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."

Iowa Hawkeyes head to IU to begin second half of B1G season

It has been a rocky road for the Iowa Hawkeyes in '12.  The Hawkeyes are 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the B1G Legends.  A young team has discovered a rough road trying to get on track both in the non-conference and in the Big Ten this year.

Overall, the Big Ten is down in '12.  Ohio State and Penn State are on probation.  At times, not a single Big Ten team has been seen in the USA Today Coaches' Top 25 this season.  Ohio State is undefeated, but they are ineligible for the coaches poll.

Iowa entered '12 without a lot of fan fare.  But, right now, the Hawkeyes are struggling, after dropping two straight games in a row, for the first time this season.

The Hawkeyes are considered a young team.  Thirteen Hawkeyes have started for the first time in their careers this season. Earning the first start of their career in the season-opening victory over Northern Illinois were OL Austin Blythe, OL Brett Van Sloten, RB Damon Bullock, FB Mark Weisman, DL Darian Cooper, DL Louis Trinca-Pasat, LB Anthony Hitchens, and DB B.J. Lowery. True freshman Connor Kornbrath was Iowa's starting punter. RG Andrew Donnal started his first career contest in Iowa's Big Ten opener against Minnesota, RB Greg Garmon started his first career contest against Penn State, while LG Jordan Walsh and WR Jordan Cotton started their first career games last week at Northwestern. Cotton, Hitchens and Van Sloten are juniors; Bullock, Lowery, Trinca-Pasat and Weisman are sophomores; Blythe, Cooper and Walsh are redshirt freshmen; Garmon is a true freshman.

Iowa is 2-2 at the midway point of its Big Ten season. Two of its next four contests will be at home (Purdue and Nebraska) and two will be against Legends Division foes (at Michigan on Nov. 17 and home vs. Nebraska on Nov. 23). 

Can the Hawkeyes get on track at Indiana, who are coming off the first B1G win in the Kevin Wilson era in Bloomington?  The Hoosiers (3-5, 1-3 B1G Leaders) won last week for the first time in B1G play @ Illinois 33-17.

Unlike several games being played in the Big Ten today, no trophy will be exchanged in Iowa @ Indiana game.  Iowa needs a balance attack with senior quarterback James Vandenberg and sophomore running back Damon Bullock (#32 pictured above).  As the Big Ten Network suggested this week, how much defense will the Hooisers bring to the table coming off the big win @ Illinois?

While Iowa seeks to get back on track @ IU, the Hooisers want to build on the momentum coming off the B1G win @ Illinois.  Can the Hoosiers make it two in a row in the B1G?

"Defensively, we made some strides. We did have 14 missed tackles. We have to play a little bit harder. Thought we had a few guys not playing quite at the energy that we've seen in the previous few weeks, so we didn't get off blocks and weren't as physical as we needed to be. We made some sacks and had some stops and still we need to keep pushing. Positives, we held them to 17 points. We did get the sacks, so we created a turnover on defense, one with special teams. They had the ball twice inside the 5-yard line and we hold them to three points, and at the end of the game they don't score, so a couple of red zone stops were good," coach Wilson said opening his weekly press conference.

Then, coach Wilson turned to the offensive side of the ball, with the following comments, "offensively, it was one of our worst performances. I think the Illinois defense going into it, they're a little bit more skilled and proficient than people give them credit for. Their front seven, particularly, was very good. Only 1-of-13 on third down is a little disappointing. We only had seven good plays and I don't think we were being very physical. We did have one good drive at the end of the fourth quarter, but the offense was pretty anemic all day. We didn't turn the ball over. We did score when we crossed the midfield. The fourth quarter drive was nice, but we need to be a lot cleaner. It was nice to see our defense come through. We're kind of picking it up, but again, we still haven't played a complete game yet. It was good to get a win."

In 2012, Iowa entered the 14th season under coach Kirk Ferentz.  In the off season, Iowa made several changes in the coaching staff, including coordinators Greg Davis and Phil Parker.  The coordinators continue to work on the little things with Iowa's young football team as the Hawkeyes prepare for Saturday's contest at Indiana.

Parker, Iowa's defensive coordinator, says a number of little things on defense may not show up for fans who are in attendance or watching the Hawkeyes play on television.  "Every day we are on the practice field we work on technique and fundamentals," said Parker, following Thursday's practice. "We are facing another up-tempo offense that plays at a fast pace. We have to focus on getting lined up properly and be ready to play fast."

After facing a predominately rushing attack a week ago at Northwestern, the Iowa defense Saturday will go against the #2 passing team in the Big Ten games.

