Iowa players: Fundamentals crucial in defending zone-option attack

IOWA CITY - Iowa defensive end Christian Ballard said the down linemen must maintain gap responsibility against Northwestern's zone-option offense on Saturday.

"It's a lot of preparation in general," Ballard said. "You have to know where he's looking at and from what formation quarterbacks tend to pick out a certain receiver in certain formations. We'll be more inclined to putting our hands up, knocking the ball down. Not really trying to get sacks but collapsing the pocket and making it uncomfortable for a quarterback to stay in there.

"It's hard to get sacks against any team that quick passes, but if you can make him feel uncomfortable getting him out of his comfort zone, it'll be for the best."

The duty is just as challenging for defensive backs. Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa leads the Wildcats in rushing (469 yards), completes 73.4 percent of his passes and often finds open receivers on the run. Iowa cornerback Shaun Prater said patience is crucial because one false step could allow the receiver to run freely. Iowa safety Tyler Sash said his pre-snap read against a zone-option team is the offensive linemen.

"If they're setting up for a pass set, then obviously you've got to cover your guys," Sash said. "If you see Persa take off, you've got to rally back after you're done covering the receivers. If you see them coming off the ball blocking, they're going to run the ball and maybe you can come off the receivers a little faster."