Two of Iowa’s biggest defensive plays in team’s win over Illinois came courtesy of Dane Belton, the program’s third-year starter at the Ca$h position. The first, which came late in the second quarter when Illinois was attempting to drive downfield and score before halftime, helped preserve Iowa’s first half lead and set up the Hawkeye offense for a field goal attempt. The second came later in the game on a play in which Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters targeted a receiver downfield hoping to generate a big play. While it appeared for a moment that the Illini receiver had created enough separation from his defender for the pass to be completed, Belton showed excellent closing speed and made an athletic move to deflect the pass, one of two defended passes the junior from Florida was responsible for in this game.
How Dane Belton Has Helped Unlock the Iowa Defense
