12 Days until a new QB takes over reigns for the Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes prior to the 2012 season finished 10 straight seasons bowl eligible under head coach Kirk Ferentz.  But, the 2012 season finished a disappointing 4-8, including six straight loses to finish the season.

Unlike every other major college football team in 2012, the Iowa Hawkeyes only played one quarterback all season.  So, many around Iowa are interested in seeing the debut on a new quarterback, after two seasons with James Vandenberg at the helm.

Who will be Iowa's 'next man in' at Quarterback?

"I am happy with the way the team has been working," said Ferentz. "It hasn't been perfect, but we're making progress. We certainly have a lot of work to do in all areas, but the attitude has been good."

Ferentz wouldn't come out and hand the keys of the Hawkeye offense to sophomore quarterback Jake Rudock publicly, but the Florida native ran exclusively with the first teamers for the duration of the Kid's Day scrimmage on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in front of roughly 12,000 Iowa fans.

"We'll look at the tapes and talk a little bit tomorrow and the next couple of days, and we'll make a decision this week," said Ferentz. "Jake is doing a good job. There are no complaints there. He is still a young guy, but has done a nice job.

"I don't think anyone is displeased with the other two guys (Cody Sokol and C.J. Beathard) either. We'll see what it looks like this week, and we'll keep moving forward."

Kinnick Stadium: Is it Black Friday or a Red Friday on Senior Day in Iowa City?

The 14th season of Iowa football under coach Kirk Ferentz will close out on Black Friday for 2012.  Can Iowa reach 5-7, with a signature win over a Big Ten Legends Division leader, Nebraska?

It has been 31 years, since Iowa opened its third season under former coach J. Hayden Fry, and pulled out a 10-7 win over Nebraska.  Iowa has not beat Nebraska since, in four games played, since that remarkable 1981 win to open a Rose Bowl season for the Hawkeyes.

Nebraska is likely headed to the Rose Bowl themselves, if they can win today or Michigan loses on Saturday @ Ohio State, and with a Cornhuskers win in the Big Ten title game over Wisconsin.  However, the Heroes Game between Iowa and Nebraska comes first.

So, after watching Red Dawn on Thanksgiving night in Cedar Rapids, how will the Nebraska Cornhuskers come into Kinnick Stadium on Black Friday?  The Cornhuskers make the trip down I-380 to Iowa City   on Black Friday to face a beat up Iowa team.

The winds have arrived too, as the teams will have to deal with 20-30 mph winds.  It will be cold in Iowa City today.

Iowa's new OC Greg Davis has arrived in Iowa City with mix results.  A 4-7 record isn't what Iowa faithful expected.  But, can Iowa generate enough offense on Saturday to pull off an upset?

In 2010, Nebraska finished 10-4 with wins, such as a 48-13 win @ K-State, 51-41 @ Okie State and 31-17 vs. #7 Missouri.  But, Texas, who finished 5-7 in '10, under OC Greg Davis, were able to pull out off a big win over Nebraska in Austin.  In 2012, can new OC Greg Davis for Iowa pull out the same result?

With a win in the Heroes Game, Kirk Ferentz will join J. Hayden Fry with a 5-7 mark in their 14th season at Iowa.  OC Greg Davis will complete another 5-7 record, with a win over Nebraska, as well.  Odd trivia questions in college football, but a signature win indeed for Iowa in '12.

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa senior quarterback James Vandenberg, along with 18 Hawkeye teammates, are preparing for their final game in an Iowa uniform. The Hawkeyes host No. 14 Nebraska Friday (11:07 a.m., ABC) in their final game of the season.

The Hawkeyes are facing a ranked opponent for the second straight week, with one less day to prepare, as the Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers meet on Black Friday for the second straight year in the Hy-Vee Heroes Game. Iowa's first practice of the week came on Monday evening, which is usually a non-practice day for the Hawkeyes.

"The most difficult thing is the Monday part," said Vandenberg, following practice on Tuesday. "You have one less day to prepare and recover physically before you have that first practice. I feel like we are over the hump in that regard; now we want to have two more good practices in our preparation."

Through the eyes of a quarterback, Vandenberg knows Iowa has a tough challenge ahead.

They are a talented defense," said Vandenberg. "They do a good job of limiting you in the run game and the pass game. Like a lot of other good teams, if they get you in third and long, they can do things to make your protections hard and get in some coverages that will make it hard on us. We certainly have to stay in front of the chains to give ourselves a chance on Friday."

With a short week for preparation, Vandenberg and his senior teammates haven't had too much time to think about Friday's contest being the final game of the season.

"Certainly you take the one game approach," said Vandenberg. "But when it comes down to it on Friday, there is going to be a lot of emotion. Having that last opportunity to play in front of 70,000 great fans; to play for coach Ferentz and play with 105 of my best friends. It's not something you worry about now, or that it has hit me yet. Certainly on Friday there will be emotions involved."

So, what can we expect on Senior Day in Iowa?

Well, Iowa fans may want to hope the Nebraska Cornhuskers arrive flat and over confident?  Can the Cornhuskers be looking too much ahead at the Big Ten title game?  They only need a win or a Michigan loss.  A win earns them the spot, but at 4-7 (Iowa), combined with last season's 20-7 easy win over Iowa, does Nebraska expect much from the Hawkeyes today?

