GAME DAY IOWA; the Hawkeyes hit the road for a game in ACC Country vs. the Pittsburgh Panthers @ Heinz Field

The Hawekeyes and Panthers square off in this Big Ten-
ACC showdown on ESPNU in Week 4 of '14.

Pittsburgh, PA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (2-1) face a huge hurdle in their first road game of the 2014 season at the Pittsburgh Panthers (3-0, 1-0 ACC Coastal division) with an 11 a.m. game on ESPNU from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Hawkeyes look to rebound, after a disappointing home lost in their Cy-Hawk Game with Iowa State in a 20-17 defeat at historic Kinnick Stadium.

The Pitt-Iowa game could develop into a game of strengths, with the undefeated Panthers averaging 344.3 yards a game rushing the football on offense, while the Hawkeyes have allowed only 65.7 yards rushing, while on defense in the early 2014 season.

"It is going to come down to who wants it more and that will determine who is going to win that battle," said Iowa senior defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat. "We have an opportunity to make some plays and we accept the challenge."

Pittsburgh's rushing attack (344.3) is fourth in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Sophomore running back James Conner has carried the ball 81 times for 544 yards (6.7 yards per attempt) with eight touchdowns. Only Aaron Jones on UTEP has more yards on the ground this season.

"It will be a big test for us and we look forward to it up front," said Iowa senior defensive tackle Carl Davis. "It is going to be a new stage compared to the teams we have been playing, but we look forward to the challenge and how we match up."

Iowa is sixth (65.7) in NCAA FBS against the rush and has 19 tackles for loss. Trinca-Pasat leads the way with four tackles for loss, followed by junior defensive end Drew Ott (3.5) and senior linebacker Quinton Alston (three).

"It is going to come down to who wants it more and that will determine who is going to win that battle. We have an opportunity to make some plays and we accept the challenge." Louis Trinca-Pasat Iowa defensive tackle

"I love physical football so this is a great test for us," Alston said. "It is a test that we need especially since we are about to go into Big Ten play. I feel good; it's going to be a race to the ball and I want to be the first to the ball and try to get some TFLs (tackles for loss) out of it."

Iowa and Pitt have played twice since 2008, with each team winning a tight game on its home field. In 2008, the Panthers held on for a 21-20 victory despite 147 rushing yards from Hawkeye Shonn Greene. In 2011, Iowa overcame a 24-3 third-quarter deficit by scoring the final three touchdowns -- two to wide receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley -- to post a 31-27 win.

"It was a great atmosphere and it was a big win for that team at that point," Martin-Manley said of the 2011 matchup. "Being a young guy, you're confident, but at the same time when you don't see the plays happen you kind of get down. When you do see those plays, you're like `alright I can do it' because you have done it before."

The Panthers have a new head coach, since the two games earlier in the four game series Iowa-Pitt are playing. Former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst is in his third season at the helm at Pitt.

Chryst said the following of Iowa's head coach ahead of today's game: “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Kirk Ferentz, and it’s going to be a well-coached team. He believes in physical offense, physical defense. It’s always going to be a challenge. I’m excited for our guys to play. It’s going to be a good atmosphere. It’ll be a good physical game, and we’ve got to rise up and meet that challenge. It’s a great opportunity for us. The amount of success that he’s had for a long time—there’s a lot of programs across the country trying to do that.”

Iowa head coach Ferentz said statistics after three weeks -- like rankings -- tell something, but not everything. He was referring to the Panthers running for 1,033 yards and passing for 304. They can do both well, Ferentz warns.

"Pitt isn't throwing the ball much right now because they haven't had to." Ferentz said. "They can throw the ball." Sophomore Tyler Boyd is the #1 wide receiver and top return specialist in the Panthers attack.

The Hawkeyes have not allowed a 100-yard rusher all season. Ball State ran the ball 39 times for a total of 90 yards -- 81 coming from running back Jahwan Edwards. Northern Iowa rushed 25 times for 25 yards and Iowa State attempted 26 runs for 82 yards.

