those who think our D cant reload.



I know I dont read much into espn's stuff, but did anyone notice Iowa was the only team mentioned twice in this article. With Hyde and keep an eye on Morris.

The Big Ten's 100-tackle candidates in 2011 - Big Ten Blog - ESPN

Hyde's tackle numbers in '10 were large because the Big 10 was particularly strong at QB last year AND because he was in his first year starting at CB ... and consequently was a bit exploitable. Given that Iowa likely won't face quite as many veteran and/or exceptional passing QBs in 2011 ... Hyde wouldn't see that many tackles even if he were to remain at CB. And, if he were to remain at safety, he's going to be playing the FS spot ... not the SS spot. Furthermore, because of the rep he's gained .... opposing QBs likely won't be passing the ball his way as much ... which also implies that there likely won't be as many guys with the ball going his way.

The best bet is on Morris.

As for Iowa's D reloading .... the POTENTIAL is there for the unit to be very good. However, the group has to work hard and DEVELOP themselves ... that way they're not just banking on potential.
 


Norm always puts together a pretty salty group. He has ever since 2002. No reason for me to believe any different this year.

Might not be as strong as the '08 & '09 versions but they're going to make offenses play mistake free to score, just like always.

Morris is on the doorstep of being a star. My only question is what young player on the DL will become the next havoc producer like Roth, Babs, King, & Clayborn?
 


Norm always puts together a pretty salty group. He has ever since 2002. No reason for me to believe any different this year.

Might not be as strong as the '08 & '09 versions but they're going to make offenses play mistake free to score, just like always.

Morris is on the doorstep of being a star. My only question is what young player on the DL will become the next havoc producer like Roth, Babs, King, & Clayborn?

Alvis. Bank on it.
 










They were 22nd in scoring defense and 29th in rushing defense in 2005..when they had four new starters in Mattison, Iwebema (sophs), King and Kroul (frosh).

There are more returning starters on this year's D than that D. Granted, that D had Hodge and Greewnway, but Morris and Nielsen are not slouches.
 


If the defense takes on the personalities of the leaders(Daniels,Morris,Hyde) I think they're in great shape. Also, you can't underestimate getting Norm back.
 


They were 22nd in scoring defense and 29th in rushing defense in 2005..when they had four new starters in Mattison, Iwebema (sophs), King and Kroul (frosh).

There are more returning starters on this year's D than that D. Granted, that D had Hodge and Greewnway, but Morris and Nielsen are not slouches.
Exactly Jon, they might drop a few, but they were 7th last year. Our O was 49th? So if we are all assuming the O will be better and say get up to lower to mid 20's and the D falls to no more than say 5 points, we could have a good run. My biggest concern is can they finish it when they do get there.
 


Iowa's defense will be in the bottom 10 nationally. Book it.

While Iowa's defensive scheme is amongst the worst ever conceived, O'Keefe makes them look statistically pretty good by playing keep away. Unless O'Keefe leaves, given the current state of affairs, the defense can not be in the bottom 10 nationally.
 


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They were 22nd in scoring defense and 29th in rushing defense in 2005..when they had four new starters in Mattison, Iwebema (sophs), King and Kroul (frosh).

There are more returning starters on this year's D than that D. Granted, that D had Hodge and Greewnway, but Morris and Nielsen are not slouches.

Pretty convenient that you left out the passing stats. Almost made me forget when Brett Basanez shredded the pass D on 2 consecutive drives at the end of the game in 2005 in large part because we had no pass rush. It was a lot like that last drive the Cats put together in the 2010 game. Our D is all about the pass rush - if some stud steps up and has a good year we have a good defense, otherwise 6 or 7 wins is the best you can hope for.
 




the constant thrashings at the hands of Northwestern, Illinois, Indiana, Western Michigan, etc. don't lie
Newbie here. Is this guy for real, or is he some kind of long-term troll? Hard to tell whether this was meant to be a serious statement or just some good old internet sarcasm...
 










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