"It's a challenge," said Parker. "Indiana has great skill guys on the outside. We have to get lined up, read our keys, be sound fundamentally and get to the ball as fast as we can."

The Iowa offense has had games this season where it has displayed both a solid ground game and an effective passing attack, and Davis, as offensive coordinator, feels the offense gets closer and closer each week to featuring that balance.

"We are constantly talking about details," said Davis. "That may be finishing plays, route running, blocking up front, those types of things. Last week our time of possession was good and we moved the ball, but a break down here and there prevented us from completing several drives with points."

For Iowa, Damon Bullock returned to action against Northwestern a week ago, and Davis says the sophomore running back has had a good week of practice.

"I was really pleased with Damon last week," said Davis. "To rush for over 100 yards, he caught the ball well, in a game that was like starting the season over. He has looked comfortable this week, he's had a good week of practice."

The Hawkeyes and Hoosiers are schedule to kickoff at 2:42 p.m. Central Time, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The game will be televised by BTN.  By the way, Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday!  A look at college football games on television.

Many Iowa fans are frustrated, with key coaching staff and the execution by the offense, defense and special teams.  The sports message boards and talk shows are blowing up.  Ferentz has been in Iowa City for 13+ seasons, so how can you lose games to Iowa State, Central Michigan and Penn State at home; Northwestern on the road all in one season?  

So, what happens in Bloomington?

Can James Vandenberg find some consistent play for four quarters?  After eight games, Vandenberg hasn't shined, after leading the Iowa offense as the full-time starter in 2011.  Last year, Vandenberg in 13 starts was 237 for 404 with only seven interceptions, 58.7% on completions, 25 touchdowns, a long pass of 88 yards and a efficiency rating of 138.5.  This year, Vandenberg isn't in the Top 10 in passing efficiency in the Big Ten, with only 3 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, hitting only on 56.9% of his passes.  The biggest frustration may be that the second string quarterback hasn't taken a snap in '12.

Does the defense for Iowa step up?  The Iowa defense leads the Big Ten in turnover margin, so to help a struggling offense and regain some Mojo on defense, turnovers could be a big momentum swing for either team in Bloomington.  Special teams will be important too.  Iowa gave up a costly punt block on their first series of the second half @ Northwestern in last week's loss.

What is the Hoosiers coach Wilson thoughts as they take on Iowa Saturday in Bloomington?  "Coach Ferentz has had much success. Coach Fry got that thing going and Coach Ferentz has kept it going. They lost their last two, but they've lost to good teams. They lost to Iowa State, who's playing really well in the Big 12, their rival game early. Like we did, they kind of blew one at the end against Central Michigan, where they made a play or two, but they've lost two recent games against two good teams. It's a prideful team. They're tough. They're physical. They've had some injuries, but they're a program that overcomes that. It doesn't matter who their running back is, they're going to zone it up and get downhill and they always have a tremendous line. 

Defensively, same way. Their tape looks like it did when I was at Northwestern, 10 or 11 years ago, when they were building what became the 2002 championship team. Philosophically, they're sound and structured. A lot of things they do we're trying to emulate. Coach Ferentz is one of the better coaches in our profession and one of the better guys in the profession. His kids will have a great week and we need to learn to win at home. We need to learn to keep getting better, and this will be a challenge because this is a winning football program that we're playing and we're trying to become that. For us to put together a good week and go out and compete and see where we stack up against these guys will be a big challenge and we look forward to the challenge. I respect their program and what they do, and there's a lot of good ones in our league, but the program we're playing is one that I truly respect everything they do."

Our Picks in the Big Ten today:

Iowa 37, Indiana 24 on the BTN (HD) at 2:30 p.m. / btn2go

Michigan @ Minnesota at 11 a.m. on the BTN (HD) / btn2go

Nebraska @ Michigan State at 2:30 p.m. on (ABC / ESPN 2) (HD)

Illinois @ Ohio State at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN (HD)

Penn State @ Purdue at 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU (HD)

Player Safety in College Football: Concussions and Recovery

The University of Iowa played the University of Northern Iowa on September  15th.  Sophomore #1 running back Damon Bullock took a blow to the head in the first half.  He left the game and did not return.  Iowa had a bye week at the beginning of October.  Bullock didn't get cleared for play, until the week of October 8th.  He is expected to play on Saturday, when Iowa travels to play #24 Michigan State in East Lansing, nearly a month later.

