Game Thread Game Four: Ohio State 31, Iowa 6 (final)

[MililaniBuckeye]

I sure did and there was much more response here than there Millisuck.

That's most likely because your "important" thread showed up on the main forum menu, as would have the original Iowa discussion thread had you posted there.

There is also a discussion thread on the Texas Game as well I see you
did not move that thread in Buckeye Section to the Texas discusson thread Gee I wonder why??? Good Job.

I haven't seen that one yet, seeing as most people fortunately are still posting in the original Texas game thread.

 

[sacosud]

little testes are you??

Name calling and all that...hmmm...blind too...A fourm is suppose to be for fun Mr. Senior Moderator at least be consistant.

Ouch!!! you took my rep points away and called me bad names..lol You must be frustrated old man...it's okay Milli...guess what rep points that don't mean anything in real life...You know where most of us live.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

Name calling and all that...hmmm...blind too...A fourm is suppose to be for fun Mr. Senior Moderator at least be consistant.

"Sacofspuds" is no where near "Millisuck", so when you upped the ante, you got blasted. By the way, your lame ding did shit, and I do sign all my dings, as you should by now know well.

Keep discussion within those threads already existing.

 

[sacosud]

"Sacofspuds" is no where near "Millisuck", so when you upped the ante, you got blasted. By the way, your lame ding did shit, and I do sign all my dings, as you should by now know well.

Keep discussion within those threads already existing.

psst...I would not call using foul language as be blasted..Just shows more of the intelligence of the user..I will try to stay within in your guidelines OB1

Iowa has cakewalks before coming into the shoe, Iowa will be 3-0 and untested yet. Tate's first game in the Columbus. Do you think this could rattle Tate???
Iowa did not play so well against Michigan in Ann Arbor. How much of a factor
do you think the crowd will be??? Tate really has not shown he can play well
in a hostile away game. The Penn State game 6-4??? The Capital One game, I
would not really consider it that hostile. This could be a edge or slight factor in
my view.

http://hawkeyesports.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/iowa-m-footbl-sched.html

How about getting some real out of confrence tests Kirk!!!!

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

...I would not call using foul language as be blasted..Just shows more of the intelligence of the user...

See your use of "suck"...

Iowa has cakewalks before coming into the shoe, Iowa will be 3-0 and untested yet. Tate's first game in the Columbus. Do you think this could rattle Tate??? Iowa did not play so well against Michigan in Ann Arbor. How much of a factor do you think the crowd will be???...

The defense will be all over Tate, as will the crowd. Our defense at Iowa last year hadn't gelled, and our offense didn't give our defense time to recover. Our defense has now come together as a unit and was dominant our last two games of the season. Our front four will put enough pressure on Tate to either force him to throw without going through all his reads, or make him abandon the pocket. With Hawk and Carpenter on the corners, Tate won't be running far. Our offense will also be good enough to put points on the board and to keep the ball away from the opponent more.

 

[sacosud]

See your use of "suck"...




The defense will be all over Tate, as will the crowd. Our defense at Iowa last year hadn't gelled, and our offense didn't give our defense time to recover. Our defense has now come together as a unit and was dominant our last two games of the season. Our front four will put enough pressure on Tate to either force him to throw without going through all his reads, or make him abandon the pocket. With Hawk and Carpenter on the corners, Tate won't be running far. Our offense will also be good enough to put points on the board and to keep the ball away from the opponent more.

Since when has the word suck been considered foul language...surely there is a diffrence between suck and sh*t..Look we could be at this all day!!! I come in here for fun nothing more use whatever language you want...You do make good points about our defense the last 2 games but I think that may have alot to do with the resurgence of the OSU offense. The thing I don't like about Iowa is in last year's game our linebackers constantly had to cover a wr which is fine for about the first 5 yards after that it's a moutain of trouble. You have to think Iowa is coming in here running the same offense till we stop it. The D-line must get more pressure on Tate so we don't have a matchup problem. I can remember several games where Hawk was lined up on a wr that is just insane he is fast and a great linebacker but don't you think that is asking alot from any of our linebackers. I can"t remember if Iowa used the TE alot against
us I may have to check the link Vikes put up no matter how sick it makes me. I have said this in another post but I think OSU getting Iowa early in the season is a big plus for us. We are Iowa's first test and OSU should be battle tested by the Iowa game.

 

[jwinslow]

Iowa unhealthy during spring drills

<script language="JavaScript">varSubject = "subject=Not so fast: Ailments keep Iowa grounded";</script>Not so fast: Ailments keep Iowa grounded

Coach says Hawkeyes have 'too many holes' to be an elite team.

<!-- BYLINE AND DATE -->

By <script language="JavaScript">varUsername = "[email protected]";document.write("ANDREW LOGUE");</script>ANDREW LOGUE
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
April 10, 2005

Iowa City, Ia. - As far as Drew Tate is concerned, it's too early to get caught up in the hype.

Tate was among a half-dozen Iowa football players who spoke to reporters on Saturday. It was the first time this spring the Hawkeyes have fielded questions about the lofty expectations for next season, and the all-Big Ten quarterback echoed the cautious optimism of his teammates.

"You can't get all crazy right now," Tate said. "There's still a lot of time. We've got a whole summer, and another camp to go through."

Coach Kirk Ferentz went a step further when summarizing the Hawkeyes' progress.

Some experts have touted Iowa, which finished No. 8 in The Associated Press poll the last three years, as a national title contender. But Ferentz isn't buying into the buzz.

"We are not an elite team, I assure you," he said. "We have way too many holes, way too many things we have to get better at."

To prove his point, Ferentz rattled off a list of ailments that have plagued the Hawkeyes this spring.

Defensive linemen Richard Kittrell and Grant McCracken are out with mononucleosis.

Receiver Matt Melloy and linebacker Chris Brevi are sidelined with foot and ankle injuries.

Defensive end Bryan Mattison had foot surgery on Friday.

Kenny Iwebema, another defensive end, has missed practices with a fever.

