2006 Iowa football preview

2005 Record: 5-3, 7-5
Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz

Players Drafted:
Chad Greenway OLB Round 1 Minnesota
Abdul Hodge ILB Round 3 Green Bay

Top Recruits:
Jeremiha Hunter OLB 6'2" 210 Manheim, PA
Adrian Clayborn ILB 6'3" 248 Webster Groves, MO
Anthony Bowman CB 5'10" 170 Detroit, MI

Key Players Returning:
Drew Tate QB
Albert Young RB
Ken Iwebema DE
Adam Shada DB
Scott Chandler TE
Kyle Schlicher K
Mike Elgin OL
Mitch King DT
Edmond Miles LB
Herb Grigsby WR

Iowa Offensive Outlook

The Iowa offense returns 7 starters after scoring 30.0 points per game in 2005. Offensive Coordinator Ken O’Keefe is very good at getting his team in the end zone. Drew Tate is probably one of the top five quarterbacks in the country and is coming off of an outstanding 2005 season (22 TD, 7 Int). Albert Young is a dynamic runner, and the line is filled with a group of veterans who should keep Tate and Young providing sparks. While there are a number of talented pass catchers on the roster, Ferentz will need to work hard to develop a group that can work well with Tate. TE Scott Chandler is the one bright spot coming into the season who will be a reliable target.

Iowa Defensive Outlook

The Iowa defense returns 7 starters from a squad that allowed 20 points per game in 2005. The defensive line will be one of the best groups in the Big Ten this year. Led by DE Ken Iwebema who had seven sacks in 2005, the front four is fast and will be tough to handle. DB Adam Shada looks ready to go after missing the final three games last season due to an injury.

Iowa Special Teams

Kyle Schlicher is considered one of the top kickers in the nation coming into the 2006 season. Andy Fenstermaker returns as the punter and will hold for Schlicher on kicking attempts. These two could be the deciding factor in a number of games this season, and they have the experience to put the Hawkeyes on the winning end.

2006 Keys to Success: The linebackers are the one weak area coming into the 2006 season. Although, with so much focus on the defensive line the LBs should have the opportunity to run free and make plays. The questions remains…how fast will they come together as a group?

Another thing to take a look at is Iowa's schedule. The Hawkeyes lucked out by not having Penn State on the schedule this year and they will likely be favored in 10 of their 12 games this season. Only in their home game against Ohio State and a road match-up @ Michigan will the Hawkeyes likely be underdogs. An October 28th matchup with Northern Illinois could be a much better game than anyone in Iowa will be expecting.

2006 Prediction: The Hawkeyes should be 4-0 coming into their battle at home with Ohio State. The favorable schedule should help out provided they win the games they are supposed to, and with a couple games (Ohio State and Michigan) going their way, the Hawkeyes could find themselves playing some very meaningful games in November.

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