Iowa Hawkeyes
2020 record: 6-2 Big Ten
Projected returning starters: seven offense, six defense, one-1/2 special teams
Projected losses: OT Alaric Jackson*, DT Daviyon Nixon*, DE Chauncey Golston*, DE Jack Heflin*, WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette*, WR Brandon Smith*, LB Nick Niemann*, G Cole Banwart*, K Keith Duncan*
Key additions: DB Xavior Williams, DE Deontae Craig, WR Keagan Johnson, LB Justice Sullivan
ESPN Outlook: Iowa's season was delayed and then cut short when its regular-season finale against Michigan and bowl game against Missouri were canceled because of COVID-19 issues. The Hawkeyes still showed promise in finishing the season with a six-game winning streak after an 0-2 start. Tyler Goodson (762 yards) was one of the top tailbacks in the Big Ten, and he'll carry more of the load in 2021 with Mekhi Sargent leaving for the NFL.
Now it's:
9/4 Indiana
9/11 at Iowa State
9/18 Kent State
9/25 Colorado State
10/2 at Maryland
10/9 Penn State
10/16 Purdue
BYE
10/30 at Wisconsin
11/6 at Northwestern
11/13 Minnesota
11/20 Illinois
11/26 at Nebraska
Quarterback Spencer Petras threw eight touchdowns in the final six games. The offensive line got a boost when center Tyler Linderbaum opted to come back. The defensive line will have to be rebuilt, but end Zach VanValkenburg's return was more good news. The secondary will return intact, with cornerback Matt Hankins returning for his fifth season.
Clearly, Week 2, at Iowa State will be the biggest showdown, since the 1977 reboot, which was at Kinnick, rather than Jack Trice.
Iowa was in the Top 5 for youngest rosters in 2020, so the challenge will be facing deeper opponents, since the Hawkeyes clearly lost a nucleus of talent, lead by All-American DT Daviyon Nixon.
It will be similar to Iowa basketball in 2021-22 losing Luka Garza. A player you just don't replace. A once in a generation type talent in the evolution as a college athlete.
Indiana, Iowa and Iowa State are each programs known for slow starts. What if, IU would have lost the OT game at Penn State in 2020?
The health of IU QB Michael Pennix will be something to monitor. Like in 2020 B1G opener, Iowa will face an opponent with a new DC.
ESPN reported, "Penix's recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee will be monitored closely this summer. Matthews, who had 84 catches and 582 punt return yards in 35 games at Florida, transferred to Indiana. Former Ole Miss pass-rusher Anderson plans to join the Hoosiers as well."
What will the ultimate 2021 roster be for Iowa?
What additional movement be with the portal. Iowa has a good nucleus of youth.
The Hawkeyes return two game captains this season, with Tyler Linderbaum and Matt Hankins electing to return. Who will be the other leaders for Iowa in 2021?
It's Super Bowl weekend: Kansas City at Tampa Bay, that's a first in 55 games.
2020 record: 6-2 Big Ten
Projected returning starters: seven offense, six defense, one-1/2 special teams
Projected losses: OT Alaric Jackson*, DT Daviyon Nixon*, DE Chauncey Golston*, DE Jack Heflin*, WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette*, WR Brandon Smith*, LB Nick Niemann*, G Cole Banwart*, K Keith Duncan*
Key additions: DB Xavior Williams, DE Deontae Craig, WR Keagan Johnson, LB Justice Sullivan
ESPN Outlook: Iowa's season was delayed and then cut short when its regular-season finale against Michigan and bowl game against Missouri were canceled because of COVID-19 issues. The Hawkeyes still showed promise in finishing the season with a six-game winning streak after an 0-2 start. Tyler Goodson (762 yards) was one of the top tailbacks in the Big Ten, and he'll carry more of the load in 2021 with Mekhi Sargent leaving for the NFL.
Now it's:
9/4 Indiana
9/11 at Iowa State
9/18 Kent State
9/25 Colorado State
10/2 at Maryland
10/9 Penn State
10/16 Purdue
BYE
10/30 at Wisconsin
11/6 at Northwestern
11/13 Minnesota
11/20 Illinois
11/26 at Nebraska
Quarterback Spencer Petras threw eight touchdowns in the final six games. The offensive line got a boost when center Tyler Linderbaum opted to come back. The defensive line will have to be rebuilt, but end Zach VanValkenburg's return was more good news. The secondary will return intact, with cornerback Matt Hankins returning for his fifth season.
Clearly, Week 2, at Iowa State will be the biggest showdown, since the 1977 reboot, which was at Kinnick, rather than Jack Trice.
Iowa was in the Top 5 for youngest rosters in 2020, so the challenge will be facing deeper opponents, since the Hawkeyes clearly lost a nucleus of talent, lead by All-American DT Daviyon Nixon.
It will be similar to Iowa basketball in 2021-22 losing Luka Garza. A player you just don't replace. A once in a generation type talent in the evolution as a college athlete.
Indiana, Iowa and Iowa State are each programs known for slow starts. What if, IU would have lost the OT game at Penn State in 2020?
The health of IU QB Michael Pennix will be something to monitor. Like in 2020 B1G opener, Iowa will face an opponent with a new DC.
ESPN reported, "Penix's recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee will be monitored closely this summer. Matthews, who had 84 catches and 582 punt return yards in 35 games at Florida, transferred to Indiana. Former Ole Miss pass-rusher Anderson plans to join the Hoosiers as well."
What will the ultimate 2021 roster be for Iowa?
What additional movement be with the portal. Iowa has a good nucleus of youth.
The Hawkeyes return two game captains this season, with Tyler Linderbaum and Matt Hankins electing to return. Who will be the other leaders for Iowa in 2021?
It's Super Bowl weekend: Kansas City at Tampa Bay, that's a first in 55 games.
