The Iowa Hawkeyes are no sleeper to win a national title after going 11-2 and handling Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl last season, especially when you consider how close they were to a perfect season. One could make an argument that Iowa would have ran the table in 2009-10 if starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi hadn't gone down with an injury. Iowa started the season 9-0, and it was leading 10-0 against Northwestern at home before Stanzi was knocked out of the game. Iowa lost that game as backup quarterback James Vandenberg struggled in relief. Iowa then marched into the horseshoe the following week and took Ohio State to overtime in Vanderberg's first career start. Those were Iowa's only blemishes in 2009, and it is confident that it can erase both this season. Iowa's schedule sets up nicely as it gets to play its most challenging games at Kinnick Stadium, where it is 44-9 in its last 53. That means that Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State must all visit a place that has been extremely unkind to visitors. Led by defensive end Adrian Clayborn, the defense should once again be dominant. The offense did lose some high-caliber lineman to the NFL, but the team is very confident in the guys that are stepping in. If those guys play to expectations, this Iowa team can be as good as any in the country.
Offense - Forget about the 15 interceptions Stanzi threw last season. The Hawkeyes are 18-4 in all games he has started the two years. Stanzi is still one of the best, if not the best NFL prospect among Big Ten signal callers according to some scouts. If he cuts down on the interceptions this season, and Iowa's wins keep piling up, his stock should skyrocket. Joining him in the backfield is a trio of very capable tailbacks. Jewel Hampton was supposed to be the starter last year, but he missed the entire season with a knee injury. He is back, and he joins Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher, who combined for 1,475 rushing yards in their freshman campaigns. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos led the Hawks in receiving in 2009, hauling in 45 catches for 750 yards. Marvin McNutt, who was originally recruited to play quarterback, emerged as a big time target for the Hawks as well.
Defense - Iowa caught a big break when Clayborn decided to pass on the NFL to return for his senior season. He recorded 20 tackles for loss, 11.5 of those sacks, and forced four fumbles. Sash is highly regarded as one of the best strong safeties in the country. He loves to lay the wood, and he came up with six interceptions in his sophomore campaign. Iowa was one of the best defensive teams in the country in 2009, and with eight of 11 starters returning, that should be the case again this season.
Prediction - 2nd Big Ten - With the talent that the Hawkeyes are bringing back, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and with the way their schedule has shaped up, this season could end up being a very special one. If the Hawks don't let any teams they should beat sneak up on them, the Big Ten title could come down to a November 20th date with Ohio State. College football lines makers have listed the Iowa Hawkeyes at +2500 to win the BCS title.
Join World Champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd in the winner's circle this season by playing his award-winning football picks!
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