Well, that certainly was an Iowa victory folks!
Iowa won 21-0 despite only putting up 206 yards of total offense, their THIRD victory of the season when totaling 206 or less yards. Mind you, the rest of the FBS only has six of those victories this year.
It really goes to show just how much these defensive and special teams units came to play, not only in this game, but all year. Their top stars opting out of the bowl game, the Wildcats looked like they didn’t even deserve to be at this bowl game, Iowa’s defense just overwhelming and overmatching them from the jump.
The offense only needed to not mess up their fantastic performance, and they did their job tonight despite Joey Labas’ first game under center. It was a true Brian Ferentz masterclass, his magnum opus if you will. The platonic ideal of an Iowa victory for coach Ferentz.
With the Music City Bowl trophy secured, here is the final five takeaways you’ll get in 2022.
Cooper DeJean is an absolute X-Factor
George Walker IV/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK
Cooper DeJean was once again the best player on the field for the Hawkeyes. While some other players may have received more praise and acclaim over the season, time and time again the sophomore has just made plays for Iowa.
Coming back from injury, DeJean made a massive impact with his third pick-six of the year to tie an Iowa program record. First-team All-Big Ten and now the Music City Bowl MVP. Watch out for DeJean in 2023.
Xavier Nwankpa is Iowa’s next breakout defensive player
Andrew Nelles/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK
Speaking of X-Factor, Xavier Nwankpa absolutely looked like the next Iowa star safety in his debut start. The true freshman also scored on a pick-six, and was second on the team in solo tackles with seven.
When you’re only trailing Butkus Award winner Jack Campbell in tackles, you know you’re doing something right. Look for Nwankpa and DeJean…
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