"It's going to be a real challenge (slowing Conner)," Ferentz said. "He's strong and fast. He has the ability to see and pick holes. They're big and athletic up front. It's a tough group to prepare for."

"The statistics reflect what they are," said Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz on Tuesday at his weekly news conference inside the Hayden Fry Football Complex. "They're a very good football team, and we have a big challenge ahead of us."

Pitt's James Conner leads the nation
 in rushing TDs (eight) and is second
in rush yards (544).

The Panthers' offense has been potent early, ranking 15th nationally at 44.7 points per game in victories over Delaware, at Boston College, and at Florida International. Pittsburgh ranks fourth nationally at running the football, with 181.3 coming from Conner, while sophomore quarterback Chad Voytik is second in rushing for the Panthers.

"Pitt is not throwing for much right now because they haven't had to," said Ferentz. "They've demonstrated they can run it, and they've run it against everybody. When you look at the film, they're impressive up front and the running back is a good player."

Ferentz sees a lot of Wisconsin in the Panthers and for good reason. Chryst was a member of Bret Bielema's staff in Madison in 2002 and served as the Badgers' offensive coordinator from 2005-11.

Ferentz said the Iowa offense has shown glimpses this season with long and productive drives, but the trouble has been consistency. He is steadfast in the identity he seeks offensively.

"One thing I am firm on, we have to have the ability to be balanced, and we would hopefully play in a physical nature," he said. "We're not going to be a finesse offensive football team. We have to have the ability to run or pass."

Iowa's rushing attack should be back at full strength at Pittsburgh after gaining 129 yards on 44 attempts against Iowa State. Ferentz expects junior Jordan Canzeri to play against Pittsburgh after getting dinged up on a kick return against the Cyclones. Canzeri has been dinged in fall camp and during the last couple of games for Iowa.

Iowa is also trying to find the right mix and rhythm to get sophomore LeShun Daniels, Jr., back in the mix. Daniels, Jr., didn't have an attempt against Iowa State on Sept. 13. He scored the first touchdown of the season for Iowa during the early part of the UNI game.

"We're not ruling anything out (with LeShun)," said Ferentz. "We haven't found the right rhythm or tempo. We'll keep working at it." Iowa senior running backs Mark Wesiman and Damon Bullock saw most game action vs. Iowa State. Freshman Jonathan Parker is another running back, who has seen game action during the 2014 season.

Ferentz confirmed sophomore Anthony Gair will make his first start at free safety at Pittsburgh, filling in for junior Jordan Lomax, who will miss the first half after being ejected for targeting against Iowa State -- a rule Ferentz says is hard to officiate.

"There are going to be a lot of mixed opinions," said Ferentz. "My feeling when it all started was when everybody in the stadium says, `Whoa,' that's when a guy should get tossed out. I thought Jordan was trying to avoid targeting. That was my view of it, but it's easier said than done."
Ferentz is stressing the importance of moving on from a last-second loss to Iowa State.

"We all have to move on," he said. "Whether we win or lose, that's how it goes. We can worry about it out-of-season. We need to worry about what we're doing and matching up against our opponent.
"People that can't do that aren't going to do very well over the long haul. That's how it is, and it's easier said than done."

ESPNU will have Adam Amin and John Congemi, a former Pitt QB from 1982-86, in the booth, with Niki Noto on the sidelines. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:01 a.m. Central Time.

The Hawkeyes have never won at Pitt over years. Pitt leads the series 3-2, with the average score Pitt 22-20, so another tight, close ball game could be on store in 2014?

This is the third game ever between the teams at Pitt. It is hard to rally and call it "three's a charm" for Iowa, with the last game at Heinz Field in 2008.

The Panthers are eyeing a 4-0 start for the first time since the 2000 season. The Panthers were 7-6, 3-5 for sixth in the ACC Coastal division in '13.

Iowa coach Ferentz is a graduate of nearby Upper St. Clair High School and served as a graduate assistant on Jackie Sherrill's 1980 Pitt coaching staff. He left Pitt for Iowa, becoming former Iowa head coach J. Hayden Fry's offensive line coach in 1981. The Hawkeyes ended a 19 season non-winning streak in Ferentz's first year, winning the Big Ten and representing the Big Ten in Fry's first Rose Bowl trip.

