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FanSided Article on the 2018 season

That was pretty accurate. A few things, though-the O Line is really looking for one starter, not two. The tackles are set, as are Reynolds and Render. The only question with Render is whether he starts at center or guard. If Banwart improves enough to bet the center job, Render can stay at guard. If not, Paulson or someone else is going to have to step up at guard and Render will be center.
I don't know why so many people forget about Matt Nelson. He made the transition from DE to DT last year and he is a solid player. Lattimore is 290 plus now and will be playing his third year. The D line looks like a solid and possibly spectacular group.
LB is going to be fine. They may take a while to get on the same page. Jones, Welch, and Neimann are going to be really good. Hockaday is a good player but has been hurt his entire career. Colbert is an interesting player. I am looking forward to see him develop.
Safety is the best it has been in a long time. Hooker will be a prospect for early departure.
CB is the biggest comcern on the entire team to me. There is a great opportunity for a young player to start.
I agree with the author that the talent level has improved. I also agree with 9-3.
 
That was pretty accurate. A few things, though-the O Line is really looking for one starter, not two. The tackles are set, as are Reynolds and Render. The only question with Render is whether he starts at center or guard. If Banwart improves enough to bet the center job, Render can stay at guard. If not, Paulson or someone else is going to have to step up at guard and Render will be center.
I don't know why so many people forget about Matt Nelson. He made the transition from DE to DT last year and he is a solid player. Lattimore is 290 plus now and will be playing his third year. The D line looks like a solid and possibly spectacular group.
LB is going to be fine. They may take a while to get on the same page. Jones, Welch, and Neimann are going to be really good. Hockaday is a good player but has been hurt his entire career. Colbert is an interesting player. I am looking forward to see him develop.
Safety is the best it has been in a long time. Hooker will be a prospect for early departure.
CB is the biggest comcern on the entire team to me. There is a great opportunity for a young player to start.
I agree with the author that the talent level has improved. I also agree with 9-3.

For knowing a lot of shit, You didn’t know matt Nelson was hurt? Anyways, thanks for the info.
 
For knowing a lot of shit, You didn’t know matt Nelson was hurt? Anyways, thanks for the info.

I know Nelson missed spring practice due to getting hurt during the bowl game. Everyone expects him to be back for camp. Do you know something no one else does?
 
Please remember that no one had heard of Josh Jackson at this time last year. Then he becomes an all-American and leaves early for the NFL after having a spectacular season. No one predicted that. No one saw it coming.

I expect another Iowa CB or two will be a positive surprise in 2018. I think the same will be true at the WR position. There is talent, and some fellas will break out big time.

This could be a terrific season for the Hawkeyes. There may be more balance between offense and defense than usual, and special teams could be a big boost. There are many reasons for optimism. It's up to KF, BF, and company to make it happen.
 
I think we're in for a special year...but, two games no one talks about that concern me are Minnesota and Maryland. Win or lose to Wisky, we tend to play flat after bye weeks and something tells me the Gophs will try to ISU-under-McCarney this. Maryland, talent-wise, could be scary, and they will likely be the underdog. I think the Hawks handle it well. Good group and people seem to think this group is special, but I don't think most are concerned enough here.
 
I think we're in for a special year...but, two games no one talks about that concern me are Minnesota and Maryland. Win or lose to Wisky, we tend to play flat after bye weeks and something tells me the Gophs will try to ISU-under-McCarney this. Maryland, talent-wise, could be scary, and they will likely be the underdog. I think the Hawks handle it well. Good group and people seem to think this group is special, but I don't think most are concerned enough here.
Maryland is more of a wild card than Minnesota.

We've seen enough of Minnesota being try hard this decade to know what to expect, especially in Minneapolis.

Maryland is more of an unknown still, and Ferentz really sucks against those kind of unpredictable teams.
 
Good read - but the comments in the first couple paragraphs always punch me in the gut - that we are the definition of mediocrity. The truth sucks - but am remaining positive about our uptick in talent that we can move to the 9 win level consistently.

I agree with you that Iowa has been mediocre under Ferentz. I also agree that recruiting has ticked upward the past three classes and I am optimistic the Hawks can get back to competing with Wiscy for the west every year.
I guess my only question is whether mediocrity is really bad? Mediocrity means you aren't great but you don't suck, either. You are middle of the road. Winning 7-8 games a year meets that criteria.
Is it better to suck forever, then have one "oh-my-God, we went 8-5 and beat Oklahoma at their place, now we are on a sure path to a NC!" season then return to being 4-8 for five seasons, then catch lightning in a bottle for another 8-5 season?
I guess it is all a matter of perspective.
 
With the non-con schedule Iowa has been playing for years under KF and GB, anything less than 8 wins is weak sauce. Eight should be the minimum in Iowa's worst years. Ten or more should be the realistic goal every single season as long as the non-con features the likes of UNI, NIU, and ISU.
 
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