Changes are everywhere for Kirk Ferentz as he enters his 14th season in Iowa City. Two new coordinators will be challenged in replacing many new starters on both sides of the ball.
James Vandenberg returns for his senior season after a 2011 campaign that saw him put up impressive numbers....however the overall numbers do not show the struggles Vandenberg had on the road and facing blitzes. If Vandenberg is truly ready to take the next step, he must improve his game in both areas despite losing the top WR in school history, Marvin McNutt. The running back situation is again laughable as 5 scholarship backs have departed since last December. Keenan Davis will be the primary target for Vandenberg. Davis, a former top recruit, looks the part of a skilled WR but has yet to put it all together. The offensive line will be the strengh of this unit lead by Brandon Scherff who might be the next great Iowa offensive lineman.
Questions need to be answered everywhere on defense for new DC Phil Parker. The defensive line on paper appears to be the worst Iowa has sported since 1999. The linebacking core hopes James Morris returns to his 2010 form which landed him on many freshman All-American teams. The secondary does have some depth and experience. B.J. Lowery and Micah Hyde form a solid cornerback duo while rumblings out of Iowa City have placed Nico Law as the next Bob Sanders.
Iowa should have some time to answer many of these questions with a schedule that is very favorable. Anything short of a 5-0 start would have to be considered a disappointment. A trip to East Lansing should be the first true test. Iowa finishes with Michigan and Nebraska but otherwise, there are winnable games everywhere.
PREDICTION: 8-4 OVERALL, 4-4 CONFERENCE
Whoa Nelly!
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