• Iowa needs a balance attack on offense - senior QB James Vandenberg, sophomore RB Mark Weisman, the Iowa O-Line and the Hawkeye receivers need to click at Kinnick Stadium.
• Iowa must play solid in all three phases of the game. Special teams are important.
• The horizontal passing game introduced by OC Greg Davis hasn't been pretty at Iowa in '12.  Iowa's passing game needs to get the WRs more involved and Iowa's TEs need to attach the seams of the defense, as they did @ Michigan last Saturday.
• The offense will have to keep the down and distance manageable.  Iowa's offense did put up 10 points in the first half @ Michigan, but couldn't keep up beyond 14-10.
• The defense needs to get off the field vs. Nebraska.  Michigan rolled on Iowa last Saturday and failed to force a punt on the Wolverines, until the game was out of reach.  Iowa lost 42-17.
• By the way, Nebraska lost @ Michigan last year, 42-24.  Who beat Michigan last year?  Iowa.  Who beat Michigan this year?  Nebraska.  Can the Iowa-Nebraska game flip this year, with Iowa at home?
• Iowa's defense must force Nebraska to punt and/or settle for field goals.  Iowa isn't talented enough to settle for a Big 12 style touchdown fest.  Iowa needs a grind out style NFL upset.
• Iowa football isn't sexy, but over the nearly 14 years of the coach Kirk Ferentz era, Iowa has won some big games.

Can Iowa win?   It will not be easy.  The stars and planets will have to be in alignment   How will the winds at Kinnick be for both teams?

Our Pick: Iowa 20, Nebraska 19, though it is still very possible that Nebraska will be heading to the Big Ten title game next weekend.  Michigan needs Iowa's help today, then they must take care of business @ undefeated Ohio State.

Iowa @ Michigan at 11 a.m. on ESPN for Senior Day for the Wolverines

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly...

There hasn't been a lot of good in '12 for the Iowa Hawkeyes (4-6, 2-4 B1G Legends), while the Michigan Wolverines (7-3. 5-1 B1G Legends), with a #23 ranking in the polls.  The Senior class for the Wolverines are 0-3 vs. the Hawkeyes over the past three seasons.

It good get ugly on Saturday for the Hawkeyes.  The bad, Iowa has another injury, with sophomore Damon Bullock hurt, after last week's loss vs. Purdue.  The good, Iowa has sophomorerunning back Mark Weisman, who has been out or injured over the course of the four game losing streak for the Hawkeyes.

It's Senior Day in Ann Arbor and the Hawkeyes may be Lunch for a team that has hopes of playing for a Big Ten title in '12.

Searching for Solutions

Ferentz: `It's more fun when you're riding in a parade, but we're not right now'

No pick today, since conventional wisdom is clearly with the Michigan Wolverines.  A win by Iowa would be the biggest win for senior quarterback James Vandenberg, who is struggling in his final season at Iowa.  Further, it would completely cause many fans to go nuts over head coach Kirk Ferentz ability to rise up against quality opposition, but underperform against competition Iowa is often favored to win against.

peace

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)

Iowa wins Double OT game at Michigan State to stay undefeated in B1G Legends race

Hawkeyes Give Ferentz No. 100 in East Lansing

Iowa toughs out a 19-16 double overtime victory over Michigan State

• Iowa wins in 2 OTs over Michigan State for second time ('07 win @ Iowa was 34-27)
• Iowa wins another OT game on an interception (2000 victory @ Penn State 26-23)
• Iowa and Michigan move to 2-0 to lead B1G Legends (Michigan beat Illinois 45-0 on Saturday)
• Iowa RB Mark Weisman runs for 116 yards for the fourth straight week over 100 yards
• Iowa PK Mike Meyer hits four field goals, including a 42 yard kick in the second OT to take lead
• Iowa's defense holds opponent under 400 yards for the sixth straight game to open '12

Iowa loses some games they shouldn't.  However, under Kirk Ferentz over past 13+ seasons another trend has developed.  Iowa often can win as an underdog, at home and on the road against anyone in the Big Ten.  In bowl games, Iowa has pulled out some impressive wins, as well, often as underdogs.

The latest underdog victory comes in East Lansing, as senior Greg Castillo intercepts the ball in the second overtime to give Iowa another B1G victory.  Michigan State (4-3, 1-2 B1G Legends) is the latest victim.

Throw out the ugly loss vs. Central Michigan in Week 4. The Hawkeyes hung around and pulled out an ugly 19-16 win in double overtime over the Spartans in East Lansing on Saturday.  The series in East Lansing is now 10-10-1.

"Obviously just extremely proud of our football team. It was a really hard-fought game. Both teams really competed hard; I think anybody in the stadium today could have seen that. Just really proud about the way the guys hung in there against a very good football team. It was more than 60 minutes, obviously and it took basically every player out there. And outside of the turnover, you can throw all the stats out the window. It was just a hard-fought, one of those tough games," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz 

The Hawkeyes were not projected to be in the hunt for the 2012 Legends title.  Michigan State, the defending division champions, along with Michigan and Nebraska were the three programs projected ahead of Iowa, Northwestern and Minnesota.  After Week 7 of 2012, the Hawkeyes are

At the halfway point of the regular season for Iowa, the Hawkeyes are in a position to have a good October and November run, if they can remain healthy and continue to improve week in and week out.

On his team's defensive performance...
"I think they're growing, and they played extremely hard today. It seemed like they gave a pass there each direction, but outside of that I thought they really competed and, you know, we started out in adverse circumstances and held them to 3 [points], which was a positive, and I just thought they played hard all day long," Ferentz said

"To win on the turnover there at the end...outstanding and probably appropriate...to have an unsung guy was really the trigger guy, really triggered this all, to get his hand on the ball. It's kind of a fitting way. It gave us the chance to get the pick."

Defense wins championships and if Iowa is going to continue in the hunt in the Big Ten in '12, the defense will continue to be leaned on.

On winning this game as a senior...
"It's huge now that we know that we've got momentum going into Penn State so it's going to be a tough task," said Castillo.

