Phil Parker Dissects Iowa’s Defensive Lapses [Video]

IOWA CITY — Despite returning eight of 11 starters from the 2023 season, Iowa’s defense has taken a step back in 2024.

Through 14 games last year, Phil Parker’s defense allowed 282.5 yards per game and 20 touchdowns. Through 10 games this season, the defense is allowing 320.2 yards per game and has conceded 21 touchdowns.

Last season, opposing offenses averaged 4.1 yards per play, this season it’s 5.1. The third-down conversion rate for opponents has increased from 31.3% to 35.1%. Points per game for opponents has moved from 14.79 to 18.20.

The list goes on.

Typically one of the best defenses in the country under the Broyles Award winner Parker, the movement in the wrong direction wasn’t expected this season, especially with the sheer volume of starters that returned from last season’s top five defense in the country.

Parker says the expectations for his defense this season may have been unfair.

“Everybody thinks that you’re going to be just as good as you …