Offensive lineman Lee Gray will miss the rest of spring workouts with a sore knee.

All of those players are expected to be ready for practice in August, but a depleted roster has made evaluations difficult - especially on the defensive line.

The front four will be a concern heading into the fall, and coaches have tried to add depth by switching linebackers Mike Follett and Mitch King to the defensive line.

"It's tough because we have so many guys out," Ferentz said. "It's been a little bit of a fire drill."

Ferentz also sees a need for improvement on the other side of the ball.

"We should be better probably on offense than we are," he said. "For whatever reason, we're just doing things OK right now.

Tate agrees.

The junior-to-be has earned a murmur of Heisman Trophy consideration, but says the Hawkeyes lack consistency.

"It could be a lot better," he said. "We're using a lot of guys, rotating a lot of guys in. It's hard just trying to get a rhythm."

Tate and Ferentz both mentioned that past Hawkeye squads have struggled in the spring, then surged late in the fall.

Ferentz hopes to repeat that pattern.

"We have a lot of work to do, not only this spring, but we're going to have a lot of work to do in August," Ferentz said. "Chances are, if we end up being a top 10 team, it'll be more in the second half of the season."

Ferentz had some good news.

Linebacker Chad Greenway is recovering from a muscle pull that slowed him last season, and running back Marcus Schnoor is on his way back from knee surgery.

"I'm not doing a lot of the full-dose (workouts) yet," Greenway said. "But I hope to next week."

Greenway's return bodes well for Iowa, but Ferentz expects a few more growing pains.

"The people who came up with some of those predictions haven't been at practice the past week or two," he said. "That would maybe temper some enthusiasm."

 

[BB73]

Sounds like Ferentz has been studying the Lou Holtz method of downplaying expectations.

 

[BB73]

Ferentz keeps patching Hawkeyes into something special

April 12, 2005
By Dennis Dodd

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/8379433/1

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- There's a picture in the Hayden Fry Football Complex that would make Edvard Munch proud.

You know The Muncher, don't you? Norwegian artist who painted "The Scream" in 1893. Translated to pop culture, Macaulay Culkin basically struck the same pose as the painting's subject in Home Alone.

Hands held on each cheek, mouth agape. Talk about your existential anguish.
Anyway, there's this picture of Iowa receiver Warren Holloway strategically located outside the reception area for coach Kirk Ferentz's office. Holloway is headed for the end zone, caught in the perfect Scream moment in the Capital One Bowl.

Perfect if you're an Iowa fan. Ed Munch models if you're one of theopposition's fans and cheerleaders in the background who look like they're uttering a collective hands-on-face, "What the heck?"

"All the LSU people?" Iowa quarterback Drew Tate said. "Yeah, I've seen it."

Tate also threw it, a 56-yard touchdown to Holloway as time ran out to beat the Tigers 30-25, a play that summed up this program lately.

What the heck?

Make that, what the Hawk?

With that pass, Iowa completed its best three-year run ever (31-7) in a season when it finished second-to-last nationally in rushing. That's more amazing considering Tate was Ferentz's fifth new starting quarterback in as many years.

Four of the top five rushers were hurt, three going down with season-ending injuries, one in each of the first three home games. Walk-on Sam Brownlee led the Hawkeyes with the program's lowest rushing total since 1938 (227 yards).

The average Iowa rush in Big Ten games gained 65 inches (1.8 yards). How hard is it to win that way? Thirteen teams won at least 10 games last year. Two finished below the top 33 in national rushing -- Georgia (No. 57) and Iowa (No. 116).

When told that Miami lost its quarterback, top rusher and best cover corner, Ferentz scoffs. "No, no, I have no sympathy," he said. "Are you kidding me?"
Saturday's spring game won't offer many answers or shoulders to cry on. Brownlee and Nebraska transfer Marques Simmons are listed 1-2, but backups Marcus Schnoor (knee) and Albert Young (recovering from a broken leg) haven't seen the field this spring.

"It's really cloudy," Ferentz said.

Here we go again. Going into his seventh season, Ferentz is either the biggest sandbagger in the world or a brilliant strategist. Maybe both. Think about those game-plan meetings knowing that the Hawks had little or no chance to run the ball effectively.
Opponents blitzed Tate mercilessly knowing he was a one-trick Hawkeye. Four games into the season Iowa was 2-2 with consecutive losses by a combined 50 points.

"If I had to come up with one word to describe last season, it would be 'adversity,'" said Holloway, originally from Homewood, Ill. "There were some times we wanted to feel sorry for ourselves. Once we got over that -- the coaches were adamant about it -- we got back to work."

Iowa did OK. It tricked up the offense, creating a moving pocket to take advantage of Tate's mobility. Not exactly Eric Dickerson, Tate did have more than 20 percent of the team's carries because, well, he had to.

"I can remember more third-and-longs, than third-and-shorts," he said.

Iowa somehow won its final eight games (now tied for the fourth-longest active streak), having been an underdog in most of them. Tate responded with 2,786 yards and 20 touchdowns. With much more than usual heaped on him, Tate became the first-team All-Big Ten quarterback and Capital One MVP, all the while setting himself up nicely for a 2005 Heisman run.

"When somebody brings it up, that's just crazy," Tate said.

Crazy because a few years ago Tate had barely heard of Iowa. As a sophomore at Baytown Lee High near Houston, he committed to Texas A&M. When R.C. Slocum was fired, Tate was open to offers, but still needed to be clued in about Iowa City.

"I was a senior in high school," he said. "I knew nothing about Iowa. You couldn't ask a person down there about Iowa. (But) I just fell in love with the place."

Crazy because the credit, depending on which version you get on that throw for the ages to Holloway, goes to Tate for calling it. He either A) suggested to the coaches a vertical passing game late against LSU, or B) audibled into it.

The way Ferentz puts it, all 11 Hawkeyes executed on the play, only nine Tigers did. The coverage was blown as Holloway waltzed into the end zone for his first career touchdown in his last career game.