Iowa needs the offensive line to elevate their game in 2014 at Pitt, if Iowa is going to pull off a road win. The Hawkeyes front 7 and secondary will be tested, as well by Pitt.

“You’ve got good players and a good scheme, that’s always a key part of it. You’ve got to work to get yards on them. It’s a sound defense, and they’ve got good players. Whatever you get, you’ll earn. It’s fun to play them that way because nothing will be given,” said Pitt coach Chryst in talking about the Iowa defense.

Keys to the Game:

• Turnovers and miscues
• Establishing control of the line of scrimmage
• Explosive plays
• Special teams

While there isn't a lot of series history between Iowa and Pitt, both teams often see each other on the recruiting trail. Pitt true frosh WR Adonis Jennings' recruitment came down to Iowa and Pitt, for example.

Pitt is favored to win today's game. 

Iowa needs a spark, whether it is via turnover, the offense, defense and/or special teams delivering an explosive play. Iowa needs to establish something for more than two drives. It has been a struggle for Iowa week to week in '14. A coming out party at Pitt is a tall order. 

Phil Steele heading into 2014 called Pittsburgh a big question-mark, with the need to replace DT Aaron Donald, who was the most dominate Panther last year. The Panthers beat Bowling Green 30-27 in the Little Caesars Bowl in '13.

If Iowa is going to give Pitt a game today, the Hawkeyes will have to establish the line of scrimmage. Other than against the run this season, Iowa has not accomplished that ability very well in '14.

The 2008 and 2011 games are over. The only constant has been Iowa's head coach Kirk Ferentz. It is a homecoming for Iowa's ole ball coach. Can he lead his team to his first victory at Pitt?

We shall see. Last week, we called for a 25-15 win. Heck, maybe we were a week early? We shall see indeed.

In 1999, Iowa fans watched Ron Dayne roll over Iowa. It was an ugly game for the Hawkeyes. It is more likely a game that will be close today. Iowa will need turnovers and a spark going into Heinz Field.

Will the grass be greener for the Home Team or Visitors from the Big Ten?

Recap of Iowa's B1G opener at Minnesota: Mission Accomplished!

The Iowa Hawkeyes (4-1, 1-0 in Legends) retain Floyd of Rosedale again with back to back wins over the Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-1, 0-1 Legends).  The Hawkeyes also picked up the first win ever at TCF Bank Stadium, after two losses in 2010 and 2011.  The Hawkeyes pulled out the 23-7 win in Minneapolis with strong line 

play on both sides of the football.

Iowa LT Brandon Scherff and
 the rest of the offensive line
 helped the Hawkeyes to
 246 rushing yards during a
23-7 win at Minnesota on Sept. 28.

“We knew coming in and studying film what their game plan was. We did our best to prepare for that. I haven’t seen the film, so I have yet to evaluate how we were able to stop it," said Minnesota junior nose tackle Cameron Botticelli.

The Golden Gophers entered Saturday's rivalry game averaging 282.2 yards per game on the ground. Iowa held them 252.2 yards below that total.

Minnesota also allowed an average of 102.8 rushing yards per game. Iowa gained 143.2 yards above that total.

"It felt great, there is nothing like breaking somebody's will," Iowa junior defensive tackle Carl Davis said. "We try to be a physical team and that's what we did."

On the lack of running success today…

"From what I noticed during the game, we couldn't move Iowa. They'd slide off a block and make a play. They handled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball better than we did. When you can run the ball you can have some success, but we didn't run the ball well today," Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said.

Iowa QB Jake Rudock

Four different Gophers carried the ball and the top two ground-gainers were Roderick Williams with 22 yards and David Cobb with 20 -- Iowa junior running back Damon Bullock and sophomore quarterback Jake Rudock both gained 22 yards on one attempt. As a team, Minnesota averaged 1.1 yards per 27 tries.

