Idiot Out Walking Around

The Iowa Hawkeyes look to rebound from back-to-back disappointing campaigns and return to the Big Ten’s upper echelon of teams in 2008. Under Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, Iowa enjoyed a great run of success from 2002 – 2005 that included two co-conference championships and greatly increased the team’s fan base. Ferentz is a very good coach who gets the most out of his players and is well respected in the football community. Iowa has rewarded Coach Ferentz’s recent success by making him one of the highest paid coaches in the nation. The past two years however have seen the Hawkeyes slip in the conference standings while at the same time they increased their presence in the police blotter. It appears that Iowa’s run of success is over and Ferentz may begin to feel the pressure from the team’s rapid fan base to deliver better results on and off the field.

Offense

Junior quarterback Jake Christensen returns to lead the offense after a dismal sophomore campaign where he shouldered much of the blame for the sputtering Hawk offense. Jake is one of the worst quarterbacks in the Big Ten and he might be more comfortable under center of a MAC team. If his play doesn’t improve, look for the coaches to try Rich Stanzi or Marvin McNutt.

Iowa lost two senior running backs and a senior fullback from last year and the transfer of Jevon Pugh leaves the Hawks with some concern at this position. Look for Shonn Greene or possibly an incoming freshman or JUCO to get most of the reps here.

The receiving corps is bolstered by the return of speedster Andy Brodell and TE Tony Moeaki from injury. With Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Paul Chaney and Trey Stross back in the fold, this looks to be a position of strength for the Hawks assuming they get some improved play from their QB.

The offensive line returns all five starters from last season and with Ferentz being a former NFL offensive line coach this should be a team strength. Senior Seth Olsen, juniors Rafael Eubanks and Dace Richardson lead the way up front.

Defense

Under Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker the Hawkeyes have been known to have very physical and good tackling defenses. This year’s edition should be no different. It will be tough to run up the gut on the Hawks this year with two senior four year starters at defensive tackle in Mitch King and Matt Kroul. Both could contend for All Conference honors and I wouldn’t be surprised to see King make All American, he’s that good. The defensive end spots will be manned by a couple of youngsters who have been impressive in limited action. Look for Adrian Clayborn to make in impact at DE this year.

The linebacking corps loses two starters but returns up-and-coming star AJ Edds who Gopher fans will remember as the guy who got his ass kicked by Barrett Moen during last season’s game. Edds is a very good player and has a ton of potential. The other starters are short on experience, but have lots of talent. Blue chip recruit Jeremiha Hunter will see lots of playing time this year.

Iowa’s secondary has been known to be tough against the run and weak against the pass. This year’s group looks to follow that trend. Junior corner Bradley Fletcher looks to be a leader of this unit and has good size at 6’2”. Safety Brent Greenwood plays with an edge and his partner Harold Dalton is steady. Look for youngsters Jordan Bernsteine and Diauntae Morrow to make an impact this season.

Special Team and Schedule

Both kickers return and they are average.

Iowa needs to thank the scheduling makers again this year for dodging Big Ten heavyweights Ohio State and Michigan – both surefire losses. The Hawks schedule this year is very weak. They open at home against Maine (what is this hockey?) so that should be an easy win. Kirk Ferentz used to coach at Maine so I’m sure this will be a fun game for him. A road tilt to Pittsburgh will be tough for the Hawks. Rival Iowa State visits Kinnick this year in what is always a good game. The Hawks get Becky at home and they also get to play in the final game at the Metrodome when they meet the Gophers on November 22^nd.

I see Iowa’s fading trend continuing this year as they end up with a 4-8 (1-7 in conference play) record. I just don’t see them being a factor in, well…anything this year.