"He's floating around," said Ferentz of Holloway, who is trying to get into an NFL camp as a free agent. "He does autograph shows. I guess they have him going all over the state. He could milk a decade out of it."

Once a week, more than three months after his career ended, Holloway will be out somewhere and get recognized.

"There's been some opportunities," he says of the autographs.

That's the thing about Hawkeyes everywhere. Once they have their hooks in you, you're theirs for life -- especially if you're huggable. Tate (6-feet, 185 pounds) and his favorite receiver Ed Hinkel (6-1, 190) look more like a doubles team in tennis than football studs.

"If they walked in here right now, they don't look like stellar Big Ten athletes," Ferentz said.

This is Cubs territory, which fits only of because the fervor of each camp's loyalties. Chicago's lovable losers, though, have nothing to compare to one of the overshadowed programs in the country. Overshadowed translates to overworked for coaches who have to lure recruits not only away from Big Ten powers but to Iowa City.

From his days as an NFL assistant, Ferentz recalls a prominent Big Ten coach complaining about losing players early to the draft.

"Every year I'd go in the draft room, his team would always have a guy high on the draft board," he said. "It's hard to feel sympathy."

Keep this to yourself, but Holloway and his fellow seniors departed last year having won 38 career games. Last season marked the first time in 46 years Iowa finished with consecutive top 10 finishes. It should start there again this fall.
Iowa's excellence is part of the reason the Big Ten is back in 2005. But the first words that trip off the tongue are Ohio State and Michigan. Ferentz likes it that way.

His team has shared the Big Ten title in two of the past three years, but as Ferentz says, "Why would anybody know? ... It wasn't like there was a great reason to say, 'Look for Iowa to step out of the shadows.'"

Iowa was 11-24 in Ferentz' first three seasons before the 31-7 run in the past three. Starting his 16th year in Iowa City (nine as an assistant from 1981-89), Ferentz is pretty much entrenched. His name surfaced as a possible successor to Joe Paterno in his native Pennsylvania, but when? Paterno is showing no signs of retiring and, frankly, Iowa is a better program. Why go to Penn State and start over?
A contract extension hasn't silenced the annual NFL talk. Ferentz came to Iowa from the Baltimore Ravens six years ago. Considering his success he could have jumped back to the NFL yesterday, but ...

"If I was going to go, I'd be gone if that was a prominent thought in my mind," Ferentz said. "I've had more than one good opportunity to go that route."

That's settled, but Saturday's spring "game" won't answer many leftover questions from 2004. Because of construction in Kinnick Stadium and those injuries, Ferentz will stage only a watered-down scrimmage. It will take until August to determine replacements for a decimated defensive line and a go-to running back.

What the Hawk, indeed.

"We like it that way," Holloway said. "It's always easy to prepare knowing there's somebody out there to go get. When you're at the top, the one being hunted, it's tougher."

END OF ARTICLE

Wouldn't it seem likely that the coach of the prominent Big-10 team bitching about losing players early was John Cooper?

 

[jwinslow]

Preview 2005 Iowa Hawkeyes

More solid analysis by Fiu

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Preview 2005
Iowa Hawkeyes
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By Pete Fiutak
Iowa has now received the national respect it deserves and is once-again considered a big-time powerhouse after winning an impressive 38 games along with a co-Big Ten championship and a nice New Year's Day bowl game. Now it's time to take that next step up and win the Big Ten title outright and be in the mix for the Rose Bowl, which this year means being in the hunt for the national title.

Under head coach Kirk Ferentz, the program's best attribute is it's ability to deal with adversity. From quarterback changes to a plague of injuries at running back to replacing other key player, Iowa has found a way to keep on winning. This year, there should finally be some continuity to count on. Iowa gets all of the running backs back, a great receiving corps, and experienced offensive line, boasts one of the nation's best linebacking and cornerback pairs, and for the first time in five years returns its starting quarterback.

The expectations have been cranked up a few notches, but there are major holes to worry about with no experience on the defensive line, little depth in several places and a few brutal road games early on that could make this a disappointing season before October. It's a shame that another ten-win season might be seen as a downer, but that's the monster Ferentz has built.

The Schedule: Considering Iowa has become the Big Ten's best home team, the season might come down to at Iowa State and at Ohio State. The in-state rivalry game is always nasty, and Ohio State is likely going to be everyone's favorite for the Big Ten title. At Purdue will be tough and road trips to Northwestern and Wisconsin aren't layups, but they're winnable for this Hawkeye team. Getting Michigan in Iowa City is a big break.
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Best Offensive Player: Junior QB Drew Tate. Expect another big season leading to a big 2006 Heisman campaign. He has the experienced receivers to make him look good, and unlike last year, he'll have an experienced and consistent offensive line and running game to take the pressure off.
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Best Defensive Players: Senior LBs Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway. There are good linebacker pairs at Ohio State and UCLA that would challenge this, but Hodge and Greenway form the best all-around linebacking duo in America. With the defensive line the team's weakest spot, these two will have to make more plays than ever.
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Key player to a successful season: The entire defensive line. Everything else is in place, but the line could be a nightmare for a while after losing Matt Roth, Jonathan Babineaux, and anyone else with a lick of experience. It'll be a work in progress that has to be ready to go by the Ohio State showdown.
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The season will be a success if ... the Hawkeyes win the Big Ten title. It won't be easy with the road game at Ohio State there to ruin things, but this team is too good to shoot for anything else.
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Key game: September 24th at Ohio State. If Iowa wins this, it'll not only be in the driver's seat to win the Big Ten title, it'll be expected to be one of the favorites to go to Pasadena and play for the national title.

