Saturday, August 21, 2010

College Football Preview: 4. Iowa Hawkeyes(Updated)



Iowa Hawkeyes, Number Four, Key Loss: OT Bryan Bulaga
It was an interesting season for Iowa last year. After getting to an undefeated mark the Hawkeyes faltered only to come back and beat Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi returns who is a strong passer but has too cut down on his high turnover numbers. Luckily for Stanzi he has one of the better Big Ten pass catchers in Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, an All Conference Selection who also helps the Hawkeyes on special teams. The ground game will likely be a trio of three backs in Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher and Jewel Hampton. The O-Line lost Bulaga but it still returns a few starters. On defense, the line returns four starters including all Big 10 end Adrian Clayborn who uses his footwork too get into backfields. The linebacker core is coming off loses including Pat Angerer. Though the secondary is the strenght of the defense. Amari Speivey is gone but cornerback Shaun Prater returns and All Conference Selections Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood come back both hard hitters. On special teams, both kicker Daniel Murray and punter Ryan Donahue.

Heisman Hopeful: Ricky Stanzi
Other Notable Players: Tyler Sash
Key Games: Oct. 23 vs. Wisconsin Quick Pick: Can the Hawkeyes secondary shut down underrated QB Scott Tolzien and John Clay? Iowa wins.
Nov. 20 vs. Ohio State Quick Pick: Terrelle Pryor goes up against Sash and the Heisman Hopeful hopes to get some last minute votes.

No comments: