IOWA CITY, Iowa — Indiana’s most mind-boggling statistic the past two games has been interceptions by the defense — and how little the Hoosiers have gotten out of them.

In the first seven games of the season, IU had six interceptions.

In the past two games, IU has had eight — three against Northwestern and five Saturday in a 42-24 loss to Iowa.

But the startling statistic is that the last eight interceptions have led to a total of three points. That was a 37-yard field goal by Nick Freeland with 2:05 to play in the third quarter against the Hawkeyes. That was set up by a Matt Mayberry interception.

The three second-half interceptions against Northwestern and the other four against Iowa led to zero points.

“That falls on me,‘’ said IU quarterback Ben Chappell . "When the defense creates those opportunities for us, we’ve got to find a way to score. Right now that isn’t happening, but it’s something that has to be corrected.’’

The five interceptions against Iowa were the most by an IU team since Sept. 20, 1969, when it had five against Kentucky. The school record is six against Minnesota on Nov. 10, 1945.

Taylor’s big day

Former Carmel standout Collin Taylor made the most of his first start at safety Saturday.

Taylor started in place of Nick Polk , who injured his ankle in practice Thursday and was a game-time decision. After going through warm-ups, Polk said he couldn’t play and Taylor made the most of it.

He had two interceptions, a forced fumble and a career-high seven tackles.

Not bad for a player who played wide receiver in his first three years. His two interception returns totaled 39 yards.

Etc.

IU led at halftime and at the end of the third quarter in games at Michigan, Northwestern and Iowa, which hasn’t happened since 1994. . . . IU’s Ray Fisher injured his knee on the opening kickoff and did not return. He was in street clothes on the sideline in the second half. . . . Iowa had 215 yards of offense in the first three quarters and 265 in the fourth.