2004 Fun Stats:
- First quarter scoring: Iowa 89 - Opponents 25
- Average rushing yards per game: Opponents 92.5 - Iowa 72.6
- Penalties: Iowa 95 for 675 yards - Opponents 59 for 485 yardsOffense Breakdown and Analysis | Defense Breakdown and Analysis | Iowa Depth Chart
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<hr> 2005 Recruiting Class
Star of the Class
Dan Doering OL 6-6 300 Barrington (Barrington) Ill.
A four-time letterwinner in football and track, and a two-time letterwinner in basketball at Barrington High School. A captain of his football team as a senior, the 6-7, 290-pound offensive lineman is another of the seven UI recruits who participated in the recent Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio

Instant Impact Players
Rafael Eubanks OL 6-3 290 St. Paul (Cretin-Derham) Minn.
Named Minnesota's Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior at Cretin-Derham Hall High School. The 6-3, 290-pound offensive lineman was credited with 120 "pancake blocks" during his prep career

Anthony Moeaki TE 6-4 240 Wheaton (Warrenville South) Ill.
The 6-4, 235-pound tight end played basketball and tennis during his prep career at Warrenville South High School

Rest of the Class

<table id="table15" align="left" border="0" width="445"> <tbody><tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Pat Angerer</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">LB</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-1</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">215</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Bettendorf (Bettendorf)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Iowa</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Kalvin Bailey</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">RB</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-0</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">235</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Seffner (Armwood)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Fla.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Ryan Bain</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">DL</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-2</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">262</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Ill.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Tyler Blum</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30"> TE/DL</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-6</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">240</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Walnut (Walnut)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Iowa</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Dana Brown</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">RB</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30"> 5-11</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">195</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Clairton (Clairton)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40">Pa.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Kyle Calloway</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">OL</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-7</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">275</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Belleville (East)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Ill.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Jake Christensen</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">QB</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-1</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">200</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Lockport (Lockport)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Ill.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Justin Collins</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">DL</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-2</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">250</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Fort Worth (Brewer)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Texas</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Justin Edwards</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">DB</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-0</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">170</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Garland (Naaman Forest)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Texas</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Vernon Jackson</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">DL</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-2</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">260</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Orlando (Evans)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Fla.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Alex Kanellis</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">DL</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-4</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">250</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Iowa City (West)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Iowa</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Andy Kuempel</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">OL</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-6</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">250</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Marion (Linn Mar)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Iowa</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Dace Richardson</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">OL</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-6</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">300</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Wheaton (Warrenville South)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Ill.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Corey Robertson</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">RB</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-1</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">205</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Denison (Denison)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Texas</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Chris Rowell</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">DB</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-0</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">170</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Warrensville Heights</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Ohio</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Trey Stross</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">WR</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-3</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">195</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Avon Lake (Avon Lake)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Ohio</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> B.J. Travers</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">LB</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-0</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">230</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Westlake (Westlake)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Ohio</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Marcus Wilson</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">WR</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-2</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">190</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Cherry Hill (Camden Catholic)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> N.J.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="140"> Marshall Yanda</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">OL</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">6-4</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="30">310</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="215"> Anamosa (Anamosa)</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="40"> Iowa</td></tr></tbody> </table>

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Preview 2005
Iowa offense
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</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <hr> 2005 Iowa Preview | Defense Breakdown and Analysis | Iowa Depth Chart | Further Hawkeye Analysis

Basically ... Iowa had a big mess on its hands last year with one of the nation's worst running games brought on by injuries to the backfield and inconsistency on the offensive line. Both areas should be much better with the healthy return of lightning fast runner Marques Simmons and an experienced line ready to be one of the Big Ten's best. The passing attack should be tremendous led by All-America candidate Drew Tate at quarterback and an experienced, productive, and very fast receiving corps.

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[font=Arial, Helvetica]Returning Leaders
[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica] Passing: Drew Tate
233-375, 2,786 yds, 20 TD, 14 INT
Rushing: Sam Brownlee
94 carries for 227 yds and 0 TDs
Receiving: Ed Hinkel
63 catches for 744 yds and 7 TDs[/font]
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Star of the offense: Junior QB Drew Tate
Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior RB Marques Simmons
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore FB Tom Busch
Best pro prospect: Senior WR Clinton Solomon
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Tate, 2) Solomon, 3) C Mike Elgin
Strength of the offense: Wide receiver
Weakness of the offense: Experienced backup quarterbacks, running backs who can stay healthy
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Quarterbacks
Iowa has the luxury of getting a starting quarterback back for the first time in years. Drew Tate is a special player who isn't always pretty, but makes things happen and is a winner. With the way he pulled off the win against LSU in the Capital One Bowl, he has achieved folk hero status among the Hawkeye faithful with expectations sky-high for a huge season. Jason Manson and Cy Phillips are good prospects, but neither has any experience. Don't forget about super-recruit Jake Christensen who will be the team's star of the future.Player to keep an eye on: Jason Manson, Jr. ... Quarterback Rating: 9 Projected Starter
- Drew Tate, Jr. - Without any running game to rely on and an untested group of receivers to throw to, Tate still had a magnificent season and was the most valuable player in the Big Ten throwing for 2,786 yards and 20 touchdowns and ran for two scores. Interceptions were a bit of a problems throwing 14 of them. While not all that big barely scratching the six-foot mark, he has a big arm and is the epitome of a gamer. He won't run for many yards, but he's not immobile.

