Hidden yards...

[CP87]

Iowa's net punting last year: 35.5, 105th in the nation (Iowa was 17th in the nation in fewest yards per return, 4.5 yds/ret)
Iowa's opponent's net punting last year: 36.5, 22nd lowest in nation.
Iowa's punt return last year: 10.6 yds/return, 43rd in nation
Iowa's punt return % (% of opponents' punts returned vs. fair-caught or not fielded): 38%, 14th highest in the nation

Last year's kickoff team: 14th most touchbacks in the nation, 8th lowest return average in the nation (16.4 yds/return)
Last year's kickoff return team: 4th highest average in the nation (27.3 yds/return).
I wish I could find average starting field position and opponents' average start following kickoffs, but I can't locate that info.

Iowa's penalty yards/game: 41.5 yds/game, 16th fewest in nation.

I think this has the chance to be one of the best special-teams units the Hawks have put together in awhile, just tons of athleticism, and some really experienced guys leading these units. I know the specialists are new, but if...

• Sleep-Dalton can improve the one bad # up above
• Smith-Marsette can continue his kickoff return excellence
• Smith-Marsette can juice up the punt return numbers
• Our place-kickers are competent

We could really gain ground with hidden yards. Football Outsiders had Iowa as 16th in the nation in Special Teams Efficiency last year. Hopefully they are even better this year.

 

[JG10Hawk]

I think turnover margin was top 15 last year as well. Those are some more hidden yards (tend to lead to better field position).

 

[Hawk1960]

Good stuff. We tend to play a lot of close games and these are the type of things that can turn an L in to a W.