Defensively the Eagles have overcome the loss of star defensive end Harold Landry. Linebacker Ty Schwab has 101 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Zach Allen who is Boston College’s other defensive end has been dominant this season. He has 93 tackles and 14.5 tackles for loss.
The Eagles also feature the nation’s leading interceptor Lukas Denis who had seven this season. He tied with Iowa’s Joshua Jackson averaging 0.6 interceptions per game.
Iowa’s season was made by their 55-24 victory over Ohio State on November 4. The Hawkeyes win dealt the Buckeyes a blow from which the College Football playoff hopes did not recover.
Quarterback Nathan Stanley, running back Akrum Wadley and tight end Noah Fant lead the Iowa offense. Stanley threw for 2,333 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions. Wadley had 1,350 total yards and 13 touchdowns. Fant led Iowa with 17.4 yards per catch and ten touchdown receptions on just 28 receptions.
Josey Jewell and Joshua Jackson lead the Iowa defense. Jewell has 121 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 11 pass breakups. Jackson had seven interceptions including two returned for touchdowns.
With both teams having playmakers at running back and on defense added in with the cold weather, the Pinstripe Bowl could be a throwback game.