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Game Thread Game Five: #1 Ohio State 38, #13 Iowa 17 (9/30/06)

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Buckeyes go under the lights to take on Hawkeyes
Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Big Ten on Tuesday announced a preliminary slate of six televised football games for this fall, including a night game for Ohio State when it travels to Iowa.

The Buckeyes, conference co-champions with Penn State a year ago, will play at Iowa on Sept. 30 in an 8 p.m. EDT start. They also will host Minnesota on Oct. 28 at 3:30 p.m. Both games will be shown on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

The Buckeyes' game at Texas on Sept. 9 also is expected to be played at night.

In addition, the Michigan at Ohio State game on Nov. 18 will likely kick off early in the afternoon.

Ohio State opens its 117th season of intercollegiate football on Sept. 2 at home against Northern Illinois.

The other televised games announced by the Big Ten include Notre Dame at Michigan State, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. (ABC); Michigan at Minnesota, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2); Michigan State at Michigan, Oct. 7 at 4:30 p.m. (ESPN); and Michigan at Penn State, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m (ABC).
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http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/sports/14591610.htm
 
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<!--body text -->[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1] <TABLE id=table1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE id=table2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=397>Iowa Hawkeye[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]s[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]
Preview 2006[/FONT]</TD>[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1]<TD bgColor=#ffffff>- 2006 Iowa Offense Breakdown
- 2006 Iowa Defense Breakdown
- 2006 Iowa Depth Chart
- 2006 Iowa Further Analysis
- 2005 Iowa Preview </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>[/SIZE]
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Iowa%20-%20Mike%20Elgin%20HB.gif
By[FONT=verdana, arial,
sans serif][SIZE=-1] [/SIZE][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial,
sans serif][SIZE=-1]Pete Fiutak[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial,
sans serif][SIZE=-1]
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Some day, Iowa will have all the pieces put together on day one and then it'll really be time for the rest of the Big Ten to worry.
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Every year, some preseason publication declares that it's the year Kirk Ferentz's team will finally win an outright Big Ten title and become the type of superpower that causes other teams to tremble. Ohio State gets the blood boiling. The Michigan game always gets circled on the calendar. Penn State, even during the down days, was a big date that got everyone fired up. Iowa, even after four straight January bowl appearances, just barely gets the blood pressure up.

And why is that?

[/SIZE][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1]Maybe it's because the team is always out of the national title hunt before the the leaves chance colors.​

[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]<TABLE id=table3 cellSpacing=4 width=170 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Head coach: Kirk Ferentz
8th year: 49-36
11th year overall: 49-36
Returning Lettermen: 45
Lettermen Lost: 25[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Ten Best Iowa Players
1. QB Drew Tate, Sr.
2. RB Albert Young, Jr.
3. DE Ken Iwebema, Jr.
4. DE Bryan Mattison, Jr.
5. LB Edmond Miles, Sr.
6. TE Scott Chandler, Sr.
7. DT Mitch King, Soph.
8. G Mike Jones, Sr.
9. PK Kyle Schlicher, Sr.
10. FS Marcus Paschal, Sr. [/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TABLE id=table5 width=160><TBODY><TR><TD align=left width=146 bgColor=#000000 colSpan=2>
2006 Schedule
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]CFN Prediction: coming[/FONT]​
</TD></TR>[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1][FONT=Arial, Helvetica][SIZE=-1]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]9/2[/FONT]</TD>[/FONT][/SIZE][/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]<TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Montana[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/FONT][/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]9/9[/FONT]</TD>[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1][FONT=Arial, Helvetica][SIZE=-1]<TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Syracuse[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]9/[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]16[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Iowa State[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]9/23[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Illinois[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]9/30[/FONT]</TD>[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Ohio State[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]10/7[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Purdue[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]10/14[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Indiana[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]10/21[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Michigan[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]10/2[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]8[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Northern Illinois[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]11/4[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Northwestern[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]11/11[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Wisconsin[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]11/1[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]8[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=119>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Minnesota[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TABLE id=table6 width=160><TBODY><TR><TD align=left width=146 bgColor=#000000 colSpan=2>
2005 Schedule
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]CFN Prediction: 9-2
2005 Record: [/FONT]​
​
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]7-5[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Preview 2005 predicted wins[/FONT] [/FONT]​
</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]9/[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]3[/FONT]</TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Ball State[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] W 56-0[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/FONT]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]9/10[/FONT]</TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Iowa State[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] L 23-3[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/FONT]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]9/17[/FONT]</TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Northern Iowa[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] W 45-21[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/FONT]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]9/24[/FONT]</TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Ohio State L 31-6[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/FONT]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]10/[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]1[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Illinois[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] W 35-7[/FONT][/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]10/[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]8[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Purdue W 34-17[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]10/[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]15[/FONT]</TD><TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Indiana[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] W 38-21[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]10/22[/FONT]</TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Michigan[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] L 23-20 OT[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/FONT]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]11/5[/FONT]</TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Northwestern[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] L 28-27[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/FONT]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]11/12[/FONT]</TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]at Wisconsin[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] W 20-10[/FONT]</TD></TR>[/FONT]<TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]11/19[/FONT]</TD>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]<TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Minnesota[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] W 52-28[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width=27>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]1/2[/FONT]</TD>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]<TD align=left width=123>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Outback Bowl
Florida L 31-24[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>[/FONT][/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>[SIZE=-1]
It hasn't been just that Iowa always loses at least one early game to tumble out of the title race, it's that it national fans can cross off the Hawkeyes after crushing losses like the 23-3 gaffe to Iowa State last year and the 44-7 blasting by Arizona State in 2004. Worse yet, Iowa has lost it's last three Big Ten openers. On the plus side, Ferentz and his staff has the team humming as the season goes on.