Top Backups
- Jason Manson, Jr. - Manson is a bit bigger than Drew Tate and has a big arm, but he's not going to see much time unless there's an emergency. He hasn't seen any playing time yet and needs to get a few live game reps to be prepared if disaster happen.
- Cy Phillips, Sr. - Even at 6-6 and 227 pounds, Phillips is a good runner with a gun for an arm. He'll battle for the number two spot, but won't likely see game action with Jason Manson being groomed as the backup for the next two years.
​

Running Backs
The Iowa running back situation was so bad last year that it bordered on the comically absurd with the nation's 116th rushing attack. If you were an Iowa running back, you got hurt. There won't be the same bad luck this season (there simply can't be) and the coaching staff shouldn't have to dig so deep on the depth chart. Marques Simmons has the special skills to come through with a huge season, but he has to prove he can handle the pounding of the full-time workload. Damian Sims is an excellent second option, and Sam Brownlee has the experience to fill in from time to time. Sophomore Albert Young is coming off a broken leg and should be back to provide a bit more power. Tom Busch is a fantastic looking young fullback to do a little bit of everything.
Player to keep an eye on: FB Tom Busch. ... Running back rating: 6

Projected Starters
- Marques Simmons, Sr. - The former Nebraska transfer started off well with 194 yards and a team-leading three rushing touchdowns in six games before getting knocked out for the year with an ankle injury. The 5-8, 202-pound pinball it tremendously fast as one of the Big XII's best sprinters when he was with the Huskers. Now he'll bring that speed to the full-time role for Iowa where he'll be expected to become a home-run hitter.
- Fullback Tom Busch, Soph. -The 231-pound Busch has to prove he can be as dependable a blocker as Aaron Mickens. Busch saw significant playing time at the end of last year and showed flashes of being a fantastic all-around player. He can catch and run a little bit, but his real talent appears to potentially be as a blocker for the ground game.

Top Backups
- Sam Brownlee, Jr. - Brownlee was pressed into action last year and led the team with 224 rushing yards, but he didn't run for a touchdown and showed limited all-around skills. He has the experience to hold the number two job for a while, but he should slide down the depth chart as the season goes on.
- Damian Sims, Soph. - A speedy scatback who was banged up for most of last year, he'll get more work as both a receiver and rusher. He isn't as fast as Marques Simmons, but he can still move.
- Albert Young, Soph. - Coming off a broken leg, the speedy sophomore needs to wait until this fall before he has a chance to try to live up to his prep hype. Before his injury, he was expected to be the team's new rushing star.
- Marcus Schnoor, Sr. - A big, 6-1 198-pound back, Schnoor is trying to recover from an injured knee and won't be close to 100% until this fall. The former walk-on is a decent power back and another option in the mix.
- Fullback Paul Wilson, Sr. - At 242 pounds, Wilson is bigger than starter Tom Busch and will be used only in blocking situations and if Champ Davis isn't 100% after missing most of last year.
​

Receivers
What was a bit of a concern last year has turned into a major strength. Ed Hinkel and Clinton Solomon are talented and reliable receivers, but the backups, Calvin Davis and James Townsend, are the most exciting prospects with tremendous speed. This was a productive receiving corps last year even without any support from the running game, and now it should be a deadly crew with QB Drew Tate experienced and the running backs healthy. Look out for former QB [font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Eric McCollom to make an impact soon. [/font]
Player to keep an eye on: Calvin Davis, Jr. ... Receiver rating: 8

Projected Starters
- Ed Hinkel, Sr. - Hinkel became Drew Tate's favorite receiver last year leading the way with 63 catches for 744 yards and seven touchdowns. He's known for his amazing acrobatic catches, but he's also an extremely dependable route runner with great hands.
- Clinton Solomon, Sr. - Solomon is the team's big-play receiver averaging a team-best (among the regular receivers) 15.6 yards per catch with 58 grabs for 905 yards and six touchdowns. At 6-3 and 200 pounds, he's a great sized receiver with NFL deep speed.
- Tight end Ryan Majerus, Jr. - Mostly a special teamer and a reserve tight end so far, he'll be thrust into the number one spot to use his good hands and all-around athleticism. While he'll be used more as a receiver, his main worth early on will be as a blocker.

Top Backups
- Calvin Davis, Jr. - Davis was a Iowa high school track star winning the state title with a 10.73 100-meter dash and set records in the 200 and 400. He was hurt with a hand injury late in the season and only played in five games making five catches for 69 yards. He was a good threat as a freshman and will be used more at split end behind Clinton Solomon.
- Matt Melloy, Sr. - Melloy was banged up for most of last year and only caught three pass for 24 yards, but he made them count with two touchdowns. He's a big, smart player who should be strong on third downs and around the goal line.
- James Townsend, Jr. - Townsend only made three catches last year, but was a big play target averaging 27.3 yards per catch with a 60-yard touchdown. He's another big and fast Iowa receiver who has the experience to make more of an impact this year.
- Tight end Scott Chandler, Jr. - At 6-7 and 242 pounds, Chandler is an intriguing target moving over from wide receiver. He was fourth on the team with 24 catches for 324 yards and two touchdowns last year, and now he'll have to prove he can be a dependable blocker.
​

Offensive Line
It took about two years, but the line should finally be up to the standards set by the Hawkeye lines of a few years ago with several all-conference candidates and plenty of experience and depth. Mike Elgin is ready to become one of the league's best centers, while senior tackle Lee Gray should shine after a year of working on the offensive side. There isn't one killer among the group that'll demand All-America attention, but it should be a better run blocking unit and far stronger at protecting the quarterback.
Player to keep an eye on: Marshal Yanda, Jr. ... Offensive line rating: 8.5

Projected Starters
- Tackle Lee Gray, Sr. - The 6-6, 310-pound Gray came into his own last year after moving over from the defensive line, He's a fast linemen and is expected to be one of the line's better players, but he'll have to fight off Ben Gates for the job.
- Guard David Walker, Sr. - Walker was supposed to be one of the rocks on a young line, but he was hurt coming into the season and suffered an elbow injury that knocked him out for the season. Now he's healthy and ready to be a mainstay at left guard.
- Center Brian Ferentz, Sr. - The head coach's son got into the starting mix early last year after overcoming a knee problem. Now he's expected to be one of the best players on the line as long as he can stay healthy for an entire season. He can play guard, but he'll swap spots with Mike Elgin to play in the middle.
- Guard Mike Elgin, Jr. - Growing into the star of the line, Elgin is a good center with great athleticism for a lineman. Now he'll see time at guard with Brian Ferentz likely moving to center. At 277 pounds, he's the lightest of the Hawkeye regular linemen, but he's also one of the strongest technical blockers.
- Tackle Mike Jones, Jr. - The 6-5, 299-pound Jones will move from guard to tackle after making the reverse move early last year. He's better on the outside than in and will be an All-Big Ten pass blocker as the season goes on.
​

