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9 A ll three phases of the game — offense, defense, and special teams — have come together for the University of Iowa football team to start its season 7-0. As the Hawkeyes conclude the month of October, the Iowa defense has averaged 2.1 takeaways per game, which is best in the Big Ten Conference and 11th nationally. But it's not solely creating turnovers, but capitalizing and converting them into points. rough seven games, Iowa has turned 15 takeaways into 56 points, averaging 3.7 points per takeaway. at average is the best it has been in five years; Iowa's 2010 squad turned 26 takeaways into 109 points (4.2 average). Iowa's 15 takeaways are comprised of a Big Ten-best nine interceptions and six fumble recoveries. e Hawkeye defense has forced seven fumbles, recovering six. UI head coach Kirk Ferentz says scoring off turnovers has been especially beneficial in the second half of games. "e takeaways in the second half are the biggest difference; we're doing a good job taking the ball away and usually come out with points," said Ferentz. To Ferentz's point, nine of the 15 takeaways and 40 of the 56 points have come in the final 30 minutes of a game. All 10 of Iowa's points in its 10-6 road win at No. 18 Wisconsin followed Badger turnovers. Junior tight end George Kittle scored the game's only touchdown in the win over the Badgers, which came following a Desmond King interception. "Our defense is putting us in good situations," said Kittle. "When the defense gets a turnover it gives energy to the offense. I feel like our offense is responding well by putting points on the board, whether it's a field goal or a touchdown, aer our defense gets the ball back." Senior safety Jordan Lomax says it's a key element of the team's success in forcing turnovers, which have enabled the offense to score extra points. "It's important because our offense is doing a good job moving the ball," said Lomax. "Whenever we have an opportunity to create a turnover and get the ball back to our offense it increases our chances of winning." Iowa has done a solid job maintaining possession and limiting its turnovers. rough seven games, the Hawkeyes have turned the ball over eight times resulting in a plus-7 turnover margin. "at is synonymous with being a good football team," said Ferentz. "If you have a bad turnover- takeaway ratio, you better be really talented and much better than the other teams, and that is hard to do." Two of Iowa's nine thes came on pick-six's against North Texas in Week 4. Sophomore linebacker Josey Jewell returned his first career interception 34 yards for a touchdown, while sophomore linebacker Bo Bower returned an interception 88 yards for a score. Iowa has at least one interception returned for a touchdown in each of the last eight seasons. NOVEMBER SCHEDULE Nov. 7 at Indiana Nov. 14 Minnesota Nov. 21 Purdue Nov. 27 at Nebraska