The Hawkeyes follow up the victory @ Michigan State with a game on Saturday night on the Big Ten Network at Kinnick Stadium vs. Penn State (4-2, 2-0 B1G Leaders).  The night game at Kinnick should be electric as two undefeated Big Ten teams square off.  The Hawkeyes lost in '11 @ Penn State 13-3, in a game that resembled the first half @ Michigan State.

The Hawkeyes have a lot of questions that remain, especially on offense.  Senior quarterback James Vandenberg has struggled at times each week.  "I don't care if they're home or away, the close ones are the ones that really separate the good football teams. I thought we executed very well down the stretch. We made the plays when we had to and we gave ourselves a chance," Vandenberg said.

Mark Weisman has stepped up from fullback to fill the running back position the past four weeks for Iowa, after Iowa experienced injuries of Damon Bullock and Greg Garmon were injured in the Week 3 game vs. Northern Iowa.  Weisman didn't play in overtime, but his five yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter tied the ball game up at 13-13, to send the game into overtime.

On the frustration with Iowa's offense...

"It's never good to have three and outs, but as an offense we're confident. We know that we're close. We're missing some easy plays out there, but we kept fighting. That's all you can do is just keep fighting until you get the ball."

On the big play in the fourth quarter (long pass from James Vandenberg to Keenan Davis)...

"That set a spark in us, definitely. It helped us big time. We need that, no doubt. If we don't have that, we don't have that drive," Weisman said.

On what the difference was that made the last play of the game...
"I think we were battling all day and eventually it pays off. We just kept fighting out there, giving punches, keep going and just got it done at the end," Weisman added.

On Iowa's defense...
"Defense is unbelievable out there. They're the only reason we were in the game at all. We give them more credit than anyone out there," Weisman said.

The defense kept Iowa in the game and the Hawkeyes put together enough offense.  But, special teams played a huge role in Iowa's victory.  After Michigan State took a 10-0 lead in the second quarter, Iowa returned a kickoff 87 yards to the end zone.  Sadly, a poorly timed penalty, with a late block in the back to the MSU placekicker, the return was reduced and Iowa lost four points, but the first of four Mike Meyer field goals were witnessed.

"Mike has...really turned the corner from a confidence standpoint, maturity standpoint from back in the spring. And just really started performing the way we all hoped he would. He's been good the prior two years, so we don't take it for granted, but boy, his execution was flawless," Ferentz said.

Iowa won the toss in the overtime and put Michigan State on offense.  After MSU was held to a field goal in the first overtime, Iowa's Meyer kicked a 27 yard field goal to tie the game up again at 16-16 to send the game into the second OT period.  

Iowa started on offense in the second overtime.  After the offense struggled, Meyer came on to kick a 42 yard field goal and give Iowa the first lead of the game at 19-16.  On defense, Iowa's first forced turnover of the game was the difference.

"The biggest thing is just the way our guys fought right to the end because they [Michigan State] weren't going away - that was pretty obvious - but I think our guys answered the same way - they said they weren't going away either - and it's one of those games where, you know...last guy standing.

"It was a real great effort by our guys," Ferentz said

Iowa faces first B1G road challenge of '12 in East Lansing

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz called the Hawkeyes' bye week "productive," but the challenge ahead is a Big Ten road opener at Michigan State.

Ferentz met with the media on Tuesday at his weekly press conference. Coach Ferentz Press Conference Transcript 

The Spartans bring a 4-2 overall and 1-1 Big Ten record into Saturday's game. After trailing 27-14 at the half at Indiana, Michigan State came alive in the second half, reeling off 17 unanswered points, while limiting the Hoosier offense to zero points, two first downs, and 37 yards of total offense.

Ferentz says the Spartans' second-half performance is more indicative of the type of Michigan State team the Hawkeyes will face.

"If you look at that half, it gives you an indication of the kind of football team they have... the talent and potential they have," said Ferentz at his Tuesday media gathering inside the Hayden Fry Football Complex. "They've got great players and are a physical football team. That's why they've had 22 wins the past two years... if you're not ready for that, it could be a long day."

"The last three games we've looked a little more representative of what we hope to be, and that's good. I feel like we can throw it better than we have so far, including the last three games." UI head coach on Iowa's passing attack

It will be the 44th meeting in the series between the two schools with the Hawkeyes holding a 22-19-2 advantage. Three of the last five meetings have been decided by seven points or less, but each of the last two contests -- both played inside Kinnick Stadium -- were lopsided. Michigan State won 37-21 last season, and Iowa won 37-6 in 2010.

Saturday's game will feature two of the top running backs in the Big Ten in Iowa's Mark Weisman and Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell. Bell ranks second in the conference, and ninth nationally with 129.3 yards per game; Weisman is fourth in the league and 22nd nationally with an average of 103 yards (in three games).

"He (Le'Veon) is a very big and powerful guy," said Ferentz. "Yet he's mentally talented. You've seen him hurdle guys, which is pretty impressive for any back. If you break down at all, or somebody misses a gap, he can really hurt you, and he can run with some speed, too."

Iowa's running back depth will be bolstered with the return of sophomore Damon Bullock. Bullock, who started the first three games before going down with a concussion, gives the Hawkeyes a different dimension in the backfield to go along with Weisman's bruising.

"In a limited amount, have shown they're both capable, two different types of players, but both have done a good job this year," said Ferentz. "We're going to need them both moving forward."

Ferentz says Iowa's passing attack has taken steps forward in each of the past three games, and he sees more growth on the horizon. Senior James Vandenberg has completed 62 percent of his attempts (52-of-84) for 635 yards during the most recent three-game stretch with two touchdowns.

