First Look: Iowa Hawkeyes

If you thought it was bad in State College, just take a trip out to Iowa City. Quickly forgotten by the main stream media, the trouble surrounding Kirk Ferentz & Co. has been nearing critical mass for some time. From drug charges to credit card fraud, the convictions have been constant and troublesome. Fortunately for this down-and-out program, there’s growing optimism for 2008. From 2002 to 2004, no Big Ten team won more games than Iowa. This year could see the Hawkeyes produce that way again, but it all depends on getting the offense rolling behind a good offensive line, a veteran quarterback, and a strong front four on defense. While there might not be the fireworks of 2002, or the magic of 2004, this Iowa team is very dangerous from top to bottom, and no team should take them lightly.

1. Is Ferentz worth it? -- Kirk Ferentz had a slow start in Iowa, going 4-10 his first two seasons. Then in 2002, it all came together with a co-Big Ten championship and a trip to the Orange Bowl. Two more 10-win seasons followed, and Ferentz was rewarded with a very hefty pay increase. Things haven’t, well, panned out exactly as the university administration had planned. Although Ferentz isn’t going anywhere, his 19-18 record from 2005 to now has caused some concern over the direction his program is heading. On top of all those on-field issues, the off-field problems have only compounded the tensions. All of which, however, will be quickly forgotten if Ferentz conjures up some of that old magic in 2008. Another coach of the year award is only 10 wins away.

2. It’s all about the pass protection -- You’d be hard pressed to find a more impotent offense in college football than the Hawkeyes’. They weren’t just bad, they were really, really bad. Did I say it loud enough? They were like Penn State 2004 bad! This year, however, could be night-and-day better than 2007, especially on the offensive line. That won’t be hard to do after giving up a conference-worst 35 sacks (-200 yds), and plowing the way for a mere 110 rushing yards per game. It was very sad watching Jake Christensen (2269 yds, 17 TDs) trying to operate with virtually no protection. It wasn’t even like the running game was able to take any pressure off Christensen. The defense will be excellent this year, provided that the linebacking corps steps up a little, and lead by the best set of defensive tackles in college football in Mitch King and Matt Kroul. If the offense can muster up more than 25 points per game in 2008, look for Iowa to land itself in a January bowl game.

3. Big boys off the rotation -- If you thought missing Ohio State and Michigan in one season is a good thing, just ask Purdue in 2005 (5-6 record). This year, Iowa manages to miss both those squads, and gets most of the tough teams in Kinnick Stadium. Unless Maine (I-AA), Florida International or Iowa State pulls a huge upset in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes should cruise to a 3-0 record before traveling to Pittsburgh, where the Panthers should be favored. A home date with Northwestern comes up before dangerous trips to Michigan State and Indiana. Prior to the bye, Wisconsin comes to town. It will be very difficult to for this Hawkeyes team to stay perfect heading into the final stretch of at Illinois, home against Penn State and Purdue, and finishing up at Minnesota. Eight of the games are winnable, but there will be no room for mammoth gaffes like Western Michigan in 2007 (28-19 loss with bowl bid on the line). This isn’t the easiest schedule, but it’s very workable for a New Years bowl game.

Next Week's First Look: Indiana Hoosiers

-First Look: Ohio State Buckeyes
-First Look: Michigan Wolverines
-First Look: Wisconsin Badgers
-First Look: Purdue Boilermakers
-First Look: Illinois Fighting Illini
-First Look: Temple Owls
-First Look: Syracuse Orange(men)
-First Look: Oregon State Beavers
-First Look: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers