2009 Iowa Hawkeyes College Football Predictions

2009 Iowa Hawkeyes Predictions
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Kirk Ferentz, (70-53 at Iowa, 82-74 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Ken O’Keefe (11th year)
Def. Coordinator: Norm Parker (11th year)
Returning Starters: 16 (6 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Ricky Stanzi)

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Offense: The Hawkeyes return six starters on offense, but lose star RB Shonn Greene to the NFL. Sophomore Jewel Hampton (5-9, 210), who rushed for 463 yards last season as a backup, grabs the reigns. Freshman Jeff Brinson (5-11, 215) could also see some time. Fortunately, they return junior QB Ricky Stanzi (6-4, 218), who was the most efficient passer in the conference, tossing for nearly 2,000 yards. Stanzi will have to step up this year and become more of a playmaker. At receiver, Iowa returns junior Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (6-1, 200), who led the Hawkeyes in his first two seasons at receiver. The offensive line returns three of five starters, but losing center Rob Bruggeman is a tough player to replace.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed just 13 points per game (5th in the nation) and 291.3 yards per game. The big issues is on the line where they have to replace Mitch King (Big 10 Def. Player of the Year) and Matt Kroul at defensive tackle. This will be the key to the success of the defense, as those two were huge in terms of stopping the run (94 yds allowed per game). Karl Klug (6-4, 258) and sophomore Mike Daniels (6-1, 267) are frontrunners to start, but are also undersized. At linebacker, they the Hawkeyes are loaded with three starters returning. Senior MLB Pat Angerer (6-1, 235) led the team with 107 tackles and added five interceptions. In the secondary, junior CB Amari Spivey was a second-team All-Big 10 selection last year, after recording four picks with 68 stops. They also return sophomore SS Tyler Sash (6-1, 210), who tied for the lead on the team with five interceptions.

Outlook: Iowa could be the sleeper of the Big 10. If Stanzi makes the next step, this team could move into the elite of the league. They open with Northern Arizona, Iowa State on the road and then host Arizona. They also face Arkansas State at home, which could realistically put them at 4-0 in conference play. The problem for Iowa is the schedule in conference, which features Ohio State AND Penn State on the road.

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