"The last three games we've looked a little more representative of what we hope to be, and that's good," said Ferentz. "I feel like we can throw it better than we have so far, including the last three games."

While the team's passing is on the upward trend, the competition level is also on the rise. The Hawkeyes face a Michigan State defense that is leading the Big Ten in total defense, surrendering an average of 272.3 yards in six games.

"We're playing a team that is veteran on defense, talented and aggressive," said Ferentz. "We're going to need to keep improving. We're making strides, but we're not there yet."

Saturday's game will be Iowa's first true road test of the season, although the Hawkeyes experienced a "road routine" in the season-opening 17-16 victory against Northern Illinois at Chicago's Soldier Field.

"The trip to Chicago is a good exercise, but the environment in the stadium was not like we'll face on our next four away games," said Ferentz. "At least we went through the process of being on the road.

"At the end of the day, we have to try to block that out and be a little more focused than you would be at home. The biggest thing is still the team on the field... that's more of a concern to us than maybe the stadium."

Saturday's game will be televised to a national audience on ESPN beginning at 11:01 a.m. (CT). Dave Pasch, Brian Griese and Jenn Brown will all the action.

Week 4: Iowa Hawkeyes (2-1) vs. Central Michigan (1-1) on BTN

The Iowa Hawkeyes wrap up non-conference play hosting coach Dan Enos and Central Michigan in the final tune up, before heading into 2012 Big Ten Conference play.  The game will kick-off at 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network.

Iowa's passing attack has not scored a touchdown in '12.  Iowa has moved their fullback to #1 running back, due to injuries at the position.

How will this Week 4 game play out for Iowa? 

Could this be a trap game?  In '09, Iowa struggled in the fourth OOC game beating Arkansas State only 24-21. 

The past two seasons saw Iowa beat Ball State 45-0 and ULM 45-17.

Our prediction is Iowa 38, Central Michigan 21 in Week 4 at Kinnick Stadium.

Iowa is a young team, especially on offense.  Senior quarterback James Vandenberg is playing up and down.  Success in the passing game would be healthy heading into Big Ten play next week.

Business first, is Iowa taking care of the Chippewas.  Iowa are 2-0 and won 38-0 in last meeting in 1998.

Iowa fans will have all eyes on #45 RB/FB Mark Weisman, who scored 3 TDs last week vs. UNI and ran for 113 yards.

Further, leading tackler #31 Anthony Hitchens needs to improve on his filling the hole, gap and pursuit.  He leads team and conference in tackles, but there continues to be room for improvement.

How will Iowa's pass rush be vs. Central Michigan O-Line and QB Ryan Radcliff?  Iowa only has three sacks this year and this is an area Iowa needs to improve in.

Game On!

Game Week: Iowa's Kirk Ferentz meets with media ahead of Season Opener in Chicago vs. Northern Illinois

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Game week is officially upon the University of Iowa football team, and head coach Kirk Ferentz is both eager and anxious heading into the season opener against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field.  Iowa finished 7-6 in 2011, while Northern Illinois won the MAC title and finished 11-3.  The Hawkeye coach meet with media on Tuesday to discuss the season opener on Saturday.

"You're always anxious, excited, but anxious," said Ferentz during Tuesday's press conference inside the Hayden Fry Football Complex. "That's probably where we're at right now. I'm sure Northern feels the same way.

"It's going to be interesting, but that's why you work. That's why you practice. Now we'll see how things start to come together."

Ferentz says the Hawkeyes closed the preseason with strong workouts, and the team is ready for the next challenge.

"They've done a great job the last couple of years. They've beaten Big Ten teams in recent history, and there's no saying it couldn't happen again this week. That's our No. 1 thing, focusing on them." - UI head coach Kirk Ferentz

"We've had a productive preseason," he said. "The past three weeks the guys have worked hard, had a good attitude and gotten some things done. Now it's another step for us with it being the first game week."

The Hawkeyes head to the Windy City to face a Huskie team that has won nine consecutive games, the longest winning streak among Football Bowl Series teams in the country. NIU has won 22 games over the past two seasons and 15-of-its-last-16 Mid-American Conference games.

"They've done a great job the last couple of years," said Ferentz. "They're an excellent football team. They're very experienced on defense and special teams."

"They've beaten Big Ten teams in recent history, and there's no saying it couldn't happen again this week. That's our No. 1 thing, focusing on them."

Iowa is 7-0 all-time against Northern Illinois. The series began in 1985, and the Hawkeyes defeated the Huskies, 16-3, in 2007 -- the last meeting that was also played at Soldier Field.

Following the season-ending injury to freshman running back Barkley Hill on Aug. 18, Ferentz said all three running backs -- sophomore Damon Bullock and freshmen Greg Garmon and Michael Malloy -- will see action Saturday.

"We're down to three guys we can envision going into the ball game," he said. "Damon is the most experienced, and he has played, but he's hardly a seasoned player. All three of those guys will be in there and we'll go from there."

Ferentz is hopeful that the Hawkeyes can get off the "rollercoaster" when it comes to the Iowa special teams, but he realizes there could be some bumps in the road with true freshman punter Connor Kornbrath.

"That's one of our goals," said Ferentz. "There's going to be some in the punting game. Probably no different than when Eric Guthrie started a year ago and Donnie (Ryan Donahue) four-or-five years ago. We think Connor has that kind of potential to end up being a really good player."

Kornbrath is one of four true freshmen who are expected to play Saturday, along with Garmon, Malloy and defensive back Kevin Buford.

During the course of camp, Ferentz has seen progress from his inexperienced defensive line, and he expects it's going to be a collective effort against Northern Illinois and throughout the season.