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz is now
2-1 vs. Jerry Kill at Minnesota

Kill had this to say about Iowa's new quarterback, "[Jake Rudock] played a good football game. I've said all along that Iowa is a better football team than they were a year ago. He's a more mobile quarterback than who played last year. They had a good quarterback last year, but Rudock plays the game differently and makes a lot of calls on the line of scrimmage. I credit him and their coach who put the team in the right position to win."

Iowa dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in the Big Ten opener.  "From what I noticed

"Make a play" and Iowa did
all afternoon vs. Minnesota.

during the game, we couldn't move Iowa. They'd slide off a block and make a play. They handled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball better than we did. When you can run the ball you can have some success, but we didn't run the ball well today," Kill said.

Iowa DT Louie Trinca-Pasat with
other teammates on gang tackle.

"We knew they were going to run so it always starts up front for us, that's always our focus," said Iowa junior defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat. "As long as we're able to do our job, it helps the linebackers and the defense overall."

Line of Scrimmage
in Battle for
Floyd of Rosedale

Minnesota's interior linemen weigh 326, 321, 306, 302 and 302 pounds. It takes quite a performance to seize an advantage over a group that size.

"(Minnesota) had done a great job running the football and our coaches did a good job with the game plan," Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said. "The guys did a good job during the week getting the plan down and (Saturday) they competed hard. We knew it wasn't going to be easy and there was nothing easy about it. It took full concentration and full effort every play."

But 30 yards? It marks the fourth consecutive game that a team rushed for less than 75 yards against the Hawkeyes: Western Michigan (74 on Sept. 21), Missouri State (70 on Sept. 7) and Iowa State (59 on Sept. 14).

Iowa DT Carl Davis and
DT Darian Cooper post game
with Floyd of Rosedale

"This all started in practice last week," Davis said. "We knew we could win up front if we played physical and that's what we did. We knocked guys back, shed the blockers, and got to the ball and made tackles. We hold ourselves to a high standard as a defensive unit and we want to be as close to perfect as we can because defense wins championships."

Iowa entered the game at Minnesota with two quarterback sacks in four games; it now has six after dropping Phillip Nelson four times. The Hawkeyes recorded a season-high four sacks today. Sophomore DE Nate Meier's 6-yard sack in the second quarter was the first sack of his career. Trinca-Pasat's 6-yard sack in the second quarter was the first sack of his career. Senior MLB James Morris and senior DE Dominic Alvis also recorded sacks for Iowa.

Iowa RB Mark Weisman

On the other side of the ball, the Hawkeyes ran for 246 yards, the fifth time this season they have picked up more than 200 yards on the ground. Leading the way was junior running back Mark Weisman with 147 yards and an average of 6.1 yards a carry.

"Our offensive line did an unbelievable job out there making it easy for us running backs," Weisman said. 

"They have been doing that the whole season and it's fun to run behind them. They don't need any motivation. They want to go in there and beat guys up," Weisman continued in praise of his offensive line.

Ferentz credited the Iowa offensive linemen for working hard and playing relatively penalty-free.

"The most physical team was going to come out with a win and we did that at times," Iowa junior left tackle Brandon Scherff said. "At other times we kind of lacked a little bit, but we got the win and that's what we came here for."

Iowa RB Damon Bullock

"You want to be the best line," Iowa senior right tackle Brett Van Sloten said. "We knew up front (Minnesota) was going to be good. We knew they were going to come out hungry and they did. They played a good game; we were able to get some runs in there and that is a credit to the running backs. They ran their tails off."

When the Hawkeyes needed a clock-chewing, game-clinching drive, they got it. Leading 20-7 early in the fourth quarter, Iowa put together an 11-play, 62-yard scoring drive that consumed 5 ½ minutes. The series included eight runs, two completed passes and a 46-yard field goal by Mike Meyer.

"(Offensive line coach) Brian Ferentz mentioned that we had an opportunity to finish there at the end," Van Sloten said. "It was in our hands, the running backs ran great, and we were able to seal the deal."

