This. With the exception of the linebackers (as usual), the defense has been playing with enough intensity and pride to win this game. If they can get a stop to start the 2nd half, they've done their job to give Iowa a chance.
This game will be won or lost in the first 10 minutes of the 3rd. There are exactly 3 things that MUST OCCUR for Iowa to stay in this game and have ANY chance win:
1) defensive stop right out of 1/2;
2) the offense MUST SCORE A TD after that stop;
3) if the offense continues to fail, the defense must score a pick-6 on the very next series.
Failue for these to occur will = another nationally televised embarrassment because the D will just get run off the field.
As it is, the offensive (literally and figuratively) incompetence shown in the first half, particularly on 1st down, has been enough to be ashamed of. Hope Iowa has enough pride (and ability) to redeem themselves on that side of the ball and that side of the coaching staff.