Dylan Raiola addresses Kirk Ferentz, the Phil Parker partnership has been around longer than he has

On By Littum

Dylan Raiola knows Iowa has a history of elite defensive play in the Kirk Ferentz era. The freshman quarterback also understands it stems from the long partnership between Ferentz and defensive coordinator Phil Parker.

That partnership dates back to 1999, when Parker joined Ferentz’s first coaching staff with the Hawkeyes as the defensive backs coach. Parker would assume the DC role in 2012 and has since led some prestigious units in Iowa City.

How impressive is the continued partnership? In his press conference Tuesday, Raiola admitted that Ferentz and Parker have been rolling out elite defenses longer than the QB has been alive.

“Their head coach and DC have been together since before I was even born,” Raiola said. “Obviously a lot of experience. They play a lot of sound, they play together very well. With it being the last game, you can see them getting better and developing every week. We’ll have to be ready for whatever they throw at us .”

While Parker’s unit is another strong defense, the 2024 version of the Hawkeyes has produced a few cracks at times. The Hawkeyes are just 6th in the B1G in total defense with 311.7 yards per carry. match.

However, the challenge for Raiola, especially as a rookie, will be to avoid the negative plays. The Hawkeyes are tied for the B1G lead with 16 interceptions on the season, and a key turnover at the wrong time could turn the Black Friday showdown.