Big Ten Team Preview: Iowa Hawkeyes

Remember January of 2005?  The Iowa Hawkeyes were fresh off a Hail Mary win against LSU in the Capital One Bowl and seemed to be primed for long-term success towards the top of the Big Ten.

It's amazing how quickly things can change in the world of college football.  Kirk Ferentz, who was the NFL's hot commodity just a few short years ago, finds himself on a very hot seat entering 2008.

It is safe to say that Jake Christensen has been a disappointment at Iowa—but in his defense, there has been very little around him.  Expect Christensen to start this year, but if he struggles early on, the Hawkeyes will count on Ricky Stanzi to get more snaps.

Ferentz won't have time to ponder his decision about a QB change this year either, since Iowa City is starting to become restless for Hawkeye success.

Iowa lacks a big-play-type threat offensively.  The Hawkeyes lack team speed—against the big guns of the Big Ten, expect that to show.

Offensively this team will have real trouble hanging with the Penn States and Michigan States.  Luckily for them, they do not have to worry about Ohio State, who is off the schedule this season.

On defense, expect Iowa to have troubles as well.  Sure, they do have two very good veterans back in senior tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul, but two defensive linemen do not equal a great defense.  These two will be vital to causing a pass rush if Iowa hopes to slow down opponents through the air.

The defensive backs on the Hawkeyes will leave Iowa fans with their heads in their hands.  Inexperience is a problem that the Hawkeyes do not have an answer for with Charles Godfrey out of the picture, as well as Adam Shada. 

The Prognosis

This team will go as far as the lines can take them.  I know, that is the case with every college football team, every year.  But in this case, it is overly true.  Can Jake Christensen find time to pass the ball?  If so, he or Stanzi could be lights out.  If not, do not count on the running game to pick this offense up.

With a fairly easy non-conference schedule, you might expect to see the Hawkeyes in a bowl game.  Maine, Florida International, and Iowa State should all be wins, as well as conference games against Northwestern, Indiana, and Minnesota.  Just beat Purdue, Michigan State, or Pitt, and the Hawkeyes are Motor City Bowl-bound.

Iowa is on path for a 6-6 record, however, and another postseason spent at home.