While it's always important to get off to a hot start, it's more important to be good in November, and that's where Iowa has succeeded going 9-2 over the last four ears in the most crucial of months. This year's team has just enough holes to fill that it might continue to follow the pattern and have a few problems early on before rocking and rolling late.

The offense will have few problems moving the ball with Drew Tate back to lead the attack for a third straight season and tailback Albert Young a burgeoning superstar running behind a talented, veteran line. The hole? The receiving corps. It's very fast and should be great by the end of the year, but it'll need time to develop.

The defense has the same issues. The defensive line that was a concern last season will be one of the Big Ten's best this year, but the linebacking corps won't be nearly as good and will need a few games to get rolling. The safeties are excellent, but the corners are green. All the problems on both sides of the ball aren't that big a deal and will all be fine; it's just going to take a few games. By that time, Iowa could be out of the hunt yet again.

So Iowa isn't going to win the national title. Would another January bowl game be so bad? With this schedule, it might be because ...[/SIZE]​
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sans serif][SIZE=-1]​
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The Schedule: It's almost all that any Big Ten team could reasonably ask for. It's light enough for Iowa to get that time to jell playing Montana, at Syracuse, Iowa State, and at Illinois before dealing with Ohio State in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes catch a huge break not having to play Penn State, and not facing Michigan State this season isn't a bad thing. If you believe that the battle for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy at Minnesota will be like an Iowa home game, then the only road game on the slate to worry about is at Michigan. Win that, and get by the Buckeyes at home, and an unbeaten season is very likely.[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
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Best Offensive Player: Senior QB Drew Tate. One of the Big Ten's toughest quarterbacks, Tate is also starting to grow into one of the smartest with improved accuracy and decision-making abilities. He might not always be the prettiest quarterback, but he always seems to find a way to get the job done.
Best Defensive Player: Junior DE Ken Iwebema. He turned into a flash of a pass rusher last year and should be even more dangerous this season with the rest of the front four good enough to take the heat off. Fine, so offenses will gameplan to stop Iwebema. That means Bryan Mattison will make plays at the other end, or quick tackles Matt Kroul and Mitch King will fly up the middle.
Key player to a successful season: Senior WR Calvin Davis. Herb Grigsby should be a reliable target on one side, and Scott Chandler will lead a strong group of tight ends, but it's Davis who has to shine at split end and become the consistent deep threat who opens things up for the rest of the offense.
The season will be a success if ... Iowa wins 11 games and comes up with at least a share of the Big Ten title. The Hawkeyes will be favored in every conference game but two (at Michigan and home against Ohio State). If this really is a Big Ten championship-caliber team, it splits the the two nasty games and beats everyone else.
Key game: Sept. 30 vs. Ohio State. It'll take an upset for Iowa to lose at home to Purdue, Northwestern or Wisconsin and on the road against Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota. A win in Kinnick Stadium over the Buckeyes would likely mean it's a one game season (October 21st at Michigan) for the title.
2005 Fun Stats:
- First quarter scoring: Iowa 119 - Opponents 37
- Field goals in eight Big Ten games: Iowa 14 of 17 - Opponents 4 of 9
- Time of possession: Opponents 32:27 - Iowa 27:33

[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]The Last Time Iowa…
[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]…played in a bowl game…2005 (Outback Bowl vs. Florida)
…missed a bowl game…2000
…pitched a shutout…2005 (Ball State)
…was shutout…2000 (Illinois)
…scored 50 points…2005 (Minnesota)
…went undefeated…1922
…won a conference title…2004 (share, Big Ten)
…had a 3,000-yard passer…1988 (Chuck Hartlieb)
…had a 1,000-yard rusher…2005 (Albert Young)
…had a 1,000-yard receiver…2000 (Kevin Kasper)
…had a first-round draft choice…2006 (LB Chad Greenway)[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
​

[FONT=verdana, arial,
sans serif][SIZE=-1]<HR>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2][FONT=verdana, arial,
sans serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>2006 Iowa offense
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[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]Iowa Hawkeyes[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]
Preview 2006 - Hawkeye offense[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT] - 2006 Iowa Preview | Defense Breakdown | Depth Chart | Further Analysis

What you need to know ... The Iowa offense will be much like the 2005 version with balance, occasional explosion, and a few moments of baffling rough spots. There won't be many down moments if Drew Tate is a Big Ten Player of the Year caliber quarterback he's supposed to be, but he can't get banged up. Albert Young leads a talented backfield that should combine for close to 2,000 yards behind a talented line with a nice mix of steady veterans and great young prospects. The receiving corps is fast but inexperienced, while the tight ends will be the stars right away with three great options.
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]<TABLE id=table2 cellSpacing=6 width="30%" align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Returning Leaders
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Passing: Drew Tate
219-352, 2,828 yds, 22 TD, 7 INT
Rushing: Albert Young
249 carries, 1,334 yds, 8 TD
Receiving: Scott Chandler
47 catches, 552 yds, 2 TD[/FONT]​
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]
Star of the offense: Senior QB Drew Tate
Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior WR Calvin Davis
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore OT Dace Richardson
Best pro prospect: Senior TE Scott Chandler
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Tate, 2) RB Albert Young, 3) Chandler
Strength of the offense: Tight end, running back
Weakness of the offense: ​
[/SIZE][/FONT]​
[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1]Inexperienced receivers and reserves on the line [/SIZE]​
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Quarterbacks
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1]Can Drew Tate close out with an All-American bang? One of the tougher competitors in college football, Tate brings the attitude to the Hawkeyes. He's efficient and experienced, and now he has to make sure he can stay healthy after missing time here and there throughout last season. Jason Manson and Jake Christensen are capable backups, but Iowa needs Tate to have any chance of becoming a Big Ten champion.[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]The key to the unit: Keep Drew Tate healthy and develop Jake Christensen so he's ready to roll next season.
Quarterback Rating: 9Projected Starter
- Drew Tate, Sr. - 219-352, 62%, 2,828 yds, 22 TD, 7 INT, 44 carries, 41 yds, 2 TD
Tate cut down on his interceptions and improved his decision making by leaps and bounds from his sophomore year, and now he appears ready to make the jump to All-America status as a senior. He got better as last season went on finishing up by throwing for 351 yards and four touchdowns against Minnesota and 346 yards and three scores in the loss to Florida. He's a tough, gritty player who isn't afraid to throw his body around to try to get the tough yards, and he's great in the system. He should be among the nation's most efficient passers an on the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year short list.

Top Backups
- Jason Manson, Sr. - 24-48, 50%, 230 yds, 1 INT, 11 carries, 54 yds
Likely to spend most of his time at receiver, Manson is strictly a mop-up emergency option behind Drew Tate. He has a live arm and is far more mobile than Tate. Thrown into the fire in the loss to Iowa State, he struggled completing only ten of 31 passes in the loss. However, he has enough practice experience to step in and be fine.
- Jake Christensen, RFr.
Considered the star of the future, Christiensen was a one of the team's top recruits last season and will be groomed for the 2007 starting job. He isn't all that big, but he has a great arm along with decent mobility. With Jason Manson seeing time at receiver, Christensen will look to step up into the number two role.

[/SIZE][/SIZE][/FONT]Running Backs
The running game bounced back in a big way after the nightmare of 2004 when every available back got hurt. Albert Young got healthy and developed into one of the Big Ten's most productive backs both as a runner and a receiver. He has help to carry the workload with speedy Damian Sims and powerful sophomore Shonn Green good enough to each carry it at least 5-7 times a game. Redshirt freshman Dana Brown should see some carries if he can prove he can hang on to the ball. The fullbacks have mostly been blockers in recent seasons, but that'll likely change[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1] with Tom Busch, Champ Davis, and newcomer Kalvin Bailey all certain to be involved more.The key to the unit: Get another big year of production out of Albert Young while keeping him fresh and healthy by getting Damian Sims and Shonn Greene a significant number of carries.
Running Back Rating: 9Projected Starters
- Albert Young, Jr. - 249 carries, 1,334 yds, 5.4 ypc, 8 TD, 24 catches, 244 yds, 10.2 ypc
One of the nation's top unsung rushers, Young returned from a leg injury that cost him all of 2004 to rip off eight, 100-yard games while rushing for 1,002 yards in Iowa's eight Big Ten games. He blends decent power with tremendous speed and great hands. He has the ability to tear off yards in chunks, but his longest run last season was 36 yards. Expect that to change. The scary part? He's even faster now that he's a year removed from the injury.

- Fullback Tom Busch, Jr. - 9 carries, 31 yds, 3.4 ypc, 4 catches, 29 yds
A pure blocker last season, the 231-pound junior has the skills to be used more as a power back as well as a receiver. He'll pave the way for the Hawkeye tailbacks and should grow into more of a playmaker as the season goes on.

Top Backups
- Damian Sims, Jr. - 30 carries, 296 yd,s 9.9 ypc, 4 TD, 3 catches, 30 yds, 10 ypc
Sims might not have seen many carries, but he made the most of his opportunities highlighted by a 71-yard touchdown run against Minnesota. He's a quick little scat back who's great at making defenders miss, and now he needs to get the ball more in the open field.
- Shonn Greene, Soph. - 37 carries, 173 yds, 4.7 ypc, 1 TD
Greene saw most of his action as a true freshman in the opening day blowout over Ball State rushing for 116 yards. He's the power runner in the attack at 5-11 and 210 pounds adding more of a between-the-tackles option than Albert Young and Damian Sims. He has the hands to be used as a receiver even though he didn't catch a pass last season.
- Fullback Champ Davis, Sr. - 1 carry, 10 yds, 8 catches, 58 yds, 7.2 ypc, 1 TD
The 6-2, 238-pound senior is a physical blocker and a surprisingly dangerous receiver. He won't run the ball much and will have to fight off Kalvin Bailey for the number two job, but he's too experienced not to be part of the mix.

[/SIZE]ReceiversThere's not a lot of experience after losing Clinton Solomon and Ed Hinkel, but there's a whole bunch of speed. Calvin Davis, Andy Brodell and Herb Grigsby can move, really move, and Eric McCollum is a promising possession receiver. The tight end situation is fantastic with three who are good enough to start. 6-7 Scott Chandler will be one of the Big Ten's top receiving tight ends, Ryan Majerus is a reliable veteran, and Tony Moeaki has the potential to be the best of the bunch.The key to the unit: Hope for the speed to turn into production with at least two wide receivers becoming reliable targets to complement the tight ends.
Receiver Rating: 7Projected Starters
[SIZE=-1]- Calvin Davis, Sr. - 8 catches, 79 yds, 9.9 ypc
[/SIZE][/SIZE][/FONT]Davis was an Iowa high school track star winning the state title with a 10.73 100-meter dash and set records in the 200 and 400. Now he's expected to bring that speed at split end taking over Clinton Solomon's old spot where he needs to become a consistent deep threat right off the bat.
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]
- Herb Grigsby, Jr. - 25 catches, 335 yds, 13.4 ypc, 3 TD
Grigsby finally got in the mix after missing most of his sophomore season and ended up seeing starting time after Ed Hinkel broke his arm. Now he appeared to be the number one target. He finished the season as the fourth leading receiver catching 18 of his 25 passes over the final five games. He can also be used as a kick returner.

- Tight end Scott Chandler, Sr. - 47 catches, 552 yds, 11.7 ypc, 2 TD
Chandler became the team's leading receiver and should once again be one of Drew Tate's top targets. The former wide receiver has terrific hands and great size at 6-7 and 257 pounds. While he's not the most dominant blocker around, he's good enough to not be a liability appearing to be impvoved this spring. With his size and skills, he could develop into a more dangerous goal line target.

Top Backups- Andy Brodell, Soph. - 6 catches, 69 yds, 11.5 ypc
There's speed in the Iowa receiving corps, and Brodell might be the fastest of the bunch after running a 10.4 100-meter dash and tore off a 21.4 in the 200. He's not just fast, he's big at 6-3 and 193 pounds at split end. His one big day came at Northwestern with four grabs for 46 yards.
- Eric McCollom, Jr. - 2 catches, 19 yds, 9.5 ypc
Part receiver and part quarterback, the sophomore caught two passes in the opening day blowout and didn't see the ball from then on. He's a smart, athletic inside receiver who brings more size than Herb Gribsby.
- Tight end Tony Moeaki, Soph. - 8 catches, 112 yds, 14 ypc
He'll be one of the stars in the passing attack soon. While not huge at 6-4 and 250 pounds, he's a fantastic receiver and tough enough to grow into a strong blocker.
- Tight end Ryan Majerus, Sr. - 10 catches, 95 yds, 9.5 ypc, 2 TD[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]
A starter just about anywhere else, the 6-3 senior is a steady, midrange receiver. The former linebacker is the third man in the mix but will still see plenty of passes his way. He'll also see work on special teams.[/SIZE]
Offensive Linemen[SIZE=-1]There are enough good veterans to allow several talented young players to grow into their roles. There are also enough versatile linemen to come up with several combinations and adjust on the fly if injuries hit. Mike Elgin has been a good guard and now will be the quarterback of the line at center, Marshal Yanda can play either guard or tackle and will start out on the outside, and Mike Jones will an all-star at left guard. Dace Richardson is a rising star at left tackle while the return of Lee Gray and the emergence of Dan Doering provides good depth. [/SIZE]The key to the unit: The reserves need to quickly develop to allow for a good rotation as the season goes on. Over the first half of the year the line needs to stay healthy and intact so they all can get used to their roles.
Offensive Line Rating: 8Projected Starters
- OT Dace Richardson, Soph.
The 6-6, 306-pound sophomore saw time as a true freshman showing the potential to grow into an All-Big Ten performer at left tackle if he can be far better in pass protection. He's not just big, he's athletic, but he has to be stronger than he was in spring ball.
- OG Mike Jones, Sr.
Able to play tackle or guard, the 302-pound senior started last season at both tackle spots before settling in at left guard where he'll stay ... for now. He's an All-Big Ten caliber blocker no matter where he lines up.
- C Mike Elgin, Sr.
Elgin is an academic All-American who became an all-star caliber performer at guard. Now he'll move to center where he should once again be one of the best technicians on the line. He beefed up to 288 pounds and should be even more physical.
- OG Seth Olsen, Soph.
Olsen got one starting assignment at tackle before spending the rest of the season as a reserve guard. He's 301 pounds and a mauling run blocker who should grow into a rock on the right side.
- OT Marshal Yanda, Sr.
The JUCO All-American turned into a reliable starter at both right tackle and left guard. He's leaner and quicker and should be even more productive at right tackle

Top Backups
- OT Lee Gray, Sr.
The former defensive lineman was growing into a star on the offensive line before getting knocked out with a knee injury in 2005 preseason practice. He's a fast 6-6 and 320 pounds and finally appears ready to get back in the mix at one of the tackle spots.
- OT Dan Doering, RFr.
One of the team's most talented prospects, the 6-7, 290-pound redshirt freshman still has room on his frame for another 15 pounds without looking heavy. He'll someday be an All-Big Ten performer but will start out behind Marshal Yanda on the right side.
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[FONT=verdana, arial,
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[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]Iowa Hawkeyes[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]
Preview 2006 - Hawkeye defense[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]- 2006 Iowa Preview | Offense Breakdown | Depth Chart [/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1]| [/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]Further Analysis

[/SIZE][/FONT]What you need to know ... [/SIZE][/FONT]The strengths of last season are the concerns of this year, and vice versa. The Hawkeye D had to replace one of the nation's top lines, and now the front four should be among the best in the Big Ten. The 2005 linebacking corps was among the best in the country, and now big-time replacements are needed. The corners were strong last year and safety was the question mark, and now, you guessed it, the opposite is true. The run defense should be great even after losing all-star linebacker Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge thanks to a big, quick, and very active front four that should be special over the next two seasons. The pass defense needs some tightening, but that might not happen for a while until the new corners get settled.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Returning Leaders
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Tackles: Edmond Miles, 68
Sacks: Ken Iwebema, 7
Interceptions: Adam Shada, 3[/FONT]​
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Star of the defense: Junior DE Ken Iwebema
Player that has to step up and become a star: Junior CB Adam Shada
Unsung star on the rise: Junior LB Mike Klinkenborg
Best pro prospect: Iwebema
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Iwebema, 2) DE Bryan Mattison, 3) LB Edmond Miles
Strength of the defense: Defensive line
Weakness of the defense: Linebacker depth, cornerback​
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[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT]Defensive Line
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]The line was considered a big problem spot going into last season after losing a slew of productive all-stars, but there were whispers that things might not be so bad with several raw, talented prospects. Even the most hopeful Hawkeye fans couldn't have foreseen how good the front four was going to become with four rising superstars with all-star potential. Ken Iwebema got most of the press after turning into a pass rushing terror, while Bryan Mattison was almost as good on the other side. Matt Kroul and Mitch King bulked up in a big hurry going from big linebackers the quick tackles in a year. Everyone can get into the backfield and everyone can stop the run with the ends bigger than the tackles.The key to the unit: Hope for all the young stars to take another step up in their production while getting a bit more out of the backups.
Defensive Line Rating: 8.5Projected Starters
- DE Ken Iwebema, Jr. - 48 tackles, 7 sacks, 10 TFL
The athletic junior turned in an All-Big Ten season as one of the league's top pass rushers. He's a tackle-sized 6-4 and 270 pounds bulking up from the 246 pounds he started at last year. He's quick and very consistent both at getting into the backfield and against the run.

- DT Matt Kroul, Soph. - 48 tackles, 2 sacks, 4.5 TFL, 1 interception
Kroul went from being a 256-pound puffed up linebacker to a 271-pound run stuffing rock on the inside. He's an all-star waiting to happen able to do a little bit of everything well. He grew into a good interior pass rusher as well as a stunningly good run defender.

- DT Mitch King, Soph. - 60 tackles, 2 sacks, 10.5 TFL, 3 broken up passes, 3 forced fumbles
King earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors after becoming a dominant pass rusher on the inside and leading the line in tackles. He's not huge at 264 pounds, but he's bigger. The former linebacker showed how his quickness was more than enough to get the job done. Expect even better stats this season with all the talent around him getting better.

- DE Bryan Mattison, Jr. - 46 tackles, 4 sacks, 9.5 TFL, 5 quarterback hurries
While he didn't receive the accolades Ken Iwebema did on the other side, Mattison was almost as productive. He has gotten bigger and bigger over the last few seasons getting up to 272 pounds and now should garner some All-Big Ten recognition of his own. He has been known as a dangerous pass rusher while growing into a steady run defender.
[/SIZE]Top Backups
- DT Ryan Bain, Soph. - 21 tackles, 4 sacks, 3.5 TFL
Bain had a great true freshman season leading the interior in sacks while looking like a veteran against the run. At 282 pounds he's the biggest option in the middle and has to be even more of a factor against the bigger power running teams.
- DE Alex Kanellis, Soph. - 9 tackles, 2 sacks
A star high school performer and the Iowa high school player of the year in 2004, Kanellis saw a little bit of time as a true freshman and showed off a little bit of his pass rushing potential. He'll start out playing behind Ken Iwebema and should be even stronger against the run after bulking up to 281 pounds.

Linebackers
[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1]You don't lose 314 tackles from players like Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway and not take a big step backwards. Edmond Miles is a good defender to build around with the experience and playmaking ability to be the leader of the corps. Mike Klinkenborg will ease the loss of Hodge in the middle and should quickly grow into one of the team's top tacklers. The biggest drop-off is on the weakside where Mike Humpal is fast and good, but he's not Greenway. There's almost no developed depth; things will quickly go downhill if there are injury problems.[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]The key to the unit: Mike Klinkenborg and Mike Humpal don't have to play like top NFL prospects, but they have to be more than just adequate.
Linebacker Rating: 6.5Projected Starters
- Edmond Miles, Sr. - 68 tackles, 1 sack, 9 TFL, 7 quarterback hurries
A huge hitter who was always overshadowed by Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge, Miles was a big producer as well as more of a pass rusher than the two former Hawkeyes stars while also finishing third on the teak in tackles. He's the only returning starter to the linebacking corps and will have to be the leader from his spot on the outside.

- Mike Klinkenborg, Jr. - 11 tackles
While he's not going to be Abdul Hodge in the middle, the 240-pound junior is tough and athletic enough to be one of the team's leading tacklers. He's an academic All-American who'll have few problems with his familiarity of the defense. He's a natural enough pass rusher to be disruptive in the backfield.

- Mike Humpal, Jr. - 24 tackles, 2 broken up passes
The 232-pound junior has to replace All-Everything Chad Greenway on the weakside and has the talent to put up big numbers. While he's nowhere near the athlete Greenway is, he's very fast and should be great in pass coverage. Staying healthy has been his problem so far. If he can stay on the field, he'll be one of the team's top tacklers.

Top Backups
- Zach Gabelmann, Sr. - 17 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 broken up pass
A top special teamer last season, Gabelmann is also the only backup linebacker with any experience. He's a hard-nosed hitter who fits in the middle and possible the strongside.
- Pat Angerer, RFr.
It'll be trial by fire for the 222-pound redshirt freshman. He'll see time on the weakside behind Mike Humpal and needs to get his feet wet to give the defense more options. If he can shine right away, Humpal might be used elsewhere if there are injury issues.

[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]D[/FONT]efensive BacksThe Iowa secondary regressed after a good 2004 and should take another dip in production after losing Antwan Allen and Jovon Johnson. The safeties will be solid with Marcus Paschal and Miguel Merrick as good a pair as any in the Big Ten, so the attention will be on the corners where promising junior Adam Shada has to shine from the start and safety Charles Godfrey has to fit into an outside role. There are good prospects among the backups but there's not a lot of experience.The key to the unit: Tread water early on until the corners figure out what they're doing.
Secondary Rating: 6.5 Projected Starters
- CB Adam Shada, Jr. - 22 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 broken up passes
A big corner who has been in the mix from day one, Shada is 6-1 and 185 pounds with excellent quickness and enough experience to make up for the loss of Jovon Johnson. He tied for the team lead in interceptions and should take advantage of teams throwing his way to avoid Charles Godfrey.

- FS Marcus Paschal, Sr. - 62 tackles, 6 broken up passes
Paschal made a tremendous return from a torn ACL to become an honorable mention All-Big Ten playmaker finishing fifth on the team in tackles. He's a great hitter and a smart leader of the defensive secondary. Now that he's more than a year removed from the injury, he should show even more range and be an even bigger all-around playmaker.

- SS Miguel Merrick, Sr. - 59 tackles, 1 interception, 2 sacks, 4 broken up passes
The 203-pound senior is an All-Big Ten caliber performer against the run, but he isn't the best pass defender around. Even so, he's a strong leader whose consistency and big hits make him one of the tone-setting stars of the defense.

- CB Charles Godfrey, Jr. - 35 tackles, 1 forced fumble
The former free safety will move to corner where his experience will have to shine through right away as a top shut down defender. He's a great tackler with excellent size at 6-1 and 208 pounds. He might hit like a safety, but the jury is still out on if he can cover like a corner. There's a chance he could move back to safety early on.

Top Backups
- CB Bradley Fletcher, Soph. - 1 tackle
A great-sized corner at 6-2 and 195 pounds, the ultra-quick Fletcher could turn out to be one of the keys to the secondary. His emergence would allow Charles Godfrey to spend more time at safety rather than stick at right corner. - SS Devan Moylan, Sr. - 13 tackles
The former JUCO transfer saw time in every game and should be a reliable reserve behind Miguel Merrick. While not the tackler Merrick is, he's faster.
- CB Ma'Quan Dawkins, Sr. - 2 tackles
The 5-9, 166-pound walk-on has been a special teamer and an occasional nickel back for the last three seasons. He'll start out as a backup on the left side behind Adam Shada but will have a hard time getting on the field with freshman Justin Edwards looking ready for playing time.
Special Teams[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1]As always, Iowa's kickers will be fantastic with Kyle Schlicher on the Lou Groza Award short list and punter Andy Fenstermaker sure to receiver a little bit of all-star recognition if he can get a little more blast on his kicks. The nation's 15th best punt return game needs to replace the 17.4-yard average of Jovon Johnson with the speed of Herb Grigsby, who returned two punts last season for 11 yards. The kickoff returns are the sore spot after finishing 117th in the country averaging a woeful 16.2 yards per return. Shonn Greene and Albert Young will try to boost the production.[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-1]The key to the unit: Much more pop is needed on kickoff returns while PK Kyle Schlicher and P Andy Fenstermaker need a little more distance on their kicks to go along with their tremendous accuracy on short to midrange shots.
Special Teams Rating: 7.5Projected Starters
- PK Kyle Schlicher, Sr. - 17-21 FGs, 43-44 extra points
One of the best kickers in America returns after being all but automatic inside 40 yards. While he has a good leg with a 52-yard shot against Ohio State to his credit, his consistency tops out at the 40 missing two kicks from 41 and one from 47. His only miss inside the 40 came in the bowl game.
- P Andy Fenstermaker, Sr. - 49 punts, 1,885 yds, 38.5 yards per kick, 21 inside the 20
The net average won't make anyone's eyes pop out, but that's because Festermaker put everything inside the 20. He also did a great job of preventing returns forcing 18 fair catches.
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[FONT=verdana, arial,
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[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]Iowa Hawkeyes[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]
Preview 2006 Depth Chart[/FONT]
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[/SIZE]- 2006 Iowa Preview | Offense Breakdown | Defense Breakdown | Further Analysis
[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1] <TABLE cellSpacing=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="49%">OFFENSE Returning starters: 7
QB 5 Drew Tate 6-0 192 Sr.
16 Jason Manson 6-1 195 Sr.
RB 21 Albert Young 5-10 209 Jr.
28 Damian Sims 5-9 185 Jr. OR
45 Shonn Greene 5-11 225 So.
FB 35 Tom Busch 5-11 231 Jr.
46 Champ Davis 6-2 238 Sr.​
WR 4 Herb Grigsby 6-0 175 Jr.
7 Eric McCollom 6-0 190 Jr.

SE 22 Calvin Davis 6-1 197 Sr.
80 Andy Brodell 6-3 193 So.

TE 87 Scott Chandler 6-7 257 Sr.
81 Tony Moeaki 6-4 250 So.
30 Ryan Majerus 6-3 245 Sr.
LT 78 Dace Richardson 6-6 306 So.
68 Andy Kuempel 6-7 295 RFr.
LG 76 Mike Jones 6-5 302 Sr.
56 Rashad Dunn 6-3 290 So.
C 54 Mike Elgin 6-4 288 Sr.
58 Rob Bruggeman 6-3 280 So.
RG 71 Seth Olsen 6-5 301 So.
95 Ted Bentler 6-4 276 So.
RT 73 Marshal Yanda 6-4 305 Sr.
79 Dan Doering 6-7 290 RFr.
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</TD>[/SIZE][FONT=verdana, arial,
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[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=-1]DE 92 Ken Iwebema 6-4 270 Jr.
96 Alex Kanellis 6-4 281 So.
DT 53 Matt Kroul 6-3 271 So.
66 Ryan Bain 6-2 282 So.
DT 47 Mitch King 6-3 264 So.
91 Vernon Jackson 6-1 265 RFr.
DE 99 Bryan Mattison 6-3 272 Jr.
64 Justin Collins 6-2 250 RFr.
OLB 27 Edmond Miles 6-1 228 Sr.
17 Chris Kuehl 6-2 230 Jr.
MLB 40 Mike Klinkenborg 6-2 240 Jr.
51 Zach Gabelmann 6-1 233 Sr.
WLB 44 Mike Humpal 6-2 232 Jr.
43 Pat Angerer 6-1 222 RFr.
LCB 19 Adam Shada 6-1 185 Jr.
3 Ma’Quan Dawkins 5-9 166 Sr.
SS 15 Miguel Merrick 6-0 203 Sr.
14 Devan Moylan 5-10 201 Sr.
FS 25 Marcus Paschal 6-0 207 Sr.
11 Marcus Wilson 6-3 198 RFr.
RCB 13 Charles Godfrey 6-1 208 Jr. OR
29 Bradley Fletcher 6-2 195 So.
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SPECIALISTS
PK 1 Kyle Schlicher 5-9 184 Sr.
4 Jonathan Chupka 6-1 226 Jr.
P 6 Andy Fenstermaker 6-3 225 Sr.[/SIZE][/FONT]​
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Why Not The Hawkeyes?

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Could a national title be on the horizon for Kirk Ferentz and his Hawkeyes?
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>It is my firm belief that at least one of the participants in this year's national championship game will be a team from outside the preseason top 10 that takes the nation by storm, a la Oklahoma in 2000, LSU in '03 and Auburn (though it didn't actually reach the title game) in '04. To that end, I'm finding myself increasingly enamored with a team no one's talking about but really should: Iowa.

Apparently, one 7-5 season -- even when it follows three straight top-10 finishes and two Big Ten championships -- was enough to send the Hawkeyes back to the realm of national afterthought. But that would be a mistake. Last year's team got off to a rocky start due to the fact it was breaking in almost entirely new offensive and defensive lines, but by the end of the year, they looked like a typical Kirk Ferentz team, winning at 10-3 Wisconsin and throttling Minnesota. Their last three losses were to Michigan in overtime, to Northwestern by one point on a miracle comeback and to Florida by a touchdown in the Outback Bowl when a questionable offsides call cost them a recovered onside kick in the last two minutes.

Fast forward to this year. Last year's question marks, the O-line and D-line, will now be strengths. The offense should be extremely balanced behind former all-conference QB Drew Tate and 1,300-yard rusher Albert Young. Iowa's two concerns going into the season will be replacing starting receivers Ed Hinkel and Clinton Solomon and star linebackers Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway. I don't know much about the returning receivers, but an opposing Big Ten coach who watched tape of the Hawkeyes recently told me, "They're not going to miss a beat at linebacker -- No. 44 is going to be special." No. 44 is junior Mike Humpal, the new starting outside backer.

But what intrigues me most about Iowa is its schedule. In the past, Ferentz's teams have been notoriously slow starters. This year presents two huge games in the first month of the season, Iowa State and Ohio State, both at home. You've got to think those will go a long way toward determining whether it's going to be a truly special season -- i.e. a return to the BCS for the first time since 2002 --- or one that ends in another trip to Tampa.
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posted by Stewart Mandel
 
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If our defense hasn't solidified by then (say, if we lost to Texas) then Troy will have to be flinging the ball all over the place to keep up in scoring. If our defense has gelled then it could be like last year again. Though I dunno if Pittman will be able to cram the ball down their throats like he did last year with their now-improved d-line. All the more reason why we must beat Texas. No better booster shot of confidence than knocking off the defending national champs in their place. Going to Iowa City at night will be tough, but much easier to handle after taking on the Longhorns.
 
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Iowa QB Drew Tate downplays preseason hype
By LUKE MEREDITH

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Iowa senior quarterback Drew Tate isn't afraid to say it. Last season, he got caught up in the hype.

Pegged as a strong Heisman Trophy candidate after earning first team All-Big Ten honors in 2004, Tate threw more touchdown passes and less interceptions than he did the year before. But the Hawkeyes finished 7-5, and Tate didn't have the kind of breakout campaign many expected.

"Me especially, and I think a lot of guys" were affected by preseason hype, Tate said Monday during the team's annual media day. "Now that we've been there ... I don't see that getting in the way."

Tate enters his final collegiate season surrounded by the same high expectations and Heisman talk he heard last summer.But this time, Tate knows better than to pay attention. "It doesn't mean anything before the season starts," he said.

Tate finished last season with 22 TD passes, seven interceptions and zero conference honors. His Heisman hopes _ and Iowa's national title aspirations _ dissipated following a 2-2 start. He got his bell rung in the second quarter of the second game of the season, against Iowa State, and watched from the sidelines as the Cyclones trounced the Hawkeyes 23-3.

Two weeks later Tate had his worst game of the year, throwing for a season-low 146 yards in a 31-6 loss at Ohio State. In the second half, with the game out of reach, Tate spiked the ball to the turf following a sack _ a sign of his early season frustration.

"He tried to put a little too much pressure on himself," said Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. "There were lofty expectations for our football team and for Drew, and sometimes you can try and do too much instead of just playing the position and letting the game come to you."

Tate rallied as the season progressed. Following defeats to Michigan and Northwestern that put the Hawkeyes' hopes for a fourth straight January bowl trip in jeopardy, Tate led Iowa to crucial wins over Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Tate threw a season-high four TD passes against the Gophers, which helped get Iowa in the Outback Bowl.

Ferentz said he saw Tate transform into a more relaxed player during practice this spring. It was a welcome sight for a coach who knows Tate must be patient with an offense that lost its top two receivers to graduation _ Ed Hinkel and Clinton Solomon.

"I think he's really in a position where he's ready to let things come to him, and use the experience he's been able to gain the last two years to relax and really enjoy the game and have fun," Ferentz said.

Tate said the Hawkeyes must recapture the spirit of the 2004 squad, which finished 10-2 and beat LSU in the Capital One Bowl.

Nobody expected that team to do much, he said. It just went out and won football games.

"That's what we're going to do," Tate said. "We're just going to go have fun."
 
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Hawkeye tackles ahead of the curve
By DOUG NEWHOFF, Sports Editor

IOWA CITY --- This was supposed to be the year when Marshall Yanda and Dace Richardson made their marks as offensive linemen at the University of Iowa.



At least that’s the way their Hawkeye coaches had it figured during the summer of 2005 when they were looking at logical redshirt candidates.

Yanda was a transfer from North Iowa Area Community College. Richardson was an 18-year-old freshman from Wheaton, Ill. And Iowa was a team with high expectations, a Big Ten schedule to play and seven returning offensive linemen with some degree of experience. Yanda and Richardson had other ideas. They made an August ascent up the depth chart and they haven’t looked back. Yanda earned the starting position at right tackle. Richardson shared time at left tackle.

So, when the Hawkeyes line up for their first offensive series of 2006, stalwarts Mike Jones and Mike Elgin won’t be the only returning veterans.

In fact, the offensive line will be one of the more experienced units on the team with a collective 65 starts. Redshirt freshman Rafael Eubanks, the frontrunner at the center position, is the only new face among the starting five.

“I think those guys have worked hard, and we feel like they’re capable,” said head coach Kirk Ferentz. “We feel like they’re going to get there, we really do, hopefully sooner rather than later.”

Jones and Elgin have been there since early in their Hawkeye careers. Jones, a 6-foot-5, 302-pounder from Chicago Ridge, Ill., was a highly regarded recruit who broke into the starting lineup midway through his true freshman season.

Elgin’s future wasn’t as clear when he arrived at Iowa out of Western Dubuque High School. He’ll leave with an engineering degree and a solid Big Ten football resume as a three-year starter.

“He was a late recruit, if you will,” noted Ferentz. “We offered him at the end of January (2002), so he was not a five-star, double-dip, super-chip recruit.

“He came in as a defensive end-linebacker-tight end at 6-foot-4, 215 or whatever he may have been (Elgin weights 288 pounds now).

“We weren’t quite sure what he’d be or who he’d be when he got into the program. We were pretty sure he’d make our football team better.”

Yanda, 6-4, 305 and a product of Anamosa High School, was recruited to add maturity and depth to the existing offensive line corps.

“We typically don’t take junior college kids,” explained Hawkeye offensive line coach Reese Morgan. “We felt we had a void there.

“Our philosophy last year was to redshirt him so he could gain some experience for some depth. He wouldn’t see to it. He wanted to get on the field.

“I think the thing that makes him unique is he is very critical of himself. When he makes a mistake, he wants to correct it right away.”

The 6-6, 306-pound Richardson was somebody Iowa’s coaches saw as a cornerstone for the future when he was recruited. They didn’t expect it to happen so soon for him, either.

“We liked the way he practiced last year at this time,” said Ferentz. “It’s really unusual to take the redshirt off a freshman offensive lineman, but we thought we saw enough.”

Morgan said it was a no-brainer.

“Do you see those booms out there?” he asked, pointing to the lifts on Iowa’s practice field where photographers film the workouts. “We’d go in and watch the film and say, ’Listen, this kid has got some ability.’

“I think my wife or granddaughter could have picked that one out.”

Richardson said the chance to play alongside Brian Ferentz, Elgin, Jones and Yanda a year ago was invaluable. The chance to play at some of college football’s most fanatical venues was enlightening.

“Now I know what to expect,” he said. “I know how crazy it can be at away games.

“My first away game was at Iowa State. It was hostile. They don’t like us at all. That’s one game of the season they really care about. Going into Ohio State, you couldn’t even say something to the person right next to you.”

As Iowa’s left tackle, Richardson shoulders a large load of the responsibility for protecting quarterback Drew Tate’s blind side.

“He’s going to be a work in progress, but he certainly has the raw materials to be an outstanding player,” said Morgan. “We went into last season saying the same thing about Ben Gates, and he and Dace shared that position at the end of the season.

“NFL teams were looking at Ben Gates, who was on their draft board.”

Other players who could find their way into the rotation up front include sophomores Seth Olsen and Rob Bruggeman, along with redshirt freshmen Andy Kuempel, Kyle Calloway and Dan Doering.

“I think we’ve got a healthy mix of older guys with experience and younger guys who are excited to get out there and play,” said Elgin. “That’s one of the exciting things about college football.”

Jones said what transpires during preseason camp will be critical to that unit’s performance this season.

“Last year, once we got the right lineup going, things started working well,” he noted. “I think it will be no different this year. We have to find the right mix of guys, the right group of people, and get that chemistry going.”

PAYTON PLACE - Waterloo West walk-on Andy Payton enters his third season in the program looking to inch his way up the depth chart.

“Andy is a solid young man and a great team player,” Morgan said of the 6-5, 290-pound Payton.

“We’ve talked about some things he needs to do in the run game and the pass game. He just needs to continue to go out and work on improving his skills daily and understand it doesn’t just happen.

“It takes time.”
 
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Yeah, fuck Mark May. He talked about how Iowa had a 1300 yard rusher and a quarterback who could make plays when needed. Uhhh, does that sound like anyone else playing in this game you fucking jackass, but of course he didn't mention us at all in his analysis.
 
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Yeah, we really ought to be petrified by 7-and-5-owa alright. I respect them as a team, and going there is not easy as we found out last time, but we are a much better team now, and they've fallen off some.
 
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