Iowa Enters 2010 FB Season with best BCS title shot in Ferentz era

[briankaldenberg]

First I think our schedule next year is such a recipe for success. We play the best of the best in the Big 10 and we get them all at home: (Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan State). We play Michigan at Michigan. We play a decent non-conference slate with games against Iowa state and at Arizona. Call me crazy, but I think if we lose @ Arizona, but win out we could still have a legitimate shot at NC game.

I realize that many of these statements are predictions, but from the looks of things next year we will enter the season with:

1. Best defensive line in Ferentz era. (HN unanimous agreement?)

2. Best WR core in Ferentz era. (HN unanimous agreement?)

3. Best secondary in Ferentz era.

4. Best defense in Ferentz era.

5. Best punter in Ferentz era.

5. Highest pre-season AP/Coaches ranking in the Ferentz era.

6. Experience coming back on offensive line and linebacker with sophomore or junior reserves stepping into starting roles.

7. Most overall talented team to bottom in Ferentz era.

 

[hawkeyescott]

First I think our schedule next year is such a recipe for success. We play the best of the best in the Big 10 and we get them all at home: (Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan State). We play Michigan at Michigan. We play a decent non-conference slate with games against Iowa state and at Arizona. Call me crazy, but I think if we lose @ Arizona, but win out we could still have a legitimate shot at NC game.

I realize that many of these statements are predictions, but from the looks of things next year we will enter the season with:

1. Best defensive line in Ferentz era. (HN unanimous agreement?)

2. Best WR core in Ferentz era. (HN unanimous agreement?)

3. Best secondary in Ferentz era.

4. Best defense in Ferentz era.

5. Best punter in Ferentz era.

5. Highest pre-season AP/Coaches ranking in the Ferentz era.

6. Experience coming back on offensive line and linebacker with sophomore or junior reserves stepping into starting roles.

7. Most overall talented team to bottom in Ferentz era.

I agree with everything except #6, the OL won't have much experience along with the LB's even though I'm not worried about the LB's because they will have the best front 4 in America playing in front of them.

 

[Bucketochicken]

1. Certainly one of, if not the.
2. Yes
3. Yes (IF Amari stays)
4. See #1
5. Arguably
6. Yes
7. Yes


Still though, our primary roadblock is depth. We're one injury to a key player away from having the whole sh'bang crumble pretty quickly. But I'm totally with you on the optimism (at the very least because threads like this make CycloneFanatic burst into flames).

 

[brewhawk23]

I think the stars are aligning for the Hawkeyes this fall. If we come out of the gates like we did this year, we will lose some early games. Arizona is going to be tough and so is ISU. If our offensive line gels early, the sky is the limit. Our defense will be again stout (I think Edds and Angerer are replaced nicely) and our special teams should be great next year. We have a chance it just all depends how we come out to begin the season in my opinion...

 

[ShadasRevenge]

1. Certainly one of, if not the.
2. Yes
3. Yes (IF Amari stays)
4. See #1
5. Arguably
6. Yes
7. Yes


Still though, our primary roadblock is depth. We're one injury to a key player away from having the whole sh'bang crumble pretty quickly. But I'm totally with you on the optimism (at the very least because threads like this make CycloneFanatic burst into flames).

Which is always entertaining. I can see Al_4_State's head exploding from here.

 

[Mesaclone]

The loss of Bulaga, Richardson, Calloway and Eubanks cannot be overstated. Until there's solid evidence these OL losses have been overcome, the position has to be considered anything but experienced and/or a strength. Its not that there's no talent/experience...but there is a LOT of unproven factors at the most critical team position in football.

Linebacker will likely remain a solid position but possibly not the team strength it was last season...unless someone has a major breakthrough season, which is possible but can hardly be an expectation.

So there are concerns for Iowa, a serious one in the case of the OL. Nonetheless, I'd say they deserve a pre-season top 10 ranking. But the lack of proven ability on the OL will likely keep them out of the top 5 until they prove themselves in the pre-conference season. The Arizona game should be a strong indicator.

 

[CFHawk]

I think the OL could be the only question mark, though I think they will be OK. Depth always a problem.

 

[Mesaclone]

I remember 2003 all too well. Do not underestimate the importance of experience with an Offensive Line. I think the talent is certainly there, but it takes time for a new group to gel...sometimes an entire season. Not saying there's no reason for optimism but a health sense of realism is also needed.