Spartan Nation 2008 Big Ten Football scouting report: Iowa Hawkeyes
Spartan Nation 2008 scouting report:Â Iowa Hawkeyes
Biggest Game:Â September 20, 2008 @ Pitt
Predicted record:Â 7-5 (4-4)
Projected Big Ten standing: 7th    Â
Returning Starters:Â OFFENSE: 8 DEFENSE:Â 5Â Â Lettermen return:Â 52Â Â Â
Head Coach:Â Kirk Ferentz 10th Season at Iowa Last Season 6-6 Lifetime:Â 61-49
Top assistant:Â DC and Spartan Nation member Norm Parker
The Hawkeyes start out the season with one win immediately because they don’t have to play the Ohio State. This teams strength is going to be offense, especially the OL. Other than OSU this could be the best OL in the Big Ten. Issues still remain with the defense. The entire team has been decimated with off field issues to the point that some (albeit a small group) would actually like to see Ferentz gone.
In my opinion that is simply foolish, but he has to get a handle on it right now. Norm Parker is among the best DC’s in the nation and his defense has to be better. If they can have any kind of an improvement on that side of the ball (and I think they will) this team will get above .500 and reach my prediction.
QB Jake Christensen has to get more accurate. I think he will. When you watch him play he doesn’t make poor decisions so the accuracy will come with maturity. Having a great OL buys a QB time and allows the team to run the ball and take the pressure off.
Looking back at last season they should have never beat MSU. Poor play calling cost the Spartans that game and this time Iowa has to come to East Lansing with a Spartan team that has much more confidence and cohesiveness.
Their starting RB is going to be a JUCO transfer named Nate Guillory. That is only real question with the offense. Look for this team to return to be solid in the special teams (a trademark of Ferentz) and to sure up the D under Parker.
A win at Pitt could change this team’s perspective to a much better bowl and record. I don’t think they can go in there early in the season and win, but it could springboard them.
Allegedly their biggest rival is Minnesota, but someone has failed to tell the Gophers that. Ferentz and Iowa own the Gophers and they should see their season end with a trouncing of the Gophers in the Metrodome.
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