Kentucky will face fullback football against Iowa at Citrus Bowl

Three yards and a cloud of dust might as well be the motto of Iowa football. Behind junior fullback Monte Pottebaum, the Hawkeyes love to pound the rock.

Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz does not attempt to trick opponents. Iowa will run a ton of outside zone in condensed formations with the team’s fullback leading the way. The once common approach is rarely seen today as spread formations have taken over the football world at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. In Iowa City, the Hawks still get old school.

To properly fit the run in the Citrus Bowl, Kentucky must be prepared to take on blocks from a fullback. This will be something new to the majority of the players on Brad White’s defense.

Even without 1,000-yard rusher Tyler Goodson in the lineup following an opt-out, the plan will stay the same for Iowa in Orlando.

“Their identity will not change,” White told reporters on Tuesday. “Their identity stems from their head coach, and he’s had so much success over the years — they’re going to be who they are.”

“Something we don’t see very much is that two-back run game — the fact that they play with a fullback. Some of our guys, especially our younger guys, that came out of high school that have only seen spread offenses they don’t even know what a fullback is.

Pottebaum is that guy for Iowa, and the 246-pound junior looks the part. The big fullback wears a neck roll and rocks a mullet. He’s an effective short-yardage rusher and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Playing with a big offensive line and multiple tight ends, Pottebaum helps set the tone for the Iowa football team.

The quintessential fullback.

For your consideration @PardonMyTake, @BarstoolBigCat and @PFTCommenter.#MonteForLowman | @MontePottebaum pic.twitter.com/EYmdYLSG3z

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) December 20, 2021

In the Citrus Bowl, Pottebaum will likely lock horns with Kentucky Mike linebacker Jacquez Jones multiple times. The Wildcats understand the type of fight they’ll be entering on Jan. 1.

“Iowa is an old school football team where they’re just going to try and run it down your throat, and we just gonna have to man up and stop it,” said Jones. “It’s going to be a bunch of big boy football, and that’s what I’m ready to play.”

Iowa is a balanced offense, but everything starts with the rushing attack for the Hawkeyes. Pottebaum will be the guy looking to clear space and dictate the terms of the game. Kentucky will attempt to plug those holes and win the point of attack battle.

Get ready for three yards and a cloud of dust.