Play of the Game: Parker’s burst

SCORE AT THE SNAP:

Iowa led 21-7, 1:12 left, first quarter

DOWN AND DISTANCE:

Iowa had first down and 10 at the Iowa 40

FORMATION AND PERSONNEL:

Iowa - Two running backs, two tight ends, one wide receiver. Indiana - Base 3-4 with linebackers covering the tight ends

WHAT HAPPENED:

Iowa lined up running back Jonathan Parker in the right slot and ran him in motion. Parker took the handoff from quarterback Jake Rudock, and Parker burst 60 yards on a jet sweep for a touchdown.

WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT:

Parker's run gave Iowa a 28-7 lead.

THE QUOTE 1:

'We try to get him the ball sometimes; he's obviously a special guy. He can put his foot down real well and get vertical. ... When he broke free, I'm sure he couldn't wait to get into the end zone. Big run plays don't happen if our wide receivers and tight ends aren't doing a good job blocking out in front of them. The line will get the play going, but it's really the receivers and tight ends that can make those big plays.” - Iowa QB Jake Rudock

THE QUOTE 2:

'Perfect block, thanks to Jacob. It was perfect. Once I saw that block, I knew ... touchdown.” - Iowa RB Jonathan Parker

THE QUOTE 3:

'We'd been working on it all week, and we both (he and Jacob Hillyer) got the job done and Parker was able to score.” - Iowa TE Jake Duzey

THE ANALYSIS:

Iowa ran this same play three times against Purdue and didn't hand off to Parker. That affected this play. When Parker went in motion, cornerback Tim Bennett and free safety Tony Fields started to follow, but they stayed in place because Iowa ran for 32 yards off fake Parker runs two weeks ago. As Parker secured the handoff, Iowa tight end Jake Duzey set the edge by locking up strongside linebacker Flo Hardin. Iowa wide receiver Jacob Hillyer provided a crucial block on cornerback Michael Hunter, taking him inside. Just as Parker hit the corner, Hillyer plowed Hunter into strong safety Chase Dutra. That gave the speedster Parker a clear alley to the end zone.

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