Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker is an institution

It's not just this season. The Hawkeyes have allowed fewer than 400 yards in 24 consecutive games, that's the longest active streak in college football. 

They've allowed 14 or less points in 16 of their last 23 contest, and since the start of the 2022 season, Parker's unit has held nine teams to zero touchdowns in a game.

The 2023 Hawkeyes give up just 281.5 yards per game on defense, which is Top 10 nationally. They boast the third-best scoring defense (12.3 points per game) in the country behind just Michigan (7.5 ppg) and Ohio State (9.9 ppg) — two legitimate College Football Playoff contenders.

Despite a historically bad offense, Iowa is 8-2 and the top team in the Big Ten West, likely destined for a trip to Indianapolis to play in the Big Ten title game.

It's all a credit to Parker and his defensive scheme.

"They’re continually tweaking it, looking at it, adjusting it,” head coach Kirk Ferentz said regarding Parker's defense. “You have to because things change, but it’s still pretty much the way it was 25 years ago. Obviously a little bit better now, but Phil’s done a great job.”