"The guys are working hard and have a good attitude," said Ferentz. "I would envision us playing six, seven, eight guys during the course of the game. I'm not sure we have somebody that can go out there and play 70, 75, 80 snaps right now. It's going to be a collective effort."

Ferentz says it is a win-win situation for both the players and fans when playing a neutral site game in Chicago.

"Our fans seemed to enjoy it and embraced it, which is good," said Ferentz of the previous meeting in 2007. "I don't want to say it is a convenient game, but at least it's a lot better than going to the West Coast in my mind."

"You're playing in a pro stadium, which is exciting to the players. They like that opportunity based on some of the bowl games we've played in pro stadiums. To me, it just makes sense."

Ferentz announced that the leadership group selected senior quarterback James Vandenberg, senior center James Ferentz, senior defensive back Micah Hyde and junior linebacker James Morris as this week's¬¬ team captains.

Saturday's game is set to begin at 2:32 p.m. (CT) inside Chicago's Soldier Field. The game will be televised live on ESPNU with Tom Hart and John Congemi calling the action

Complete Coach Ferentz Press Conference Transcript  [PDF]

Iowa appears have a very young team from a standpoint of seniors and seniors starting.  However, with only four true freshmen likley playing on Saturday, it doesn't appear that Iowa is going to draw upon the freshmen class at the same rate as other seasons under Kirk Ferentz.

Iowa lost key players from 2011:

• WR Marvin McNutt has departed, after a record setting season in 2011.  Look for senior wide receiver #6 Keenan Davis to step up from the #2 spot at WR, into that top spot.
• DT Mike Daniels lead Iowa in sacks and tackles for loss last season.  During Spring Drills, redshirt sophomore defensive tackle #90 Louis Trinca-Pasat to step up as a new starter on the new defensive line for Iowa.
• CB Shaun Prater was a three-year starter and was twice recognized as a first-team all-Big Ten performer.  Junior CB #19 B.J. Lowery will be the new starter, but senior #18 Micah Hyde returns as the top corner for Iowa.  He is a returning second-team all-Big Ten performer.

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.

Iowa picks up first road win of season with 31-21 win @ Purdue

The Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4, 4-3 B1G Legends) finally took care of business on the road, after losing the first three of the season, with a 31-21 win at Purdue (5-6, 3-4 B1G Leaders). Purdue falls to 0-3 on Senior Day under coach Danny Hope. Iowa gets road redemption as the Hawkeyes win at Purdue on a windy day.

"It's good to get the win and being on the road makes it that much better. We knew it was going to be a tough challenge. Credit goes to our
players, they fought and battled hard. It wasn't a pretty game, but they really
worked hard." - Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz

The Hawkeyes have won five of the last six and 17 of the last 23 meetings vs. Purdue. Iowa assures themselves of a winning season, with the win at Purdue.
After losses at Iowa State in 3 OT, at Penn State, at Minnesota; Iowa gets it together with solid road win at Purdue. The Hawkeyes were lead by solid quarterback play from junior James Vandenberg, solid running from sophomore Marcus Coker and solid play by four Iowa receivers, lead by senior Marvin McNutt. On defense, the defensive line put together their best game of the season, lead by seniors Mike Daniels and Broderick Binns.

"It's great to get that monkey off our back. This was a great team win all
around." - quarterback James Vandenberg

Iowa will enjoy this game, but will have to turnaround and get ready for the final Big Ten road game of the season on Black Friday, when the Hawkeyes face Nebraska (8-3, 4-3 B1G Legends) in Lincoln for the first Heroes Game, starting the Iowa-Nebraska rivalry in the Big Ten.

***

Michigan State (9-2, 6-1 B1G Legends) clinched the Big Ten Legends Division with a 55-3 home win on Senior Day over Indiana (1-10, 0-7 B1G Leaders). The Spartans, who beat Iowa last weekend on Iowa's Senior Day, will play the winner of next Saturday's Penn State-Wisconsin game on December 3Rd in the Big Ten's first championship game in Indianapolis. The Spartans will close out the regular season next Saturday at Northwestern (6-5, 2-4 B1G Legends).

Is it time for Iowa to pull off a road win in the 2011 season?

Iowa is 0-3 on the road for the 2011 season. Iowa has two more chances at Purdue this week, then at Nebraska on Black Friday.

Until last weekend, Iowa (6-4, 3-3 B1G Legends) was undefeated at home, but Michigan State dropped Iowa to 6-1 for the season. Iowa's opponent, Purdue (5-5, 3-3 B1G Leaders) this week is 5-1 this season at home, at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Iowa hasn't played in West Lafayette, since the 2007 season and last won there in 2005. The Boilermakers and Hawkeyes haven't faced one another, since 2008, when Iowa beat Purdue 22-17 in the second to last game of the season.

Will three be a charm for Purdue? It will be Senior Day for the Boilermakers. Under Coach Danny Hope, the Boilermakers are 0-2 on Senior Day.

The weather is likely going to be windy at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, as the two teams play on the Big Ten Network (Direct TV 611-1 in HD) with a 11 a.m. start. Last week, in Iowa's 37-21 loss vs. Michigan State, the Hawkeyes' junior QB James Vandenberg struggled against the wind.

Purdue is coming off a big 26-23 OT win at Ross-Ade Stadium over Ohio State last week. Last week for Iowa, the Hawkeyes were coming off a big 24-16 win over Michigan, as they faced Michigan State for the second straight home game.

Will Purdue's fate be similar to Iowa or will they string another victory at home and obtain bowl eligibility? http://Iowa - Black & Gold rivals, in this Big Ten intra-division protected game! Iowa has been 16-5-1, since 1983, while prior to the 1981 win by Iowa, Purdue had a 19 game winning streak over the Hawkeyes.

