#4-IOWA HAWKEYES

Head coach Kirk Ferentz has the Hawks on the upswing for the third time in his career in Iowa City which is quite amazing considering most coaches don't get the chance to do it even twice. Expectations are high in 2014 for Iowa, a far cry from just one year ago at this time.

Jake Rudock appears solidly locked in as the #1 behind center however every fans favorite player (the back-up Iowa quarterback)C.J. Beathard continues to push. Ferentz did all he could to keep Beathard on campus this summer knowing that beyond Beathard, the talent at the QB position for Iowa is light. In the backfield, four running backs figure to see significant carries. Mark Weisman returns along with Damon Bullock, Jordan Canzeri and LeShun Daniels. Brandon Scherff leads an offensive line that will be a strength assuming everyone can stay healthy. Carl Davis will be the man in the middle on a defense that is looking to fill 3 huge holes at linebacker. In the secondary, Desmond King is back for his sophomore campaign after a standout freshman season. In addition to the linebackers, two key position battles at the other corner and strong safety will ultimately determine if this Iowa defense is a good one or a great one.

The schedule sets up extremely well for Iowa in 2014. In the non-conference, Iowa State and Pittsburgh will provide early season, winnable tests. In Big Ten play, Iowa avoids Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan and Michigan State. Additionally, Iowa gets Wisconsin and Nebraska at Kinnick Stadium. The early season trip to Maryland looks to be a tricky game. If Iowa can come out of that game with a win, the Hawks may very well be on their way to a stellar season.

PREDICTION: 6-2 IN THE BIG TEN, 9-3 OVERALL.