They play different zone defenses, but almost exclusively zone. While they will do some stunting and sending a LB while dropping a DE, in the end it is the same formula almost every play:For those more knowledgeable, was it the scheme Iowa used? Does their defense have more speed that our receivers didn't get open as much as we want? (didn't think they did against UNI either). Was their line tough for Purdy to throw over or were they getting more penetration than I could tell in my far away seat? Reason I ask, I just can't believe Purdy just had that bad of a game and/or Breece fumbles cuz it just didn't click. I mean, while we want to believe some of the interceptions were self-inflicted, I don't know what it looked like from a qb's eyes on the field.
- Get enough pressure and pocket containment with four to at least make the QB uncomfortable
- Play zone everywhere else, meaning lots of eyes on the quarterback and much quicker rallying to the ball
- Be sound in assignment to make the throwing windows tight - bet that a team won't have the patience and execution to put together long sustained drives
Even with perfect man coverage, if you get an errant pass or tipped ball, the other defenders are probably going to be slower to get there because they don't have eyes in the backfield. Straight zone like that has weaknesses, but that is a major advantage.