[Bryan88]

Here is a little review of the Hawkeyes spring practices and a look towards the fall. My question is, how do you guys and gals see the RB situation panning out? And are you all comfortable with Christensen at QB? Should be an interesting fall!



ESPN - Breaking down the Big Ten - College Football

Spring answers
1. Target practice: The passing attack should be better this fall regardless of who wins the quarterback competition. After an injury wave last season claimed budding start like wideout Andy Brodell and tight end Tony Moeaki, the Hawkeyes have slowly restocked their offensive armory. Brodell returned this spring from a torn hamstring and caught five passes in the spring game. Moeaki also is on the mend, and Trey Stross made a strong push this spring. Stross had two long touchdown receptions in the spring game. He will join Brodell and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, last year's top receiver, in the rotation this fall. Moeaki and senior Brandon Myers form a strong tandem at tight end.

2. Anchors up front: There's little doubt about where Iowa's defensive leadership will come from this fall. After losing linebackers Mike Humpal and Mike Klinkenborg, end Bryan Mattison and cornerback Charles Godfrey, the Hawkeyes' defensive tackle tandem of Mitch King and Matt Kroul steps into the spotlight. Both players turned in strong spring performances and provide a strong base for a young defense. "It starts with them," coach Kirk Ferentz said. "They're proven players, they've got tremendous attitudes, they're practicing extremely well right now. We need those guys to give us good leadership."

3. Edds emerges: Linebacker AJ Edds assumed a greater role this spring as Iowa tried to fill two holes in its defensive midsection. Edds, who ranked second on the team in tackles last year (80), continued to provide stability at linebacker and looked ready to step up as a leader. "He's only going to be a second-year starter, but you almost feel like he's been playing a little bit longer," Ferentz said. "He's really an attentive guy and has really improved in all areas of his game."

Fall questions
1. Rush to judgment: Few major-conference teams have as much uncertainty at running back as the Hawkeyes. Leading rushers Albert Young and Damian Sims are gone, and potential successor Jevon Pugh surprisingly left the team in early April. Walk-on Paki O'Meara finished the spring as the No. 1 back, but he will have to hold off Shonn Greene, who returns to the team after spending a year at a junior college to improve his academics. How Greene readjusts to Division I-A football will be critical. Iowa also could lean on incoming freshmen Jeff Brinson and Jewel Hampton.

2. Quarterback question: Incumbent Jake Christensen maintained a grip on the starting quarterback spot coming out of spring ball, but sophomore Ricky Stanzi is still in the mix. Ferentz acknowledged Christensen is in the lead, but both Stanzi and Marvin McNutt aren't out of the competition. Christensen has ample experience and lacks no confidence in his abilities. If he limits mistakes in training camp, he should secure the job.

3. Coverage plan: The spotlight will be on the offensive backfield this summer, but the competition at cornerback shouldn't go unnoticed. Iowa must replace NFL draft pick Godfrey and Adam Shada, who combined for 14 pass breakups last season. Junior Bradley Fletcher likely will claim Shada's spot, and help is on the way with four incoming recruits and former Iowa player Amari Spievey, who returns after earning junior college All-America honors last season.

[bears9]

I like Jake Christensen, he was the crown jewel of Ferentz's top ten recruiting class a few years back. The defense will be good again, hopely one receiver can stay healthy this year, because last year was hard. The running backs that is a huge question mark

[Bryan88]

Originally Posted by bears9

I like Jake Christensen, he was the crown jewel of Ferentz's top ten recruiting class a few years back. The defense will be good again, hopely one receiver can stay healthy this year, because last year was hard. The running backs that is a huge question mark

Yeah I like Christensen as well, but he might need to step it up to a whole new level to compensate for the RB's. I am excited to see what we have this year, and we miss Ohio State and Michigan so I think we will improve on last year. Do you have a prediction for our record this year?

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Bryan88

Yeah I like Christensen as well, but he might need to step it up to a whole new level to compensate for the RB's. I am excited to see what we have this year, and we miss Ohio State and Michigan so I think we will improve on last year. Do you have a prediction for our record this year?

We missed OSU and Michigan last year to, so see how that worked out. I'll say 8-4 or 9-3, benefiting from an easy schedule.

[Bryan88]

Originally Posted by bears9

We missed OSU and Michigan last year to, so see how that worked out. I'll say 8-4 or 9-3, benefiting from an easy schedule.

I am a little more optimistic about this year then last year and having PSU and Wisconsin at home this year will certainly be big. I look at that schedule and our roster and I see an 8-4 team. I think that if things go right for us, meaning no major injuries and the RB's step it up, then I think we might be able to squeeze another win possibly two out of this year. But for right now I will stick with 8-4. Who do you think wins the big 10 this year?