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WATCH: Iowa's Cooper DeJean expertly weaves through tacklers on interception return for TD

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•09/24/22•

ChandlerVessels

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Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Defense was expected to dominate the game Saturday between Iowa and Rutgers, and so far there have been no surprises. After the Hawkeyes delivered a hard hit to to quarterback Evan Simon as he released the ball, safety Cooper DeJean came away with an interception midway through the first quarter.

He then zig-zagged his way through several Scarlet Knights on his way to an impressive touchdown return. It was the first touchdown of the day for either team and put the Hawkeyes up 7-3 with 5:26 remaining in the first quarter.

DeJean’s score also marked the first defensive touchdown of the season for the Hawkeyes. It’s clear that if Iowa is to win this game, it will need more plays from its defense going forward. The Hawkeyes have struggled on offense so far this season and totaled just 26 yards and one first down in the opening quarter.

Shortly after Cooper DeJean’s interception touchdown, the Hawkeyes struck again with another defensive score. This time it was Sebastian Castro with the forced fumble and Kaevon Merriweather with the scoop and score to increase the lead to 14-3.

The Hawkeyes offense would eventually go on to add a field goal to put Iowa up 17-3 heading into halftime. They defense managed to hold Rutgers to 155 yards of total offense.

Iowa also finished the first half with 155 yards of offense after totaling just 26 in the first half. However, it was failed convert a single third down, finishing 0-of-4.

Later in the second half, Iowa forced its third turnover of the game as Aron Cruickshank came away with an interception. Iowa also scored its first offensive touchdown in the second half and is currently leading 24-10 early in the fourth quarter.