The Hawkeyes own a 4-1 record with four straight victories, after losing on a last minute field goal in the season opener vs. Northern Illinois. After one week, they are alone on top of the Legends Division. Ohio State (5-0) leads the Leaders Division at 1-0, after a 31-24 win over Wisconsin (3-2, 1-1 in Leaders) in Columbus on Saturday night.  Iowa will travel to Columbus later in October.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz
after the 23-7 win over Minnesota.

"Whether it's ugly or pretty, wins are wins and they're hard to come by," Kirk Ferentz said. "In conference play they are really hard to come by. I'm pleased and I'm pleased for our players. They worked hard for this."

Iowa defeated Minnesota 31-13 in Iowa City last year to reclaim Floyd of Rosedale, after back to back losses.  Iowa has won ten of the last 13 games in the series with Minnesota.  The Golden Gophers head to Ann Arbor for Michigan's Homecoming game in the Battle of the Old Brown Jug and another rivalry game in the Legends Division.

"Our guys really did a great job. They came up with some big plays today on offense and defense. I'm really pleased with this victory," Kirk Ferentz said.

Iowa teammates congratulating
WR Damond Powell after his TD
reception  the 2nd quarter to give
the Hawkeyes a 17-0 lead.

On how he scored his 74-yard touchdown…

“Coach called my number, and I went out there and made a play. I feel like the credit should go to my offensive line, because I didn’t have to do anything except run—they blocked everybody they needed to block, so it was really easy, but it felt real good. It was just a wide receiver screen,” said junior wide receiver Damond Powell.

Powell's 74-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter is Iowa's longest play from scrimmage this season, and the 23rd longest touchdown reception in school history. Powell is averaging 51.5 yards per catch this season (4 catches, 206 yards).

On celebrating the Floyd of Rosedale win…
“It felt really good. We worked really hard this week. We knew coming in that it was going to be a tough game with what we were playing for and when you win, it just feels good knowing how hard you worked all week to get the good results,” the junior college transfer, Powell said.

On kicking long field goals…

“Today we got to back it up, but I guess that’s part of the game. It doesn't really change my mindset at all unless, like in the first half, I’m kicking it into the wind. The only thing that would really change is where I put my target for the kick,” Iowa senior placekicker Mike Meyer said.

Iowa PK Mike Meyer

Meyer hit three of four field goals in Iowa's victory over Minnesota at TCF Bank Stadium. Meyer has made a school-record 100 consecutive PAT attempts, the sixth longest streak in Big Ten Conference history. That active streak ranks fourth in the nation (Baylor's Aaron Jones, 125; Northwestern's Jeff Budzien 116; Michigan's Brendan Gibbons, 114). Meyer's last PAT miss was in a 37-6 win over Michigan State on Oct. 30, 2010, in Iowa City. As a team, Iowa has gone 35 consecutive games without a missed or blocked PAT. 

On improving each week…

“We’re continuing to make strides. We’re not where we want to be—we all have our flaws that we want to improve on. With that being said, that’s what our daily task is—to improve every day—and right now we’re just going to enjoy this win,” Iowa captain Van Sloten said.

On getting the win…

“It was a great win. Everybody played good. Our defense played awesome, the offense did great, and we held them throughout the game. It’s good to win those trophy games,” Meyer said.

Iowa may become a team to watch in the competitive Legends Division in 2013.

The University of Iowa football team returns to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday for its annual Homecoming game.  The Hawkeyes will host Michigan State (3-1), who enjoyed a bye week, after a 17-13 heartbreaking loss at Notre Dame in Week 4.  

The Hawkeyes beat Michigan State in a 19-16 2 OT game in East Lansing last year. It was another physical battle between the Black and Gold and the Spartans, who are considered the best defense in the Big Ten.

Iowa DL coach Reese Morgan
with HC Ferentz communicating
with Iowa defense at Minnesota

On Iowa...
"Every year, you're going to see a team that plays extremely hard. They're going to be fundamentally sound, both offensively and defensively. They're going to do what they do. They're a little bit like us - they do what they do, and they do it well. They sort of pulled themselves together and they're playing very, very well. That's who they are, and they're going to be a well-coached football team," Michigan State head coach Mark 
Dantonio said.

