Hawkeyes to face "spread" offense in bowl game

The Iowa defense has faced the spread offense on several occasions this season but none quite like the offense Florida will employ in Monday’s Outback Bowl in Tampa. It’s the offense first-year Gator coach Urban Meyer brought with him after a successful stint at Utah and it has given the Hawkeyes something new to work on. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says it has been a tough preparation.Option attacks can be tough on defenses that play man coverage because many times defenders will have their backs turned to the play. Senior corner Jovon Johnson says that won’t be an issue for an Iowa defense that is mainly zone. Linebacker Abdul Hodge says that will allow the Iowa defenders to keep their eyes on the play. It will be the Hawkeyes fourth-straight January Bowl.