{mosimage}#5 Iowa Hawkeyes: Big Ten Preview Countdown 2007

Iowa was a major disappointment last year, going 2-6 in the Big Ten. But as we all know, good programs tend to bounce back in big ways.

Last year was admittedly tough for Iowa as they struggled all year and dropped shocking games against Indiana and Northwestern. But bad seasons happen to every program in today's era of parity in college football, and the ability to come back strong the following year has always been what separates the good programs from the average ones. Iowa figures to do just that in 2007, as the Hawkeyes return a ton of talent to go with the team's typical grit and toughness. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that they don't have to play Ohio State or Michigan, either (can the Big Ten please pass a rule that prevents any team from ever getting this kind of break again like Purdue did a couple years ago?).

The Hawkeyes were also derailed by injuries last year and should have much more depth in 2007 if they stay healthy. Drew Tate is finally gone after spending what seemed like an eternity in Iowa City, and former highly-touted prospect Jake Christensen will step in and hope to lead an Iowa offense that sputtered for most of last year. Christensen is another smurf like Tate in football terms at only six feet tall, but he is a great fit for the Iowa offense that likes to use misdirection, play-action, and short passes because he is exceptionally accurate and throws well on the run. He's not the kind of guy who will win games on his own but with help from his supporting cast, he will be more than servicable.

While the offensive line is a bit of a question mark, the skill players are talented and ready to step up. Albert Young is one of the Big Ten's top running backs as he boasts great vision, balance, and hands to catch the ball out of the backfield. As good as Young is, however, he will have to share some carries with speedy backup Damian Sims, which will be good for the Iowa offense in the long run. Tom Busch will pave the way for Young and Sims as well as catch a few passes out of the backfield. Busch is one of the top fullbacks in the country. The wide receiver group was woefully short on depth last year but that shouldn't be a problem in 2007. Dominique Douglas was one of the country's top true freshman last season and became a go-to guy for Iowa despite his thin frame. As he fills out and gets stronger, the quick and sure-handed Douglas will be one of the best in the Big Ten. Andy Brodell was a disappointment for most of the season, dropping easy balls and frustrating the coaches, but showed glimpses of being a special player as he torched Texas' highly-touted defensive backfield in the Alamo Bowl for 157 yards and two touchdowns.The junior had to make a tough transition from high school running back to college wide receiver but seems to have hit his stride and is one of the fastest players on the team and a big-play threat. Youngster James Cleveland also has the potential for a breakout season after being redshirted last year.

Tight end Scott Chandler was the offense's best weapon last year but Tony Moeaki should fill in nicely as a good all-around receiver and blocker. The offensive line is in a bit of a transition period, however, but has some talented up-and-coming players like center Rafael Eubanks and left tackle Dace Richardson as building blocks. Defensively, Iowa has a mean, angry front seven that should make the defense a unit to be reckoned with this year. The front four is fierce, led by fiery DT Mitch King, relentless DE Bryan Mattison and pass-rushing specialist DE Kenny Iwebema, a potential All-Big Ten player who should bounce back from an injury-plagued 2006 season. The defensive line is undersized as a unit but strong, fit, and agile.

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Linebacker is another position of strength as Mike Klinkenborg and Mike Humpal have come into their own recently. Sophomore A.J. Edds should be the starter at the remaining OLB spot after a strong spring. The secondary might be the weakest spot on the team, and for good reason since Iowa isn't exactly recruiting on fertile ground for DB prospects. But the Hawkeyes are good at finding diamonds in the rough and this unit could surprise. Senior Adam Shada will start at one corner and while he is adept at making big plays, he's also been burned for his share of touchdown passes as well. He will need to improve his consistency but has good size at 6'1 and speed. Fellow CB starter Charles Godfrey is also 6'1 and has shown flashes of good play but also has given up his share of big plays.

The safeties are Devan Moylan and Brett Greenwood, a redshirt freshman. Both have a lot to prove. Newcomers Jordan Bernstine and Cedric Everson add much-needed speed and athleticism for the future, although they might not see much of the field this season.

The special teams is in the same boat as the safeties as Iowa coaches confessed the unit lost its edge last year, so expect that to be another area of potential improvement.

Put it all together and Iowa has the makings of a classically tough and Kirk Ferentz team and that combined with a manageable schedule is a cause for great optimism in Iowa City. The toughest game on paper is at Wisconsin, but Iowa has owned the Badgers in recent years.Pull that one off, and the Hawkeyes could suddenly find themselves in the thick of the Big Ten race. Two weeks later, a date with Penn State in Happy Valley will be another difficult test that could have major bowl implications. A week three trip to Iowa State will also be tough as the Cyclones always play their in-state rivals tough. But overall, the schedule is extremely easy by Big Ten standards. Iowa might not be as talented overall as Michigan, Ohio State, or Wisconsin, but with a little luck, they just might finish ahead or tied of those three powerhouses in 2007.

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