Both teams have a lot to play for on Saturday. Iowa can secure a winning season for 22011. While, Purdue can secure bowl eligibility and their first win on Senior Day under coach Danny Hope.

So, is there any Hope for Iowa in West Lafayette on Saturday?

• Iowa QB Vandenberg needs to do a better job of game management


• Iowa defense needs to play stronger and avoid "big plays" which hurt Iowa vs. MSU and in other Iowa losses on the road


• Execution is huge, as well proper technique


• Iowa must establish the running game - which they did at Minnesota in their disappointing 22-21 road loss. Who will be the #2 RB for Iowa this week?


• Iowa must finish, unlike @ Minnesota: put points on the board in the red zone on offense


• Iowa defense needs to play strong on red zone


• Ironically, Iowa is a good red zone defense, in conference play


• Special teams: both teams are pretty even, so who win the challenges in this phase?


• Which coaching staff has there club in better position to win?

The Iowa coaching staff for the most part has had Iowa in position to make plays this season. But, in Iowa four losses, players have not stepped up, when the opportunity has been there for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa appears to be in a strong position, if they can get to 28 points @ Purdue.

Purdue needs to hold Iowa to 24 points or less. In regulation, Iowa has been held to 24, 3, 21 and 24 points in the four losses Iowa has had this season.

Prediction:

In 2005, it was Iowa 34, Purdue 17, in Iowa's last victory in West Lafayette, so this time around. Iowa's last road win was @ Michigan in 2010, when the Hawkeyes won 38-28.

In this game, look for Iowa, if they can get off to a good start and control momentum, the line of scrimmage and field position... IOWA 28, Purdue 17, very similar to Iowa's first B1G road win in 2007. That game was at Northwestern, when Iowa entered the game 0-3 on the road in the Big Ten.

Iowa is a .500 Big Ten football team with two games left

Against the top two division teams in the Big Ten, Penn State (8-2, 5-1 B1G Leaders) and Michigan State (8-2, 5-1 B1G Legends), Iowa (6-4, 3-3 B1G Legends) wasn't equal, losing 13-3 at Penn State to open the Big Ten conference season, then losing 37-21 on Senior Day this past Saturday at Kinnick Stadium against Michigan State.

The Hawkeyes are coming off three straight seasons, winning each of their bowl games. In 2009, Iowa played with the Big Ten title on the line at Ohio State, but lost 24-27 in OT. Iowa QB James Vandenberg lead Iowa in that competitive game in Columbus, in relief of starter Ricky Stanzi, who was out due to injury. Stanzi was a key piece in leading Iowa to three bowl wins.

But, in Iowa's four losses in 2011, Vandenberg has often struggled at QB. Iowa's other two losses were on the road, with a 44-41 3OT loss at Iowa State, then a 22-21 loss at Minnesota. Turnovers have been a common denominator in Iowa's four losses this season. In Iowa's latest loss on Senior Day, vs. Michigan State, Iowa was a minus three in turnover margin.

Typically, Quarterbacks lose more games at the Big Ten level, than win them. Balance, with strong offense, defense and special teams are all typically needed. Wisconsin has a good team this year, but special teams have lead to breakdowns and losses. Iowa's special teams breakdowns last year, caused similar results.

Game management is important at the Quarterback position, but all phases need to step up. Since Iowa's 7-1 Big Ten season in 2004, Iowa's special teams have been hit and miss. Iowa has had some good performers, but consistency and execution has caused issues. Both coaching mistakes and player execution problems have been noticed in Iowa City, lately.

In the game Saturday vs. Michigan State, Iowa was victim of another special team breakdown, when the Spartans executed a fake field goal. A good Michigan State defense didn't make it easy for Iowa, but at times, Iowa simply looks out of sync.

Yeah, I don't know. I guess you'd have to say we weren't ready. We
didn't look ready. We left the door open way too many times in all three phases.
It wasn't just any one segment. Little details. Just little things, all the
basics that either help you win or make it tougher to win, Iowa
coach Kirk Ferentz commenting what was the key to MSU game

Iowa will lose 18 seniors, after this season. So, where are the Hawkeyes headed, as they close out the final two games on the road in the Big Ten? Iowa is bowl eligible for the eleventh straight season, but a trip to Detroit is not what the Iowa fans had in mind heading into 2011.

Iowa will face difficult challenges on the road with games at Purdue (5-5, 3-3 B1G Leaders) this week, then a major showdown at Nebraska (8-2, 4-2 B1G Legends) on Black Friday. The games at Purdue and Nebraska will have major bowl implications for all three teams. Both games will have an 11 a.m. kickoff. The Purdue game will be on the Big Ten Network and ABC Sports will air the Nebraska game on Black Friday.

The Hawkeyes were at a crossroads, at 2-2, after the loss at Minnesota. Iowa rebounded with a solid 24-16 win over Michigan (8-2, 4-2 Legends), which was clearly Iowa's best game in 2011. But, unlike returning to the home field of Kinnick Stadium facing Michigan, Iowa will face two major road games, where Iowa is 0-3 for 2011. Next up: @ Purdue on Saturday.

Iowa Hawkeyes open at home at Kinnick with Michigan, as back half of the B1G race begins

It has been a difficult road for Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3, 2-2 B1G Legends) in 2011. The Hawkeyes are 0-3, with losses at Iowa State (45-42, 3 OT), at Penn State (13-3) and last week with a disappointing 22-21 loss at Minnesota.

