Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker is one of the best in college football. The Hawkeyes have been known for tough, physical, stingy defense ever since he got to Iowa City, named defensive backs coach in 1999, DC in 2012.
They call his system "Cover 8." The linebackers and defensive backs fly to the football and hunt down turnovers. They swarm against the run. They are disciplined, consistent and punishing. In 2022 and 2023 his unit ranked No. 1 in the country in yards per play defense, and they almost always rank high.
Parker squeezes every ounce of ability out of his players, develops them, hones their technique and understanding of the game. He's sent dozens to the NFL, including T.J. Hockenson, Cooper DeJean and Brandon Scherff. Safety Bob Sanders was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 with the Colts.
Parker does this despite having recruiting classes ranked 40, 32 and 41 in the 247Sports Composite. He teaches players to grind and be in the right spot. He hones their ability to shut down an opponent and make big plays. The Hawkeyes are No. 1 against the run in the B1G. They are tied-third in interceptions with 9 while allowing just four touchdowns.
So it's not surprising Parker, 64 years old, a three-time all-league defensive back at Michigan State in the '80s, got testy talking about Oregon and all their talent and speed on offense.
Parker said, "They have the whole package. It's well-funded. I'll put it that way."
Sigh. Six weeks ago Mike Gundy trotted out the same diss against the Ducks, suggesting it was all about the bags of cash in Eugene, and Will Stein and Dan Lanning hog-tied the Cowboys 69-3.
Gundy popped off before the game. "I think Oregon spent close to $40 [million] last year alone. So, that was just one year. Now, I might be off a few million," he said.
Dan Lanning, ever alert for a motivational edge, shot back, "If you want to be a top-10 team in college football, you better be invested in winning. We spend to win."
Lanning and Stein schemed angry. The Ducks scored on a 59-yard run and a 65-yard pass in their first three snaps, a counter play by Noah Whittington, the pass from Dante Moore to freshman Dakorien Moore on a double move. They rolled up 631 yards of offense. The talent disparity was vast.
While Parker has the acumen to back up his pointed gibe, you never go full Mike Gundy. Even with a defense that allows the second fewest chunk plays in the conference.