Hawkeye linebackers bond leads to big plays on the field

The front seven on the Hawkeye defense was a big question mark coming into the season. Cam Buffington and Jayden Mongomery were the known starters, but how good they would be was unknown. Now, after two games, including a gritty 16-13 win in the Cy-Hawk game, Buffington and Montgomery have proven to be two anchors sitting in the middle of yet another Phil Parker top defense.

Iowa State's gameplan pushed them physically, but especially mentally. They showed 35 different looks, making it hard for either linebacker to anticipate where the ball was going before it was even snapped.

"They had some plays that hit us and we had to recoup," said Buffington. "Whoever goes the hardest the longest and just stays in it."

The big task going into the Cy-Hawk game was stopping the quarterback's running ability. The defense held Cyclone QB Jaylen Raynor to 18 yards on the ground. Last year, at Arkansas State, he averaged over 30 rushing yards per game. The ability to contain Raynor is largely due to Buffington and Montgomery's ability to pursue.

"(Our coaches) emphasized a lot of pass rush lanes and things like that so that definitely had something to do it with it," said Montgomery.

The two went through position changes as they settled into the starting roles to begin the season. Montgomery shifted from the middle linebacker (MIKE) to the weak side linebacker (WILL). Buffington then shifted into the MIKE, though most of his playing experience prior to the season in game was snaps with the special teams unit.

The two's success so far this season isn't just due to their talent either.

"We compete in practice but we're best friends off the field," said Buffington. "It's just so easy to talk to these guys and be around these guys and I think that helps so much."

They've built trust off the field, which has then made its way onto the field. Now, they can fly free without worrying about covering the other linebacker's mistake. Both have shown that they play fast. Often too fast for other teams to get much going on offense.

"I just know that I've got 10 other guys beside me that are going to do their job," said Buffington. "I'm going to trust them and we're all going to make plays."

The Hawkeyes retake the field this Saturday at home against the Northern Iowa Panthers.

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