One unanswered question could have a significant impact on how the Hawkeyes defend one of the most potent offenses in the country, even though Iowa football looks ready to play Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The main focus of that inquiry is senior cornerback TJ Hall, whose availability for the bowl game is still highly uncertain.
The majority of the anticipated names were on Iowa’s first depth chart for the ReliaQuest Bowl, which was released earlier this week. Terrell Washington Jr., a sophomore running back who is reportedly getting ready to enter the transfer portal, was one unsurprising omission. Hall, the Hawkeyes’ best cornerback and one of the team’s most improved defenders this season, had the more worrisome absence.
The fact that Hall was the only anticipated starter absent from the depth chart caused both Iowa supporters and analysts to take notice. Although he hasn’t been officially ruled out for the match, his persistent absence from official listings doesn’t give much reason to be optimistic about his prospects of playing next week.
Hall last played in a game on November 15 against USC. He was able to return later in the game despite leaving that game with an injury, giving some hope that the problem might not be permanent. When Hall missed Iowa’s final two regular-season games—both victories—against Michigan State and Nebraska, that optimism quickly faded. Many hoped that the extra time for recuperation would be sufficient, since the bowl game and the end of the regular season were almost a month apart. That hope is still unmet for the time being.
For a defense that takes pride in discipline and consistency, Hall’s possible absence would be a serious setback. The senior defensive back broke up eight passes, recorded 39 total tackles, and added an interception in ten regular-season games. Compared to his first three seasons in Iowa City, when he played a much smaller role and only managed two passes defended and one interception, those numbers show a true breakout year. Beyond the numbers, Phil Parker’s defense has relied on Hall as a stabilizing presence in the secondary during crucial situations. Losing that kind of experience completely alters the calculations, especially when facing a quarterback as dangerous as Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt.
Iowa will rely largely on junior cornerback Deshaun Lee, who has quietly put together a strong campaign of his own, if Hall is unable to play. Zach Lutmer, a sophomore defensive back, is anticipated to start opposite Lee on one side of the field. The fact that Lutmer is listed as the starter on the depth chart indicates that the staff believes he can manage more responsibility.
Additionally, depth will be important, and Iowa seems ready to rotate younger players into significant playing time. Jaylen Watson, a sophomore, and Rashad Godfrey Jr., a freshman, are anticipated to play a big role. During his opportunities against Nebraska, Godfrey Jr. in particular made an impression, displaying the kind of athleticism and poise that suggests he could succeed on a larger stage.
However, the task at hand cannot be sugarcoated. Diego Pavia, the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, leads Vanderbilt’s offense, which requires opponents’ secondaries to perform almost flawlessly.
Pavia is a nightmare matchup for defenses dealing with injuries or lineup changes because of his ability to extend plays, attack downfield, and take advantage of coverage errors. Hall’s status is so significant because of this. His absence from the initial depth chart implies that Iowa may be getting ready for life without him, even if he hasn’t been officially ruled out. Losing a seasoned cornerback at this point in the season is not ideal for a team that depends on trust and communication.
All eyes will be on Iowa’s injury updates as kickoff draws near. The ReliaQuest Bowl’s outcome may ultimately depend on Hall’s ability to return. Phil Parker’s defense will require every available healthy body to compete with a quarterback of Pavia’s caliber.
