JR’s top 25 - #11 Iowa

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Friday, August 12, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The Iowa Hawkeyes were riddled with injuries at running back last year yet still managed a 10-2 season, capped by an amazing Capital One victory over LSU. Head Coach Kirk Ferentz is in his seventh year at Iowa and has put together a really good package out on the field the past three seasons. He is 27-21 against the Big Ten conference as the head coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Star QB Drew Tate returns after his 2786 yards 20 TD season. Tate proved he was a leader all year last season and carries a lot of momentum into the 2005 Big Ten season. Considering nearly every running back received some experience last season the group should improve provided they stay healthy. Wide Receivers Clinton Solomon and Ed Hinkel both return for their senior years and could put up even better numbers than they did last season.

The defense returns only five starters from last year, but does return 1st team Big Ten Linebackers Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway. The defensive line loses a lot of experience and will consist of mostly underclassmen. However, the secondary should be more experienced, so look for the pass defense to be much better this season.

The Iowa Hawkeyes have a tough Big Ten schedule, including a trip to Columbus, so another 7-1 conference record may be difficult. However, the experience on offense should lift this team to some big wins, but that defensive line is a real weak spot, especially in the run happy Big Ten.
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