Top Backups
- T Ben Gates, Sr. - Gates has been a quality reserve switching over from tight end to tackle. He got the start in two games and might have the No. 1 gig at left tackle battling Lee Gray.
- C Ben Cronin, Sr. - The 285-pound senior has a little bit of starting experience and is a bigger option than Elgin in the middle. While not the all-around blocker that Elgin is, Cronin is a more than capable fill-in.
- T Marshal Yanda, Jr. - The 6-4, 310-pound JUCO All-American is versatile enough to play either tackle or guard, but will likely push hard for time at right tackle behind Mike Jones.
​

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Preview 2005
Iowa defense
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</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <hr> 2005 Iowa Preview | Offense Breakdown and Analysis | Iowa depth chart | Further Hawkeye Analysis

Basically ... The back seven will be among the best in America as long as there aren't any major injuries. The linebacking duo of Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge and the corner tandem of Jovon Johnson and Antwan Allen are good enough to make up for the potential problems on the defensive line. There's absolutely no experience to count on up front losing Matt Roth and Jonathan Babineaux, and there's even less depth. If there's no pass rush, the secondary will have a hard time being as good as it was last year.

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[font=Arial, Helvetica]Returning Leaders
[/font] [font=Arial, Helvetica] Tackles: Abdul Hodge, 116
Sacks: Chad Greenway, Abdul Hodge, 3
Interceptions: Antwan Allen, Jovon Johnson, 3[/font]
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[font=Arial, Helvetica].[/font]
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Star of the defense: Senior LBs Abdul Hodge & Chad Greenway
Player that has to step up and become a star: The entire front four
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore FS Charles Godfrey
Best pro prospect: Greenway
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Hodge, 2) Greenway, 3) CB Antwan Allen
Strength of the defense: Linebackers
Weakness of the defense: Defensive line
​

Defensive Line
Uh oh. You don't lose Matt Roth, Jonathan Babineaux and Derreck Robinson and get better. Not only isn't there any experienced depth, there isn't any real experience among the starters with only nine career tackles among the projected front four. If the lack of inexperience wasn't enough, there's little beef without a big, bad, 300-pound monster in the middle to stop the run. The coaching staff likes the talent of this group, but it's going to take a while for things to jell. Expect there to be several different changes in the lineup until the right mix is found.
Player to keep an eye on: DE Bryan Mattison, Soph. ... Defensive Line rating: 6

Projected Starters
- DE Ken Iwebema, Soph. - 3 tackles ... With good quickness, the 246-pound Iwebema will be asked to be one of the team's better pass rushers right away. He didn't see a whole bunch of time as a freshman and will have to work through young mistakes through the early part of the season with most coming against the run.
- DT Matt Kroul, RFr. - The 256-pound redshirt freshman will have to use his speed and quickness to make plays early. He's a beefed up linebacker trying to hang tough in the interior, so he'll need to be in a rotation against the bigger run blocking lines. He had a tremendous spring and appears to be an instant factor inside.
- DT George Eshareturi, Soph. - 1 tackle ... The 284-pound sophomore has to be the run stopper in the middle as the biggest tackle in the rotation. He's expected to be a good interior pass rusher in time, but he has huge shoes to fill to try to produce like Jonathan Babineaux.
- DE Bryan Mattison, Soph. - 5 tackles, 1 sack ... The 262-pound sophomore has the skill and talent to be the next great Hawkeye lineman. He has grown bigger and stronger in the last year and should become the team's best pass rusher.

Top Backups
- DT Ted Bentler, RFr. - Bentler hit the weights hard bulking up 30 pounds since coming to campus. He'll push for time behind Matt Kroul providing a bigger option in the middle.
- DE Anton Narinskiy, RFr. - He beefed up a few pounds over his first season and should be an effective reserve on the end behind Ken Iwebema. He has a good motor and decent speed.
- DE Richard Kitrell, RFr. - One of the team's top recruits a few years ago, Kitrell is one of the team's best prospects. At 289 pounds, he needs to be part of the mix to add more size to the smallish line.
- DE Mike Follett, Sr. - An interesting prospect, the 6-5, 255-pound senior moved from tight end to linebacker to the line to try to find a spot on the outside. With his size, he might be used in running situations while the hope is for his athleticism will eventually make him a pass rusher.
​

Linebackers
Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway form the nation's best 1-2 linebacking duo with a combined 555 career tackles. The two are always making plays all over the field able to terrorize quarterbacks and cover receivers equally well. The question is the third member of the corps where Edmond Miles should hold his own on the outside. The experience is non-existent among the reserves, but there's good raw talent.
Player to keep an eye on: Mike Klinkenborg, Soph. ... Linebacker rating: 9.5

Projected Starters
- Edmond Miles, Jr. - 24 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss ... A big hitting reserve and part-time starter, Miles will get the first look on the outside to clean up everything Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway don't get to. His motor is always running and will produce several highlight reel shots over the course of the season.
- Abdul Hodge, Sr. -116 tackles, 3 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss ... If he isn't the best middle linebacker in college football, he's in the team photo. He has 295 career tackles with the speed of a defensive back to get in the backfield and chase down ball carriers from sideline-to-sideline.
- Chad Greenway, Sr. - 113 tackles, 3 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions ... Greenway went from being a good tackler to a great all-around player with three interceptions and another defensive back in pass coverage. He never, ever missed a one-on-one tackle and is strong at shedding blocks and stopping the run.