Home has been a better place for the Hawkeyes in 2011. Heading into the final two games for 2011, Iowa is 5-0 at Kinnick Stadium, thus far. Of course, the next two weeks will be the biggest challenges at Kinnick in 2011, with the two schools from the State of Michigan.

First up, Iowa hosts Michigan (7-1, 3-1 B1G Legends), who features the most explosive QB in the B1G, with junior Denard Robinson. Robinson and his teammates have lost two straight to Iowa. A win today by Iowa would be a first in the Iowa-Michigan series, with Iowa winning three in a row.

Iowa has four games left in the B1G in November and control their own destiny, despite the 0-3 road record and two losses in the B1G, since they face the Legends division teams tied presently for first place the rest of the way. The final crossover game, with a Leaders team will be very important too, as well.

• vs. Michigan (7-1, 3-1 Legends)


• vs. Michigan State (6-2, 3-1 Legends)


• @ Purdue (4-4, 2-2 Leaders)


• @ Nebraska (7-1, 3-1 Legends)

Michigan may be the most difficult of the next four games for Iowa, due to Iowa's defense and how it will match up against Robinson at QB for the Wolverines. All four games will be difficult, based on the inconsistency of the Iowa offense, defense and special teams.

Playing at Kinnick Stadium should be a factor for Iowa?

After three games on the road in 2011, if this Iowa-Michigan game was on the road, Michigan would be a heavy favorite. But, as most teams have found in the Big Ten on the road, any given Saturday. All three tri-leaders in the Legends Division have a loss and all three came on the road.

Iowa features on offense three of the top play makers in the conference, with junior QB James Vandenberg, sophomore RB Marcus Coker and senior WR Marvin McNutt. Iowa will likely have to score plenty of points on Saturday, if they are successful to pull off their third win in a row over Michigan. It would be a huge upset for some Iowa fans, but some media talking heads do have Michigan on upset alert heading to Kinnick. Michigan is 1-1 this season on the road.

Iowa better bring A Game in all four phases of the game. Yes, four phases, since coaching and the intangibles may be as huge in getting Iowa back on track, after the disappointing 22-21 loss last week. Iowa's offense, defense and special teams will have to play strong, balance, balance for Iowa, in this big home game.

Prediction: IOWA 37, Michigan 35

DEFEND Kinnick Stadium

57Th meeting in the Iowa-Michigan series

Cy-Hawk Game in Ames, as College Football Saturday hits Week 2 of the 2011 season

On the news of Brent Greenwood's collapse and apparent heart attack, the Cy-Hawk football game between #22 Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) @ Iowa State Cyclones (1-0) has a little different meaning on Saturday in Ames. Further, on Sunday, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, which postponed the Cy-Hawk game back in 2001, along with all of college football that historic week in our history.

So, what should we expect during the 59Th game of the Iowa-Iowa State series in Football?

• Both teams have new quarterbacks under center. Of course, ISU's JUCO transfer Steele Jantz is facing his first Cy-Hawk game. Iowa junior QB James Vandenberg is in his fourth season at Iowa and played briefly in Ames in '09 in a mop up role, after departed QB Ricky Stanzi lead Iowa over Iowa State 35-3. Look for more offense in '11 from the Cyclones.


• In the running game, Iowa is without '11 leading rusher true freshman Mika'll McCall (9 for 61 yards), who was lost for the season in Iowa's win over Tennessee Tech 35-7, due to a broken ankle. ISU's running game may be limited to a fleat footed QB, however, with Iowa's revamped defensive line, ISU coach Paul Rhoads will likely try to establish a running game, because Iowa's DC Norm Parker would love to see ISU become one demenional. Iowa's lead RB is sophomore Marcus Coker, who rolled Missouri for over 200 yards in the 2010 Insight Bowl, but looked rusty in the season opener.


• The passing game for Iowa looked very well with Vandenberg in Week 1. On the flip side, Jantz was only 18-40 for 187 yards in ISU's 20-19 late minute win over Northern Iowa last week. Jantz also threw three interceptions. Turnovers are typically huge in a rivalry game.


• As Paul Rhoads mentioned this week, the offensive line is often a key to victory in any football game. We can't forget the importance of the defensive line, as well. Iowa would appear to have a better O-Line, though ISU has some good parts, but will they have the chemistry needed? Is Iowa's O-Line ready for prime-time in Week 2? Iowa's 2002 O-Line is considered Iowa's best under coach Kirk Ferentz, but in Week 2 at Miami-OH in 2002, the Hawkeyes had to grind out a 29-24 win.


• Iowa senior DT Mike Daniels had his first sack of 2011, last week vs. FBS' Tennessee Tech. Senior DE Broderick Binns had a huge play at Arizona in 2010, but didn't start most of the season. Those two Hawkeyes must anchor a young group of players in new roles for Iowa. ISU has some experience in the D-Line, but the Cyclones finished 5-7 in 2010 and defense was not strong in last year's 7-35 loss to Iowa in Iowa City.


• Injuries have hit both Iowa and Iowa State in the linebacker corp over the past two seasons. Health could play a role in this year's game. The stronger unit on Saturday may be a huge part in determining the final outcome.


• Both Iowa and Iowa State have some new parts in the secondary. Iowa's ability to force turnovers has been a big part of the Hawkeyes' success, including a +4 in '10 and +3 in '09. Iowa beat ISU in 2003 in Ames and turnovers played a key role in Iowa's 40-21 win.


• In closing, another key area will be special teams. In Dan McCarney's first win over Iowa, in J. Hayden Fry's final season in 1998, a blocked punt fueled an Iowa State avalanche. Coaching should be solid on both sidelines. Kirk Ferentz and Paul Rhoades are fine representatives for both programs.

