Miller leads the league in growth curve

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- If there were a stat to chart growth for a first-year starter from one week to the next, Tanner Miller probably would lead the nation in it this week.

The sophomore free safety from Kalona got caught trying to make a spectacular play in last week's loss to Michigan State. He had his fingers on a pass intended for wide receiver Keshawn Martin, but Martin outmuscled him for the ball and took it 67 yards to set up a field goal.

Totally different for Miller in Iowa's 31-21 victory at Purdue.

After a Purdue receiver tipped a pass near Iowa's goal line, Miller picked it off. This prevented a TD that Iowa immediately gave back with a fumble of its own. Miller's second interception, off heavy pressure provided by Iowa defensive end Broderick Binns, set up a 51-yard TD pass to Marvin McNutt in the fourth quarter.

Overall, it was a much better day for the former Mid-Prairie prep.

"They were kind of lucky, but anytime we can get the ball back to the offense, it's huge," said Miller, who now has three interceptions this season, including a 98-yard TD return against Northwestern. "I think our defense responded a lot better this week and came out with a different attitude.

"That's what it comes down to. It shows the resiliency of this team and now we've got one more week to go."

Miller's day was emblematic for a defense that took a beating the previous week against Michigan State. Saturday, the Hawkeyes held Purdue to 282 total yards, the lowest an opponent has gained against the Hawkeyes this season.

The Hawkeyes squeezed five turnovers (two fumbles, two picks and a blocked punt) out of the Boilermakers.

"I'll state the obvious," Ferentz said, "turnovers two weeks ago, last week and this week, in conference play, it's critical you protect the football and it's helpful if you can get some takeaways."