yards per-carry.

The Washington defense ranks middle of the pack when it comes to stopping the run, but against Minnesota, another run-heavy team, it allowed 125 yards. As for getting to the quarterback, Washington ranks 10th in the Big Ten with 10 sacks, but with only four coming from defensive linemen.

Iowa Defensive line

Iowa ranks just above Washington in terms of sacks with 13. That number in itself is not concerning; however, when considering Washington ranks second to last in the conference in sacks allowed, the number becomes much more concering.

Where Washington gets most of its pressure from blitzing linebackers and safeties, Iowa has enough force to wreck games with just four down linemen. Nine of Iowa’s 13 sacks have come from the defensive line along with 16 tackles for loss.

“They play with great pad level, they play with great physicality, and they’re very comfortable in the system that they play,” UW offensive line coach Michael Switzer said. “So I think with that, they’re able to attack offenses with that and be pretty consistent in terms of what they’re seeing, they know exactly what to do and exactly how to do it.”

The Washington offensive line allowed seven sacks against Minnesota and five against USC. Luckily for the Huskies, they should return starting center Landon Hatchett to the lineup on Friday. Hatchett has missed all five games this season with a wrist injury.

Against USC, UW shifted left guard John Mills to to tackle and decided to sit the young freshman Kodi Greene in the second half. With the young Greene on the bench, Geirean Hatchett slotted in at left guard. During Tuesday’s press conference, Switzer noted that there could be a lot of shifting on the offensive line prior to Friday after the changes made against USC and the return of Hatchett.

“Yeah some gymnastics, but ultimately, it’s our job to find the best possible set of guys,” Switzer said. “If that means that we’re making a couple changes here and there, then we’ll do that. So if we see it fit in order to give us the best chance to win and be successful, we’re going to take a look at it and that’s what we’re doing this week.”

Quick keys for Washington

  • Limit the turnovers on offense. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has three in last two games.
  • Keep riding Brian Bonner in the run game. The freshman had 19 carries for 89 yards against USC.
  • Limit the Iowa yards after contact. Tackling was a major issue against Minnesota, but was much improved in the second half against USC.

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