Three of the most important tackles of Saturday’s win against Iowa were made by reserves.

Linebacker Michael Bibbs made the final tackle in the game’s final play. Defensive back Chris Brown made two game-changing stops on third downs to end Hawkeye drives.

Brown, who replaced Steve Johnson at strong safety, popped tight end Tony Moeaki on third-and-five after only a 3-yard gain, halting an Iowa drive on the ISU 18 and forcing a field goal in the third quarter. In the fourth, he came up from his position to stop running back Albert Young with a driving tackle for no gain on third-and-one. On Iowa’s last offensive play, Brown defended Hawkeye receiver James Cleveland on an incomplete pass.

The 5-foot-10-inch junior said he was excited to be playing.

“Just being a number two or whatever, you really don’t get a lot of opportunities on the field,” Brown said. “So when you do get one of those chances, you have to step up.”

Coach Gene Chizik said he was pleased with players like Brown and reserve defensive lineman Christopher Lyle, who blocked a field goal.

“Caleb Berg hasn’t played this year; he’s been out,” said Chizik, who never discloses injuries. “So we have our backup in well, our backup goes down and we have to go to our third, basically our third team safety, who had to move from corner to that position.

“He comes in and makes great plays and helps us win the football team. So that’s nice to see. Everyone’s got a role they have to fulfill. Are we great at depth right now? No, I don’t think we are. But when guys go down or when situations arise when guys have to come in and deliver, you hope they come in like Chris Brown.”