ESPN's DL Rankings

[JonDMiller]

Iowa 6th

Big Ten position rankings: Defensive line - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN

They have PSU 8th...and they had PSU's OL #8 too...that's not a good start.

 

[Churlish79]

Iowa 6th

Big Ten position rankings: Defensive line - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN

They have PSU 8th...and they had PSU's OL #8 too...that's not a good start.

I know we can win that Penn State game..

 

[Section136]

I know we can win that Penn State game..

Absolutely. Until Penn State has a QB that can take over a game, I fully expect Iowa to win every time. We just match up with them well and have really dominated them in the trenches the last few years (save 2007).

Clark couldnt beat us with some of the best Penn State teams of the decade and now their supporting cast is much weaker and McGloin or Bolden have not shown much.

 

[olddude]

As far as where we ranked, for once I agree. I think they get reshuffled as the year goes on and we jump up a few, but overall given what we lost, it's hard to argue with.
What is going on with Penn? It's got to be more than a qb away, doesnt it? I dont get it. I am starting to wonder if to many so so years has hurt the recruiting of what.

 

[DexterMorgan]

I'd wager that if rankings are done at the end of the year Iowa's D line is better than 6th.

 

[MisterLucky]

ESPN? Aren't they affiliated with the SEC?

 

[iHawk]

I'd wager that if rankings are done at the end of the year Iowa's D line is better than 6th.

I agree.

Iowa's base scheme will do fine against the run as always, and I think the DL will do better at pressuring the QB and getting sacks this year than last; due mainly to our LB corps having more experience this year. As the season goes on, this will help even more.

Parker's scheme is predicated on LB play. When the LBs are green like last year, the DL has to "stay home" and play with more discipline and can't truly get after it. This year, the dogs will be let loose a bit more, and also get a bit more rest with rotation.

 

[DexterMorgan]

To clarify, I don't think it's unjust to rate us 6th preseason because there are some question marks. I just think that our DLine will out perform projections.

 

[smoot27]

To clarify, I don't think it's unjust to rate us 6th preseason because there are some question marks. I just think that our DLine will out perform projections.

Maybe it will even out after our overrated defensive line last year took home the preseason #1 ranking. Ballard and Clayborn spent half the plays taking a knee sucking wind on the sidelines while qbs like Persa and Tolzien ripped us apart. I think this group needs to prove itself to deserve being in the top 5.

 

[theboat]

To clarify, I don't think it's unjust to rate us 6th preseason because there are some question marks. I just think that our DLine will out perform projections.

Anytime you lose 3 lineman in the first 5 rounds, on paper you have to take things down. (which is why I don't get the people that say wisc O-line is better than Iowa's).
I agree that this is the right ranking for right now, and also that things will be much better at the end of the season. I would not be surprised with a top 3 line, and would be shocked if they weren't in the top 5 after the season.

 

[ICHawk24]

ESPN? Aren't they affiliated with the SEC?

Yes, just as they are affiliated with the B1G.

 

[Liq]

I know we can win that Penn State game..

Is there a game on the schedule that is a sure loss? I dont see one, the Nebraska game is easily the most difficult on paper.

Definitely not saying we are going to win ever game, but there isnt one there that jumps out at me as a sure loss.

 

[Benddontbreak]

ESPN? Aren't they affiliated with the SEC?

Its not like they air every SEC spring game like 100 times. Oh wait...

 

[spudhawk]

Penn State is too low on this list. They have 3 solid DTs, and 3 known DEs at least (lost Massaro to ACL in spring). They also recruit well and if Crawford reaches his potential this is the 2nd or 3rd best unit int he Big Ten.