Michigan State head
coach Mark Dantonio

On the plan for the bye week...
"I think today (last Wednesday) is about us, tomorrow is a little bit about Iowa because we have a very solid foundation in terms of who they are. We've been playing them for the last six years. And then you game plan basically next week after we see their game (vs. Minnesota). We'll start to game plan more intensely on Sunday. I think you have to watch who they are as of late. There will be a pretty good idea in terms of what they do as we move into tomorrow," Dantonio said.

Dantonio went onto say, "we'll practice on Sunday. But we'll be off (Friday and Saturday). I think it's good for them to be away a little bit and watch college games. Hopefully, they'll have a chance to go home. You don't have many chances to go home as a college football player. Hopefully they take advantage of that opportunity to go home, and maybe see their high school team play, or just go home and see their family for a day."

Iowa at Minnesota: Physical Line Play likely on display in the Battle for Floyd of Rosedale

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- After facing variations of spread offenses during the first four weeks of 2013, the University of Iowa defense is ready for some good old-fashioned Big Ten Conference football.

The Hawkeyes hit the road for the second time this season, with another trophy game on the line.  The Hawkeyes won 27-21 over Iowa State in Ames to take back the Cy-Hawk Trophy. The Hawkeyes will try to do the same at Minnesota. Iowa overcame a two game losing streak vs. ISU. The Hawkeyes have lost two straight at TCF Bank Stadium vs. Minnesota.

"(Iowa and Minnesota) try to run the ball and pound it down each other's throat," said junior defensive tackle Carl Davis. "This is Big Ten play, that's what Big Ten teams do."

Iowa (3-1) plays at Minnesota (4-0) on Saturday at 2:36 p.m. (CT) at TCF Bank Stadium in a battle for Floyd of Rosedale. The game will be televised on ABC with a reverse mirror on ESPN2.

During its second-straight 4-0 start, the Golden Gophers have piled up 1,129 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground with four different players gaining more than 250 yards. Minnesota's rushing total ranks 13th nationally, averaging 282.3 yards per game and 5.7 yards per carry.

Iowa's defense gives up 91.5 yards per game and has yet to yield a rushing touchdown in 2013. The Hawkeyes have held each of its last three opponents under 75 yards on the ground.

"We feel like we're a physical front, especially in the front seven, and we can stop the run game," said Davis. "I am confident going against anybody that we can stop the run. We have a powerful unit and a good second unit that can come in and gives us a break."

Four different Minnesota players have tallied a 100-yard rushing game in 2013 -- running backs David Cobb and Rodrick Williams and quarterbacks Mitch Leidner and Philip Nelson.

Nelson started the first three games, piling up 221 yards on the ground. Leidner has 251 yards rushing in four games, which included a 151-yard, four touchdown performance filling in for an injured Nelson against San Jose State on Sept. 21.

"This is a different type of offense than we've seen the first couple of weeks," said senior safety Tanner Miller. "They are not the spread option-type team; they like to pound it between the tackles. We've shown we can have success stopping the run, and we're going to have to continue that this week."

Miller says the Hawkeyes need to play good sound football to combat the Gophers' quarterback rushing attack.

"It comes down to assignment football," said Miller. "That's where studying film comes in and being able to get those run-pass reads. They have seen that our second, third-level guys are aggressive against the run, so they'll probably try to exploit the pass. (Leidner) has both areas of his game that he can use effectively."

Leidner was 5-of-12 for 71 yards against San Jose State. He is 12-of-20 for 176 yards on the year.

With Floyd of Rosedale on the line, senior linebacker Christian Kirksey says the Hawkeyes need to be prepared for a hostile road environment.

"Their crowd is going to be in the game and our backs are going to be against the wall," said Kirksey. "We have to go up there and get the job done. We know what happened the previous two games (at Minnesota), we just have to have a different approach to the game."

Iowa won last season over Minnesota, 31-13, in Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes haven't won in two trips to TCF Bank Stadium, losing 27-24 in 2010 and 22-21 in 2011.

Iowa has ended two game losing streaks in back to back weeks with wins at Iowa State and vs. Western Michigan. Iowa goes for the trifecta at Minnesota.

Could Iowa surprise in the Big Ten Legends Division in 2013?

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Big Ten Network was inside the Kenyon Football Practice Facility on Tuesday and what the studio personalities saw was an improved Hawkeye team. Improved not only from the end of the 2012 season, but from the end of spring camp as well.

"It's a better group than it was last year and the team continues to get better," said Howard Griffith, BTN analyst. "They will be alright. The coaching staff does a great job teaching and getting kids prepared. Now it comes down to executing."

Griffith and his BTN cohorts Tom Dienhart and Dave Revsine were watching with interest the drills involving UI quarterbacks and wide receivers.

"You get a better sense for guys you have read about," Revsine said of the visit. "(UI wide receiver) Damond Powell and his 30 yards per catch in junior college for example; I want to get a look at this guy. More than anything, it gives us a chance to know the team."

Dienhart, who writes for BTN.com, says the Hawkeyes have more than one quality option behind center.

"I know it sounds like (Jake) Rudock is the guy, but C.J. Beathard may throw the ball as well as any quarterback they have," Dienhart said. "I think (Beathard) can be a little careless and doesn't know the system as well as Rudock, but skill-wise, he may be the best. Those two guys have stood out in my mind -- Rudock with his command of the offense and Beathard with his skills -- and of course with that (long) hair."

"As Iowa fans know, a lot of times, (head coach) Kirk Ferentz and company do their best work when the spotlight is not right on them. Does any Big Ten team have a bigger opening game than Iowa at home against Northern Illinois? You want to talk about a game that could set the tempo for the season; if they beat a very good Huskies team in Kinnick Stadium, maybe that gives them the momentum they need to move forward to having a successful year." Tom Dienhart, Writer, BTN.com said.

In what has become an annual tradition in August, the BTN loads up its RV (complete with a custom wrap featuring an image of one player from each Big Ten Conference team), reviews a practice in every Big Ten city and then airs its footage and interviews at a later date. The Hawkeyes will be featured Sunday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. (CT).

Iowa is coming off a 4-8 season, but Revsine is quick to remind that if a few of the close games tilt in favor of the Hawkeyes, 2012 is another winning season with another bowl trip.

"It's not like they are in dire straits right now," Revsine said. "It was a down year and nobody here is happy with it. Players talk about being embarrassed, but it is not a disastrous situation. The Titanic is not sinking. It may have taken on a little water last year, now you try to figure how to get it turned around."

The Hawkeyes open the season at home Aug. 31 against Northern Illinois, a 12-win team in 2012, which returns Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Jordan Lynch. The only regular-season loss for the Huskies last season was to Iowa, 18-17, in Chicago's Soldier Field.

"As Iowa fans know, a lot of times, (head coach) Kirk Ferentz and company do their best work when the spotlight is not right on them," Dienhart said. "Does any Big Ten team have a bigger opening game than Iowa at home against Northern Illinois? You want to talk about a game that could set the tempo for the season; if they beat a very good Huskies team in Kinnick Stadium, maybe that gives them the momentum they need to move forward to having a successful year."

All three BTN personalities agree that the Hawkeyes passed the "eyeball test" and across the board the team looks good physically. They noticed a "wiggle and shiftiness" from newcomer Powell, they liked seeing running backs Jordan Canzeri and Damon Bullock in the slot and getting into space, and they loved the linebacker trio, as well as the thought of putting one of their hands on the ground in pass-rushing situations.

Griffith likes the look of a healthy Carl Davis at defensive tackle. Revsine said that even though the Legends Division is the tougher of the two, he senses a better win-loss record for the Hawkeyes. But Dienhart summed it up best.

"Offensively, passing the football and getting production from receivers, and defensively getting a pass rush; if they can answer those three questions, Iowa could be a surprise team."