Our Prediction in the Cy-Hawk Game:

#22 Iowa 35, Iowa State 21
11:00 a.m. on FSN (HD) / Mediacom

A look around the rest of College Football for Week 2:

Central Michigan at Kentucky, 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU (HD)
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
#22Iowa at Iowa State, 11:00 a.m. on FSN (HD) / Mediacom
Oregon State at #8Wisconsin, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3
San Diego State at Army, 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN (HD)
South Dakota State at Illinois, 11:00 a.m. on BTN (HD)
Toledo at #15Ohio State, 11:00 a.m. on BTN (HD)
#16Mississippi State at #25 Auburn, 11:21 a.m. on SEC Network / ESPN-GP / espn3
Rutgers at North Carolina, 11:30 a.m. on SNY (HD) / ESPN-GP *2 / Raycom *3 (HD) / espn3
Norfolk State at #18West Virginia, 12:00 p.m. on RSPI (HD?) / MASN2 (HD?) / ESPN-GP / espn3
Northern Colorado at Colorado State, 1:00 p.m. on MTN (HD)
#1Alabama at Penn State, 2:30 p.m. on ABC (HD)
California at Colorado, 2:30 p.m. on CSCA / (FCSA / FCSP) (cable)
Cincinnati at Tennessee, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2 (HD) / espn3
Eastern Illinois at Northwestern, 2:30 p.m. on BTN (HD)
Hawaii at Washington, 2:30 p.m. on (RSMW / RSNW) (HD?) / Oceanic PPV
Nevada at #7Oregon 2:30 p.m. on FX (HD)
New Mexico State at Minnesota 2:30 p.m. on BTN (HD)
North Carolina State at Wake Forest 2:30 p.m. on (FSS / SUN / FSPT) *5 / ESPN-GP *2 / espn3
Purdue at Rice 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN (HD)
#11 Stanford at Duke 2:30 p.m. ESPNU (HD)
TCU at Air Force 2:30 p.m. on Versus (HD)
#6 Virginia Tech at East Carolina 2:30 p.m. on FSN (HD) / Free SS preview
Rhode Island at Syracuse 3:30 p.m. on SNY / ESPN-GP / espn3 / (TWC / Cox RI) (cable)
#14 South Carolina at Georgia 3:30 p.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3
North Dakota at Idaho 4:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP / espn3 / (SWX / Midco) (cable)
Southern Illinois at Ole Miss 5:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (MS & Memphis) / espn3
Texas State at Wyoming 5:00 p.m. on MTN (HD)
Ball State at #25 South Florida 6:00 p.m. on ALT-HD / ESPN-GP / (BHSN/ERTV) (cable) / espn3
#19 BYU at Texas 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2 (HD) (3D) / espn3
Fresno State at #12 Nebraska 6:00 p.m. on BTN (HD)
New Mexico at #10 Arkansas 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU (HD)
Northern Illinois at Kansas 6:00 p.m. on DirecTV - 623 / FCSC (cable)
UAB at #17 Florida 6:00 p.m. on Fox Sports South / ESPN-GP *2 / espn3
UTEP at SMU 6:00 p.m. on FSN (HD)
Virginia at Indiana 6:00 p.m. on BTN (HD)
Connecticut at Vanderbilt 6:30 p.m. on SNY-HD / ESPN-GP / (CST / CSS) (cable) / espn3
Utah at #21 USC 6:30 p.m. on Versus (HD)
Boston College at #20 Central Florida 7:00 p.m. on CBSSN (HD)
Notre Dame at Michigan 7:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) / espn3
Northwestern State at # 3 LSU 7:00 p.m. on ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (LA) / espn3
San Jose State at UCLA 9:00 p.m. on FSW (HD) / FCSP (cable)

Games not yet scheduled for nationally available networks.

Alabama State at Eastern Michigan 12:00 p.m.
Central Arkansas at Louisiana Tech 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Charleston Southern at #4 Florida State on 5:00 p.m. espn3
Gardner Webb at Ohio 6:00 p.m.
Georgia Tech at Middle Tennessee 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Grambling at Louisiana Monroe 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Houston at North Texas 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Louisiana Lafayette at Kent State 6:00 p.m.
Maine at Pittsburgh 12:00 p.m. on espn3
Memphis at Arkansas State 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Morgan State at Bowling Green 6:00 p.m. on BCSN / espn3
Navy at Western Kentucky 6:00 p.m. on espn3
Nicholls State at Western Michigan 6:00 p.m.
Southern Miss at Marshall 2:30 p.m. on CSS (cable)
Stony Brook at Buffalo 5:00 p.m. on espn3 / TWCS (cable)
Temple at Akron 5:00 p.m. on espn3
Tulsa at Tulane 2:30 p.m. on CST (cable)
UNLV at Washington State 4:00 p.m.
Weber State at Utah State 7:00 p.m. on espn3
Wofford at Clemson 2:30 p.m. espn3

Quick Notes for Saturday of Week 2:

• Alabama is 9-5 vs. Penn State and have won 4 of last 5 meetings! This would be a huge win for Joe Paterno's program, if the Nittany Lions can knock off Nick Saban's Crimson Tide!


• South Carolina is only 5-11 in road openers and lost 37-41 the last time they played in Athens. Can Georgia's Mark Richt get it turned abound, after opening week loss vs. #5 Boise State?


• Is Auburn a Top 25 team without QB Cam Newton? Mississippi State won in 2007 @ Auburn.


• Does Michigan coach Brady Hoke get first win over Notre Dame as head coach. Many are predicting Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish are not the same Irish of old. Neither is Michgian yet, but coaching change was a good start!


• Colorado and Utah open play in the Pac 12 in Week 2.