Big Ten - Iowa

Iowa
Skinny - If I were to do a power poll on the Big Ten Conference there is no doubt in my mind that the Iowa Hawkeyes would 3 behind Penn State and Ohio State. The problem is they have several tough away games this season and Michigan State doesn't even play Ohio State. Had Shonn Greene not left for the NFL, this team may be competing for a Big Ten title, but than again if he never became what he did last year would Iowa have become such a good team. Don't let the record fool you (9-4), the Hawkeyes were not a team someone wanted to play at the end of the season. Iowa won 6 of their final 7, similar to an Ole Miss story, including a win over a top 5 team (Penn State) and completely dominated their SEC bowl opponent (South Carolina). Iowa ranked 5th in scoring defense and 12th in total defense and return 8 of 11 starters. The only problem on defense is they lost the heart and soul in Matt Kroul and Mitch King, two highly regarded defensive tackles. Ricky Stanzi secured the quarterback job relatively early in the season and only improved as the year went on. On paper Iowa may not be the most intimidating, but they are a legit contender and should be taken lightly.

Strength - Linebackers
Senior middle backer Pat Angerer led the team in tackles last season with 107, Jeremiah Hunter has the potential to become a star on the outside and could a potential breakout player this season, and AJ Edds has been a staple of consistency. Although they won't be playing behing Kroul and King the two ends return and the rush defense should still finish in the top twenty, especially with the Draft and graduation of many of the league's top backs. Jeremiah Hunter was highly regarded a few years ago and I remember (being a Penn State fan and wanting Hunter) paying attention to Hunter. I really wanted to see Hunter in the Blue and White and kept wondering what the appeal of Iowa was. Well the team has definitely improved and could be legit contenders.

Weakness - Starpower
Shonn Greene wasn't the most dynamic back, but he racked up some serious yards and was always keyed on by the defense. Mitch King was 2nd team All-American last season and his presence was enough to tell he was a star and the heart and soul of the defense. Its hard for a defensive tackle to standout, but he did consistently and wreaked havoc against Penn State, a line that boasted several All-Big 10 players and two draft picks. Matt Kroul was King's complement and he is also gone. Stanzi should be a solid quarterback, but I don't think he'll reach the status of a player like Drew Tate. Iowa is a very good team and should thrive in a conference that lacks starpower as a whole, but to become an elite team somebody must step up to fill the shoes of the departed.

Key Game - 10/24/09 @Michigan State
Iowa's biggest loss last season was by 5 points. Iowa was 12 points from being an undefeated team, but it should be noted three of the four losses were on the road. Iowa will be doing some traveling this season, as they travel to Penn State, Michigan State, and Ohio State. Winning at the Beav in a revenge game or in the Shoe would be considered a stretch and is possible, but a win in East Lansing is a reasonable task. This will be a battle of teams trying to overcome the loss of a load-carrying back and it could help shape up the Big Ten standings.

Key Player - Ricky Stanzi
Stanzi looked better as the season went on last season and Iowa looked almost unbeatable down the stretch. The big question is how much of that success was a result of the defense and Greene? A quarterback's job is always easier when the running game is finding success, as the defense begins to push up and more holes can be found in the secondary. Stanzi has the job to himself this year and won't have to beat out a player like Christensen this season. Stanzi only had a 14/9 TD-INT ratio which needs to be improved, but he does have his favorite target Derrell Johnson-Koulianos back which should ease the pressure. Watching Stanzi he seems to have the moxie a good QB needs and he makes the best of his situation.

Impact Freshman - Keenan Davis

Predicted Big 10 finish - 4th

Top 5 Players
1. LT Bryan Bulaga
2. LB Pat Angerer
3. SS Tyler Sash
4. LB Jeremiha Hunter
5. QB Ricky Stanzi

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