Logan Jones talks losing three linemen during loss to USC
For a few minutes in the second half it felt like Logan Jones might be the last man standing when it comes to the starting offensive line for the Iowa Hawkeyes. One by one they kept leaving the game. First it was Beau Stephens and then Kade Pieper. Finally Gennings Dunker left his spot and three of the five starters were on the sidelines.
Following the loss to USC, Jones discusses seeing his teammates leave the team and how proud he was of the young players who stepped up and filled that void and performed well. He also talks about how he feels with his time with the Hawkeyes coming to an end and the emotions that are coming with it.
On overall thoughts post-game:
“It’s tough. It’s hard anytime you get a game and you’re going into that second half up in the scores, and you come up short in that second half, I just don’t think we executed just as well as we did in the first half. Like you said, it’s a game of inches, and we were right there on so many little things. And the finer details is what dictates wins and losses, and they got us.”
On whether the starters being out disrupted the team’s play:
“We always talk about next man in, and, when our second or backup guys come in, there shouldn’t be a change in play. Credit to them. I thought they did a great job out there, ready to go compete in an intense moment. You can’t emulate that in practice. They stepped out there, stepped up, and did a great job of that. I’m proud of them. I thought our O-line did some really good things today, and we’re going to continue to build, but our backups are playing like starters.”
On reasoning for not being able to score in the second half:
“Our job offensively is to score points, and we always talk about being the reason, and we just came short on so many little things. Up front, we could have done things a lot better. I think you look around everywhere, there’s just like these little inches or little details. That’s what it comes down to, right? Just those little details, and that’s what separates a game, whether it’s win or loss.”
On any observed adjustments on USC’s side:
“From our standpoint, no, I’m not sure if they did anything on their offense, if they did anything. But defensively, they just did the same things in the second half.”
On the end of his last season:
“It’s tough. You play to win football games, and that’s what any competitor does. When you have a game like that so close, it hurts. I feel like every loss this season has just been one that hurts a lot, and it’s tough. We got two more games, two more opportunities, one more game for me, it’s tough. It’s hard. Just playing with these guys, they’re a special group. They really are, and this has been the most fun I’ve had, you know, despite the losses. This is the most together group I’ve been a part of, honestly. I’m going to cherish these last two games, especially this one. It’s tough, and getting to play for coach, I can’t explain it and put it into words. He’s the best in the world, and so are our guys. I’m gonna miss it, but gonna take advantage of these next opportunities.”
