@ Rutgers: Chris Ash is a fine coach who had coached against Iowa at nearly every place he's been at - so he definitely knows us. On the flip side, we may not know entirely what to expect from his O or D ... at least schematically, since we'll have limited prior tape on them.
Rutgers has a lot of talent ... particularly on D, especially with a top D-lineman returning from injury. Since Ash is more of a defensive oriented guy - they should have an easier time turning around the D.
Rutgers also has a talented stable of RBs. A good running game and a strong D can keep a team in the game ... even against superior competition ... particularly AT HOME. The big question will be how well the team transitions to having all new schemes ... on BOTH O and D. Furthermore, although they return a QB with starting experience ... the guy still was awfully inconsistent last year. Furthermore, without Caroo, the Rutgers O sputtered at best.
Anyhow, while Rutgers didn't fare well last year, they return A LOT of guys with game experience from last year. They could be, in principle, a much improved team.
I'm thankful that North Dakota State poses such a great challenge in just the prior game. The Bison should ensure that the Hawks are prepared to face talented opposition ... and be prepared for what could be a tough game against Rutgers.
@ Purdue: There really is no reason why Purdue won't be much improved from last year. Iowa will be the toughest team that Purdue will face up until that point in the season ... they could potentially be entering the game with a lot of confidence and optimism. They have a talented but young QB, they have an excellent bulldozing RB, and they have one of the better LBs in the division in Bentley.
The main advantage that Purdue might have in the game is that their game with Iowa lies smack between Iowa's games against Minnesota and Wisconsin. Frankly, the game is screaming out "trap game."
@ Illinois: Last year Illinois fought really hard for Cubit when they faced Iowa. Iowa's O faced a lot of adversity both entering the game and throughout the game - and yet they still persevered.
The Illini have a talented QB, an excellent RB, and a nice combo of talent and experience on both O- and D-lines. That is definitely a set of ingredients that a coaching staff can work with. However, the squad will be installing all new schemes on both O and D. Furthermore, the Illini still graduated their top receiving target and their other top guy (Dudek) is injured yet again for the second year in a row.
The biggest knock on the Illini heading in the game is that they should really be beaten up by the time they face the Hawks. In all likelihood, the Illini will be entering the game with a losing record and the team will still be searching within itself for answers.
By that time in the season, if the Hawks have managed to enjoy enough health and personnel continuity ... they should still be continuing to improve through each and every game. My bet is the game will pit a focussed and confident Hawk squad against a reeling Illini squad.
@ Minnesota: TCF stadium has already proven to be a tough venue for the Hawks. We have yet to make it into "Kinnick North." As Minnesota fans have even said about their squad - their main issues should be at WR, on the OL, and in the secondary.
Last year the Gophers primarily nicked the Hawks on misdirection and/or "trick" plays. They made Iowa's excellent pursuit to the ball work against them. The issue is that Iowa returns a lot of experienced talent among the front 7 on D ... and that really could make it harder for the Gophers to gain chunk yardage on the ground. While Leidner has passed for a lot of yardage against Iowa in the past ... I still like Iowa's defensive match-ups against their passing game.
The Gophers should be pretty solid with their front 7 - so that could limit Iowa's rushing yards. The difference for Iowa in the match-up could be Beathard's mobility ... and any traction the Hawks can get in the passing game.
Concluding remarks: The Hawks really should hold match-up advantages in each game. However, it really is true that no game should be considered a given. I see two games resulting in comfortable Iowa victories ... however, I also see two games being uncomfortably close.