On Thursday, October 4th, USC traveled to Utah to play the Utes in Pac 12 play.  In the first half junior WR Robert Woods of USC took a blow to the head on a punt.  He left the field, after nearly collapsing.  He returned a play later, as ESPN reported.

The Tony Barnhart Show highlighted concussion awareness for last week's show prior to the Woods incident.  This week's show highlighted concerns over USC coach Lane Kiffin's comments, after Woods continued to play, after taking a blow to the head.

Both Tony Barnhart of CBS Sports and ESPN voiced concerns over Woods return in the ball game.  Watching the game, we would agree his return appeared to be premature.

IT'S OUT OF THE QUESTION: Was USC coach Lane Kiffin using his brain about Robert Woods injury? Link to Tom Hoffarth, columnist on the subject.

The issue of concussions in football is very serious at all levels of the sport.  Head injuries in all sports, both women's and men's, is getting more attention throughout the nation over the past year.

Media Day in Iowa City as Game Week continues towards Iowa vs. Iowa State on Saturday

Iowa City, Iowa--- Junior Iowa DE Dominic Alvis prepped at Logan-Magnolia High School in western Iowa, which is more than 100 miles closer to Ames than it is to Iowa City. A majority of his friends attend college at Iowa State. "They are always giving me a hard time for playing at Iowa," Alvis said. "It's playful, but it adds to the rivalry." "It starts in practice, and it starts today," he said. "We practice today (Tuesday) and Wednesday like we're going to play Saturday, and have a great mental day Thursday -- that is going to be the key. It's a huge deal what we do during the week." Tuesday before regular season college football games at Iowa and through out the Big Ten Conference are media days. There is a conference wide phone conference, followed by a local media conference on campus.

Check out this article on Kirk Ferentz media conference ahead of Iowa vs. Iowa State game Saturday: http://onlyfans.cstv.com/schools/iowa/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090412aac.html sent from the University of Iowa Android App

University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz was happy to get a win in the season-opener over Northern Illinois, but he knows the stakes are higher Saturday with Iowa State coming to Kinnick Stadium for an Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series matchup. "It is a big game for our football team and a big game for everybody in the state," said Ferentz during Tuesday's press conference in the Hayden Fry Football Complex. "We have a big job on our hands and a lot of work to do." If the Hawkeyes are to avenge the 2011 loss -- a 44-41 triple overtime defeat in Ames -- they must slow the Iowa State offensive attack featuring quarterback Steele Jantz. Last season, Jantz completed 25-of-37 attempts for 279 yards and four touchdowns. "It was like a highlight reel," said Ferentz of Jantz's production last season. "He's an experienced player, a lot more confident, and had a tremendous game on Saturday against Tulsa, both running and throwing the ball." The Cyclones won their season-opener over Tulsa, winning 38-23 at Jack Trice Stadium. Jantz finished 32-of-45 for 281 yards with two touchdowns. Ferentz said containment was an issue for the Hawkeyes against Jantz during the 2011 meeting, a fact that will be emphasized during this week's preparation. "It might be a good idea if we try to keep him contained a little bit," he said. "You learn in football, somebody has to contain, and we kind of forgot that last year. It's easier said than done. He's a very good athlete and with their scheme, it makes it tough." The Hawkeyes have won three of the last four, four of the last six, and six of the last nine in the series dating back to 2003. Since taking over as head coach, Ferentz is 6-7 in the series, which has brought a renewed energy to the in-state showdown. "It has been a rivalry ever since I got here," said Ferentz. "Both teams are playing well, and it's going to go right down to the wire. It went down to the wire last year and then some." Ferentz said he wouldn't have envisioned Iowa running the ball 30 times in the opener, let alone giving 30 carries to one back. That's the workload sophomore running back Damon Bullock had en route to a career-best 150 yards. Despite Bullock's production, Ferentz sees Iowa spreading the wealth in the backfield in distributing the carries. "My guess is we'll spread it around," he said. "I think Michael Malloy is going to be playing here. Greg (Garmon) got his feet wet, and he's a good player, too. My guess is all three guys will do it, and it's a matter of how much Damon can handle." After reviewing the game film, Ferentz saw a number of correctible plays. He said it is a matter of how quickly they can be corrected and translated to the game field. "You know, the better you run the race, the better chance you have of winning," he said. "You factor in the team you're playing, so there are always challenges at hand." While Ferentz is eager to face the Cyclones inside the friendly confines of Kinnick Stadium, he said the environment will help, but isn't an all-deciding factor. "It didn't help us in 2002, it helped us in the first half, but didn't in the second half," he said. "It's really what you make it. We have won there and here; they have won there and here. It really comes down to which team plays the best." Kickoff to Saturday's game is set for 2:42 p.m. (CT). The game will be televised live on the BTN with Kevin Kugler, Chris Martin and former Hawkeye Chuck Long calling the action. Former Iowa QB Long was a sophomore in 1983, when Iowa began a 15 game-win streak. Iowa defeated ISU 51-10 in Ames, ending ISU's three game streak. Long was 13-17 for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was the most lopsided win in the series to date. Long's senior season ended with a 57-3 win, for even more salt in the wound.

