Joe Evans minimizing outside noise as Iowa prepares for road trip
Iowa defensive end Joe Evans glances towards the sideline before a play during the second quarter Saturday October 7, 2023 at Kinnick Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
IOWA CITY, Ia. — Iowa’s defense hasn’t been as dominant as everyone expected before the season started.
As a matter of fact, the Hawkeyes currently rank sixth in the Big Ten, and 29th in the FBS in total defense through six games. It’s a far cry from where Phil Parker’s bunch ranked in 2022, when Iowa finished first in the Big Ten, and second nationally in total defense.
Joe Evans is one of the Hawkeyes’ veteran defenders, who sets the tone up front for the defensive line. The edge rusher also leads the team in tackles for loss and sacks. Evans understands the defense isn’t playing up to its’ potential. Which is why the defensive line had a player-led meeting prior to the Purdue game to discuss the ongoing issues, and for everyone to take accountability.
“We as a defensive line know how hard we play every single game, so I don’t think we have wounded pride per say,” Evans said. “That’s kind of what the message was, play for each other and keep pushing.”
Evans isn’t a fan of social media, especially when it come to the naysayers criticizing him and his teammates. That’s why Iowa’s defense came out with a point to prove against Purdue. Once the smoke cleared, the Hawkeyes held the Boilermakers to a season-low in points and yards.
Evans credits the defensive performance to minimizing the outside noise, and everyone keeping their eyes on the prize. Regardless, social media is a big deal in today’s game, and there’s always some chatter going on around campus.
“A lot of us stay off our phones, the media and stuff,” he said. “But it’s hard not to see sometimes people on social media criticizing us for not getting to the quarterback, and not being productive.”
Evans is confident all of those critics are hiding in their mouse holes after they way Iowa handled Purdue. Now the Hawkeyes are currently in second place in the Big Ten West. Iowa could move up to first place if it can pull out a victory on the road at Wisconsin.
Evans feels the defensive line is gaining momentum approaching their trip to Camp Randall Stadium. After all, defensive tackle Logan Lee generated a jaw-dropping, 10 tackles and two sacks from against the Boilermakers. Aaron Graves also made the Purdue quarterback eat grass.
Evans wants Hawkeye fans to know their performance in game six wasn’t a fluke, and is eager to prove it against a talented Badger team on the road.
“At the end of the day it’s us in that room, and just play for each other,” he said. “Like I said one of those games will happen for us.”
Iowa (5-1) has lost its’ last three trips to Madison, and hasn’t won in Camp Randall since 2015. Evans is trying to change that narrative though. If the defensive line can build off last week’s performance, and the offense can limit the mistakes, Evans feels the team will be in good position to pull off the upset. Everything is trending up for the defensive front in Evans eyes. Now he wants them all to turn it up a notch in a pivotal Big Ten West matchup.
“I’m just proud of everyone in that defensive line room.”