Top Backups
- Chris Brevi, Sr. - 6 tackles ... More of a safety than a linebacker, Brevi will need to use his practice experience to become a top reserve on the outside backing up Edmond Miles.
- Mike Klinkenborg, Soph. - 5 tackles ... A hard-nosed and extremely athletic man in the middle, Klinkenborg will spend the year as Abdul Hodge's understudy. Expect him to be one of the stars of the 2006 defense.
​

Defensive Backs
The secondary had a night-and-day better season than it did in 2003 with strong years from the corners. Jovon Johnson and Antwan Allen form one of the Big Ten's best corner tandems, and the safeties won't be bad even if starter Marcus Paschal isn't back to form after a torn ACL. There isn't much experience among the backup corners meaning Johnson and Allen have to be ironmen for a while. Expect this group to be tested more without the benefit of the pass rush that last year's line provided.
Player to keep an eye on: FS Charles Godfrey, Soph. ... Secondary rating: 8.5

Projected Starters
- CB Jovon Johnson, Sr. - 41 tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 broken up passes ... Johnson isn't all that big, but he's experienced and isn't bad at being physical with the bigger receivers. He's strong in run support, but he's better at using his top-end speed with the fast receivers.
- FS Charles Godfrey, Soph. - 10 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries ... The only new starter to the secondary, the 202-pound Godfrey will quickly make his presence felt with big hits and tremendous quickness. Expect him to quickly become one of the team's top tacklers.
- SS Miguel Merrick, Jr. - 33 tackles, 2 broken up passes, 1 sack ... A top special teams performer, the 203-pound Merrick will now push to become a full-time strong safety along with Marcus Paschal. He'll be good against the run, but he'll be much better in pass coverage.
- CB Antwan Allen, Sr. - 54 tackles, 3 interceptions, 6 broken up passes ... The most experienced player in the secondary, Allen will once again be the team's top cover-corner where he'll need to make a few more big plays. He isn't all that big, but he's a strong open field tackler and is tough as nails. The only problem is with an off-the-field incident on alleged assault charges, but he has already been disciplined.

Top Backups
- SS Marcus Paschal, Jr. - 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 broken up passes. ... The starting strong safety when fully healthy, Paschal tore his ACL in the Capital One Bowl and is trying to get back for the start of the season. He was third on the team in tackles and had a great year in pass coverage.- CB Adam Shada, Soph. - 13 tackles ... At 6-1, Shada is a big corner with a bright future seeing time in almost every game as a true freshman. He's a smart player who'll be a solid backup behind Jovon Johnson on the left side.- SS Andrew Becker, Jr. - 11 tackles ... The former walk-on running back should come into his own as a backup safety. He's a good hitter and will find playing time somewhere as a reserve.
​

Special Teams
Kyle Schlcher was a godsend of a field goal kicker and should be in the mix for All-Big Ten honors. The punting situation is a bit more up in the air with Andy Fenstermaker and John Gallery battling for the job. There could be more pop on kickoff returns, but Ed Hinkel returns as one of the nation's best punt returners.
Special Teams rating: 8
- Placekicker Kyle Schlicher, Jr. - 21-26 FGs, 29-32 extra points ... While not quite Nate Kaeding, Schlicher wasn't far off only missing one field goal inside 40 yards. He doesn't have the booming leg Kaeding had, few do, but he has decent range nailing a 49-yard shot.
- Punter Andy Fenstermaker, Jr. - Fenstermaker will take over for David Bradley and his 40.5 yard average. He has a big leg, but will have to fight off John Gallery for the starting job. The two will battle until the opener.
​

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Preview 2005
Iowa Hawkeye depth chart
​

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <hr> 2005 Iowa Preview | Offense Breakdown | Defense Breakdown | Further Hawkeye Analysis

<table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-width: 0pt; border-collapse: collapse;" id="table1" border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr><td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"> OFFENSE Returning Starters: 7
QB 5 Drew Tate 6-0 185 Jr.
16 Jason Manson 6-1 195 Jr..

RB 33 Marques Simmons 5-8 202 Sr.
48 Sam Brownlee 5-10 200 Jr.
28 Damian Sims 5-9 185 So.

FB 35 Tom Busch 5-11 231
11 Paul Wilson 5-11 242 Sr.

WR 11 Ed Hinkel 6-1 190
84 Matt Melloy 6-3 208 Sr.

TE 30 Ryan Majerus 6-3 237 Jr.
87 Scott Chandler 6-7 242 Jr.

SE 88 Clinton Solomon 6-3 196 Sr.
22 Calvin Davis 6-1 197 Jr.

LT 70 Lee Gray 6-6 310 Sr. OR
75 Ben Gates 6-6 286 Sr.

LG 74 David Walker 6-2 295 Sr.
63 Todd Plagman 6-5 295 So.

C 61 Brian Ferentz 6-3 282 Sr.
59 Ben Cronin 6-5 285 Sr.

RG 54 Mike Elgin 6-4 277 Jr.
71 Seth Olson 6-5 297 Fr.

RT 76 Mike Jones 6-5 299 Jr.
73 Marshal Yanda 6-4 315 Jr.

</td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"> DEFENSE Returning Starters: 5
DE 92 Ken Iwebema 6-4 246 So.
42 Anton Narinskiy 6-4 247 Fr.

DT 53 Matt Kroul 6-3 256 Fr.
95 Ted Bentler 6-4 273 Fr.

DT 72 George Eshareturi 6-3 284 So.
74 Nate Roos 6-0 280 Sr.

DE 99 Bryan Mattison 6-3 262 So.
94 Richard Kitrell 6-5 289 Jr.

OLB 27 Edmond Miles 6-1 222 Jr.
39 Chris Brevi 6-2 215 Sr.

MLB 52 Abdul Hodge 6-2 234 Sr.
40 Mike Klinkenborg 6-2 230 So.

WLB 18 Chad Greenway 6-4 244 Sr.
44 Mike Humpal 6-2 225 So.

LCB 26 Jovon Johnson 5-9 177 Sr.
19 Adam Shada 6-1 180 So.

SS 15 Miguel Merrick 6-0 203 Jr.
32 Andrew Becker 6-1 201 Jr.

FS 13 Charles Godfrey 6-1 202 So.
17 Jonathan Zanders 6-2 190 So.