Iowa defeats Northern Illinois 18-17 in Chicago after fourth quarter rally

Bringing back memories of Mike Sanders saving Iowa's day in the early 1990s at Wisconsin ... today, sophomore RB Damon Bullock ran 30 times for 150 yards and Iowa's lone TD in a 18-17 win over Northern Illinois in Soldier Field in Chicago.

To close out the game in the fourth quarter, Iowa's special teams, defense and he running of Bullock fuel Iowa's win over a NIU team that held the nation's longest winning streak.

It was a heartbreaking lost for Northern Illinois who controlled both line of scrimmages throughout much of the game.

Iowa (1-0) will head back to Iowa City for four straight at home he rest of the month of September.  Northern Illinois (0-1) will return to DeKalb for UT-Martin.

Can the Iowa coaching staff put the puzzle together for 2012?

Iowa is entering the 14Th season under head coach Kirk Ferentz.  The Hawkeyes should reach Ferentz's 100th career victory at Iowa during the 2012 season. 

The real question is can Iowa's coaching staff find a way to put all the pieces together for Iowa to challenge for a Big Ten Legends division title and a birth in the 2012 Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis this December?

On Monday, the 2012 players and coaches meet with the media for Iowa's 14Th Media Day under Kirk Ferentz.  Only the true freshman were not in front of the media.  Ferentz keeps them off limits, until their second season on campus.

In 2000, a senior quarterback named Drew Brees helped lead a young Purdue Boilermaker team to a Big Ten title and a birth in the Rose Bowl.

In 2012, Iowa will look for a senior quarterback and a young Hawkeye football team to attempt to achieve the same.  James Vandenberg (pictured) will lead Iowa again, after becoming Iowa's #1 signal caller in 2011.  Vandenberg lead Iowa in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2009, as well.

Iowa also has 28 underclassmen on the preseason depth chart heading into 2012.

"This is our youngest team. That's documented if you look at the number of seniors and projected senior starters, which is still up in the air. But, hey, that's college football. We've got a lot of guys that have been in the program, and when they get the opportunity, they'll do a fine job," said head coach Kirk Ferentz.

Vandenberg is a proven commodity as the team's starting quarterback, having thrown for 3,022 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior in 2011, but who will be his top running mate in the back field is unclear. Sophomore Damon Bullock is the team's top returning rusher with 20 yards, leaving the door open for anyone and all.

"Basically anybody that's in the backfield position, maybe outside of Jonathan Gimm right now, is going to get a look at carrying the football to see if they can help us out in some way," said Ferentz. "We have guys out there that are capable. We have enough talent out there, and hopefully we can bridge the experience gap as well."

Freshmen Greg Garmon, Barkley Hill and Michael Malloy are all in the mix at running back after entering training camps following strong prep careers. Who will line up behind Vandenberg in Soldier Field will play out over the next month in practice.

"Everybody looks pretty good right now, but you'd expect that," said Ferentz. "Over the course of time usually the picture becomes a little clearer. The first hurdle is going to be what do we get done in camp, and who looks the best. We'll try to get that lined up correctly and see who they respond once we go to Chicago, and that'll be the next phase."

Ferentz has liked what he has seen from the 34 freshmen newcomers early in camp.

"So far, so good," said Ferentz, who played 10 true freshmen in 2011. "You're always a little cautious to say too much about anybody on the first blush, but they run around and look like they all belong on the field in their given spots for the most part.

"Everybody on the team has an opportunity; whether they show us they can contribute on special teams, be a backup or earn starting jobs too... we're open to anything."

Putting the pieces in place involves a lot of hard work and Ferentz knows it is not a process that is done overnight, it's done over time.

"We have a long road ahead of us right now, but we have a great opportunity to have a good season," he said. "As we move forward the keys are going to be improvement and developing consistency. Those things are a lot easier to talk about than do."

Iowa opens the 2012 season Sept. 1 against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field. The game will begin at 2:30 p.m. (CT) and be televised on ESPNU.