- Wisconsin - overrated, My #26 program right now, behind Iowa and Minnesota
- Iowa - this is a great opportunity to get back to Indy in back to back seasons
- Minnesota - they beat Wisconsin last season, so we are all grateful last year!
We have seen RB Kaleb Johnson, rather than WR Keagan Johnson and not much RB Gavin Williams really, but let's not forget Leshon as a RB.
We can expect to see one freshman early and Iowa will hopefully have 3 serviceable and healthy RBs to kickoff 2022❓️
Iowa will be built around the RBs and TEs, at least early.
They will be featured in passing game. Hopefully, the short to intermediate passing game can open up for QB1 and we will see higher percentage of completion. A must in 2022.
Not since 2014 and 2015, did Iowa complete over 60% of their passes. Both Nate Stanley and Spencer Petra have lead Iowa to more wins than not, but the long pass and passing percentage have been inconsistent.
We don't need QB to be a run-pass threat every play.
But, both Jake Rudock and CJ Beathard made plays with their feet and scored TDs. Even as a senior, Nate Stanley extended drives with his feet.
WR is a concern, if Keagan Johnson is MIA. The loss of Tyrone Tracy and Charlie Jones isn't nearly the same as Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Brandon Smith.
Iowa will have WRs Nico Ragaini and Arland Bruce IV, but who replaces #6, if he remains unable to perform?
Iowa leans on RB and TE in 2022.
As I wrote earlier this year, we will seek to be like Michigan in 1997. Lean on defense, RB and TE. Need to have special teams step up, again.
No one is expecting a 2015 season. Well, actually, we have seen both Scott Dochterman and @TomKakert say Iowa is capable of 10-2, which puts the Hawks in the hunt to return to Indy.
How good can this Phil Parker defense be in 2022❓️
Iowa wanted that LT, but can Mason Richman become an anchor for Iowa in 2022❓️
This will be a younger offensive line than last year, well, maybe that isn't true. Iowa needs to improve there, but both the Iowa OL and DL will hopefully be improved.
The defense needs to be great. Think Michigan in 1997 or even last year. Or, a poor man's version of Michigan.
Jared DeVries comes to mind, when I think of a guy who could be very disruptive and at times highly unstoppable. Just ask Michigan in 1997 and 1998.
The heart and soul of an Iowa defense. Think back to 1984 and 1985, consensus all-American ILB Larry Station. Iowa has three talented starters and hungry group of younger guys, who will hopefully spark special teams again.
Can this be Phil Parker’s best defensive unit, since he became DC in 2012❓️
No team in the Big Ten is perfect. Though, Iowa will see plenty of offense in 2022, and Ohio State and Michigan could be outstanding.
Others have suggested Iowa may not even have the best LB units. Of course, who has the best TEAM DEFENSE❓️
Wisconsin is pretty salty, but when is the last time they beat Ohio State or Michigan in same season or either when they played both?
Let's hope this is a very special year, as Kirk Ferentz honors number 24, with his 24th season as head coach, with seven sellout games in historic Kinnick Stadium and Duke Slater Field.
This should be fun in September. Have a great Friday and weekend everyone 👋🏼