RCB 20 Antwan Allen 5-10 180 Sr.
29 Bradley Fletcher 6-2 191 Fr.

SPECIAL TEAMS
PK 1 Kyle Schlcher 5-9 179 Jr.
31 Griffin Karr 5-10 185 RFr.
P 6 Andy Fenstermaker, 6-3 221 Jr.
91 John Gallery 6-2 240 Sr.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>

 

[BB73]

Another piece of CFBNEWS's Iowa preview. This guy goes a little over the top at times:

By John Harris

With a fresh set of downs…

1<SUP>st</SUP> and Ten – Run, Forrest, Run – When you sit down with Hawkeye fans and discuss the 2004 season, watch them gush effusively on the following topics. Drew Tate. Oh man, how good was lil’ Flutie last year? Ed Hinkel and Clinton Solomon. Hey, you could make the argument that they were the best WR duo in the Big Ten last year. Matt Roth and Jonathan Babineaux. Relentless and gave our defense its identity. Chad Greenway. Playmaker, big-time. 2005 Capital One Bowl. OH, man, how much time do you have because this one will take a while? See, told you. Now, watch this…Iowa running game. Whaaaa? Well, hmm. That’s a tough one. Okay, so maybe you get the point. This Iowa program takes a backseat to no one in the Big Ten or nationally. They’re not only the Midwest’s ‘Nice Little Story’, they’ve become a national force that will be in New Year’s Day bowl games for years. However, it won’t happen, and let me repeat, it won’t happen if the running game doesn’t improve. It doesn’t have to get back to 2002/2003 status, nor is it reasonable to get to that level, especially with Tate and his WR returning. But, a close facsimile will suffice. Now, most Hawkeye fans will also respond to the running game inquiry with the fact that the Iowa RBs suffered injuries at an alarming rate, which is absolutely 100% on point. But, no matter who’s healthy to carry the ball this year, he’s got to be enough of a threat to force teams to not play a ton of nickel and keep safeties up near the box all game long. Tate is so talented handling the ball and reading defenses that if he can have a running game that can do some damage up front, he’s going to roast safeties biting on play action all year long. RB Sam Brownlee will be able to run behind four returning starters, so that’s a step in the right direction. When you sit down with Hawkeye fans and discuss the 2005 season, hopefully for their sake, they’ll gush effusively again. Iowa running game? Man, Brownlee was like a big Fred Russell. See, that’s more like it.

2<SUP>nd</SUP> and Seven – Dearly Departed – The Iowa D Line was consistently overshadowed in 2004, but to those in the know, the Hawk defensive line was the key to the defense’s success. Jonathan Babineaux, Matt Roth, Tyler Luebke and Derreck Robinson were a cohesive and dominant unit, more so than most national experts thought. However, they’re gone. Gone. If DC Norm Parker’s defense can find four capable replacements, then this defense will be sound, with guys like Chad Greenway, Abdul Hodge and Antwan Allen returning. But, that’s a big if at this point.

3<SUP>rd</SUP> and Three – Speaking of Linebackers… - No matter who steps up on the defensive line this season, they better have one goal in mind – keep #18 and #52 roaming sideline to sideline freely. Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge have been the foundation of this defense for three years, but their success will rest solely on the shoulders of the foursome in front of them. Greenway is as versatile as any backer in the Big Ten and Hodge is a tackling machine. They’ll carry this defense again, but they’ll have even more success if they can get some help from guys like Matt Kroul, Ken Iwebema, George Eshareturi and Bryan Mattison.

4<SUP>th</SUP> and One – Reaping the Benefits – When you win championships, players want to come play for you. When you win bowl games, you get high school players attention. When you win ten games a year, it’s a feather in your cap when it comes time to recruit. When your staff stays together for years at a time, recruiting takes care of itself. The point? Well, after two co-Big Ten Championships in three years, high school players are not only taking notice, but they’re choosing to play in Iowa City. Kirk Ferentz’s staff signed one of the most ballyhooed recruiting classes in recent Hawkeye memory. Ferentz has seemingly made something out of nothing for the past six years, but now he’s got five star recruits, like OT Dan Doering and QB Jake Christensen, coming to campus this fall. As long as Ferentz and his staff continue to stay together, keep an eye on this Hawkeye team over the next four years, as it might become THE dominant program in the Big Ten - which doesn’t mean that they may not be already.

 

[sacosud]

Iowa loses a O-lineman for the year.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/ncaa/04/26/bc.fbc.iowa.injury.ap/index.html


Iowa loses starting left tackle. Iowa has had alot of injuries as of late.

Gray is out for the year. Iowa may be cursed !!!!!!!!

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

as it might become THE dominant program in the Big Ten - which doesn’t mean that they may not be already.

Uh, going 20-4 in conference over three years is quite good, but not quite dominant. When they start doing what Ohio State and Michigan did in the 70s, then they can be considered a dominant conference team. From 1968 to 1977, Ohio State went 63-5-1 in conference...that's averaging one loss every two years in conference over a full decade. In fact, even with a "down" conference year in 1978 (6-2), from 1968-1979, OSU went 77-7-1 in conference. Now that's dominant.

 

[ScArLeT_bUcK]

well this is a worrisome game, but michigan away worries me most. Iowa is just... good and we need to play a lot better than we did last year. we have no way of knowing if they can stop ginn, but the only non-superginn game last year was purdue. this is gonna be a heck of a year

 

[BB73]

WR Townsend to leave Hawkeyes

Posted: Monday May 9, 2005 5:57PM; Updated: Monday May 9, 2005 5:57PM

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- Iowa junior wide receiver James Townsend said Monday he will leave the team next season due to personal reasons.
"My hopes are to rejoin the team in time for the 2006 season and to earn my degree at Iowa," Townsend said in a statement.

Townsend, a native of Delran, N.J., played in 10 games last season, catching three passes for 82 yards. He had one touchdown, catching a 60-yard pass from quarterback Drew Tate in Iowa's victory at Minnesota.
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