*** NCAA Football Preview - Iowa Hawkeyes ***
From The My Sportsbook
By Frank Haynes, College Football Senior Editor
2003 SEASON IN REVIEW: Iowa enjoyed a tremendous season in 2003, winning 10 of 13 games and finishing in a three-way tie with Minnesota and Michigan State for third place in the Big Ten with a league mark of 5-3. Blowout wins over a pair of MAC foes in Miami-Ohio and Buffalo to start the year had the team brimming with confidence, while closer yet solid victories over Iowa State and Arizona State were more a measuring stick for the squad. The Big Ten slate opened with a 20-10 loss at Michigan State, but a thrilling 30-27 win over Michigan was huge for the team's confidence. The Hawkeyes have won a school- record 21 games the last two years, meaning coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff has the program among the national elite. All three of the team's setbacks last year came against conference foes that went to bowl games. The team's offense was led by the tandem of Nathan Chandler at QB and Fred Russell at RB. The two seniors accounted for a large chunk of Iowa's offensive production and the fact that they have moved on leaves some pretty big question marks coming into the 2004 campaign. However, the biggest loss may have been up front where Outland Trophy winner Robert Gallery was a major force, clearing any and all obstacles in his way.
2004 ANALYSIS:
OFFENSE: Just three starters are back on offense for Iowa, meaning the unit will have to gel in camp this summer and hope that it continues through the fall. The offensive line has three new full-timers, but is anchored by the return of senior tackle Peter McMahon. With respect to the skill positions, QB being of course the most important, Ferentz hopes he has guys capable of stepping in and filling the roles. We'll start with the signal-caller, as sophomore Drew Tate, the all-time leading passer in Texas high school history, will be thrust into the spotlight. Tate backed up Chandler as a rookie in '03, soaking in the system and he appears ready to grab the mantle. He will get help on the outside from junior Ed Hinkel and sophomore Calvin Davis. Both have talent, but lack big-time game experience. As for the running game, expect senior Jermelle Lewis to see the bulk of the carries. Lewis, a 5-11, 216-pounder, rushed for 5.2 ypc after missing the first six games recovering from a serious knee injury. Another guy who could figure in the mix at RB is redshirt freshman Albert Young, but he too is battling back from injury (broken leg).
DEFENSE: The Iowa defense has a little more going for it in terms of experience, as the unit will have seven returning starters, including a pair of talented linebackers in juniors Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway. Both earned All-Big Ten honors and combined for 273 tackles, including 20 TFLs. They will help a defensive line that features seniors Matt Roth and Jonathan Babineaux, a couple of solid linemen hoping to have big years. Babineaux started seven games last season before breaking his leg, but was instrumental in helping the Hawkeyes allow just 2.5 ypc and racking up 38 sacks. When it comes to defending the pass, the Hawkeyes have the luxury of having some pretty talented guys in the secondary, notably junior corners Jovon Johnson and Antwan Allen. Another guy who could get into the mix is juco transfer Walner Belleus, a highly-touted player with a huge upside. Overall, the Hawkeyes should certainly be near the top of the Big Ten in defense, with their effort against the pass sure to be their strong suit.
SPECIAL TEAMS: The loss of former Groza Award winner Nate Kaeding will surely be felt, but sophomore Kyle Schlicher should be up to the task. Schlicher has the leg strength to hit from 50+ yards, while also having the accuracy to connect from virtually anywhere on the field. With regard to the punting job, it belongs to senior David Bradley. Bradley actually finished the '03 season as the Big Ten's lowest rated punter, but his net of 37.4 yards was actually rather respectable.
OUTLOOK: If the offense is able to find its footing early on, Iowa could challenge for the Big Ten title. The defense will be its strength, but the team must play consistent, error-free ball to be successful. A soft opener against Kent State will hopefully knock off some of the rust, while more challenging games against Iowa State and Arizona State should prepare the team for the rigors of conference play which gets underway at Michigan on September 25th. Three of the Hawkeyes' final five games will be played on the road, and the regular-season finale against visiting Wisconsin on November 20th could very well have significant postseason implications. While Iowa may not don the Big Ten crown, it should certainly contend all season long, which is something fans of the Black and Gold have come to expect the last few years under Ferentz.
