2007 Iowa College Football Season Preview

With 47 days until the kickoff of the Iowa Hawkeyes' 2007 football season, the magazines are out, the media has spoken, and now it's my turn! I'll go through the Hawks' schedule game by game and give my predictions, as well as what I think the hawks need to do to reach the top of the big ten once again.

Pre-Season Perspective
First off, there is no reason why the Hawkeyes shouldn't be able to "bounce back" from last year's disappointing 6-7 season for a number of reasons.

First, this is Kirk Ferentz. I shouldn't have to say more, but I will. His teams have been characterized by solid fundamental play in a steady scheme that works. I believe last year's losing record can be attributed mostly from losing that kind of swagger his teams have always had in the past, even when we were 1-10. What I mean is, by watching last year's games, the hawks didn't come out with all the confidence, energy, and passion that should be easily felt, but was for the most part absent.

The Hawks seemed less prepared than usual in many of our losses last season. A lot of this can be attributed to the coaching staff, which Ferentz acknowledged when he talked about his preparation for last year's Alamo Bowl, a game that Iowa probably should have won *cough* Chandler *cough*. While many fans last season directly criticized the schemes we ran last year, I believe we were simply not prepared well enough. Criticizing the scheme is a shallow way of looking at the problem. Watching over last year's games, a sharp eye can see many different things that Iowa has never run before, namely plays specifically designed around Albert Young, Tom Busch, and blitz packages for the linebackers. People can say all they want about our simple schemes, but as it has been proven in many years in the past, with the right execution and people, it can win championships. I believe if the Hawks approach every game like they approached the '06 Alamo Bowl we would have a double-digit win record this season without a doubt.

Realistically, no matter how good the schedule looks this year, the fact is, we have a new starting quarterback and the rushing game is still a big question mark. While Iowa's last three starting quarterbacks each had 9+ win seasons in their first year as a starter, can Hawk fans expect that lightning will strike for the fourth time when Jake Christensen goes under center for the first time as a starter? The running game is also a major concern. Returning from injuries last year, Albert Young was hardly the same back. His production dropped significantly from the year before. Damien Sims, his back-up, is a home-run hitter with explosive potential, but he can't hold on to the ball to save his life. It doesn't take a genius to know that Iowa's success this season is highly dependent on the running game. On top of that the O-line will be made up mostly of first-time starters, which doesn't bode well for a new quarterback and a struggling running back core.

With that said, Iowa's staff has a knack for recruiting good QBs. Christensen is perhaps the best QB Iowa has recruited in terms of raw talent since Chuck Long. When he did see action during last season, he looked sharp, and made sound decisions. The Quarterback position could be Iowa's strength come Big Ten season.

September 1 vs Northern Illinois (at Soldier Field in Chicago).
This is a win without a doubt. The Huskies lost star running back Garret Wolfe and Offensive tackle Doug Free to the draft. They will not be the same team as last year, that is certain. Tickets for this game are sold out, and expect at least half of the stadium to be Hawk fans.

What could trip the Hawks up?
A conspiracy, paid refs, and a tornado hitting the Iowa sideline.

September 8 vs Syracuse
The kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm. It can't be denied that Iowa historically has a hard time playing with a late kickoff. One only has to look back to the embarrassment suffered during the '04 game against Arizona State, to see what I mean. Last year's Syracuse scare will only motivate the Hawks not to look past them this time around. I believe will go from "The Stand" that was last year to "The Blowout" this year. Another win.

What could trip the Hawks up?
A less than enthusiastic crowd will deflate could deflate the hawks into performing subpar enough to result in a loss.

September 15 at Iowa State
No matter what anyone says, I believe the Hawks will win this game for one reason: Dan McCarney is no longer there. He was always one step ahead of the Hawks in almost every contest he and Ferentz coached against each other. He practically had our playbook in the huddle. However, without him on the opposing sideline with his insider knowledge, it will be tough for the 'clones to stand up to us. The Cy-Hawk Trophy stays in Iowa City.

What could trip the Hawks up?
If the Hawks allow the Cyclones to hang around, it could spell trouble. It's also important to score first. The thought of a potential game-ending field goal in the wind-tunnel that is Jack Trice scares me.

September 22 at Wisconsin
Expect the Hawkeyes to be double digit dogs in this one. This could be the toughest game on the schedule this year. Not only do the badgers have a better team (the way it looks right now), but there are a lot of other factors going against the Hawks. In the first Big Ten game of the season, Iowa traditionally struggles. Also, it's the first Big Ten road game of the season, and at Camp-Randall no less. Bunch all that with a wide-eyed first year starting quarterback, and you have Iowa's first loss of the season.

What gives the Hawks a shot?
Watching early in the Big Ten season over the past few years, I have learned that you predict exactly what will happen. Any given team can break out and make a statement. With all the questions and great potential this season brings for the Hawks, there is no reason why the Hawks couldn't win this game. Another important factor is Wisconsin's starting quarterback. While former quarterback, John Stocco, wasn't the greatest QB, he provided a stable foundation for the badger offense. If the Hawks' front seven can bring the heat early, they will have a good chance to win.

September 29 vs Indiana
Indiana was going to have a tough season without having to deal with the death of their head coach Terry Hoeppner. While the young team from last year will be improved from the team that defeated the Hawks last season, they will be coming to Kinnick this year. Facing a Iowa team with something to prove, Indiana won't be able to avoid losing this game.

What could trip the Hawks up?
Another home collapse like we saw last year versus Northwestern.

October 6 at Penn State
This game is total mystery to me at this point. History shows that Kirk Ferentz has JoePa wrapped around his finger, but that same history shows that the games are close with Ferentz at the helm. I can't say how this year's Penn State team will perform. I believe they are on a similar level to the Hawkeyes. Penn State's offense is led by quarterback Anthony Morelli. He displayed flashes of brilliance last year, but Penn State's offense has been an enigma for the past few years. The defense will always be solid, and will keep Jake Christensen on his toes. I'm giving the edge to Penn State right now, since the game will be in Happy Valley along with their unforgiving student section.

What gives the Hawks a shot?
If the Hawks don't do their typical "turn the ball over three times on the road" routine, they will have a very good shot at winning.

October 13 vs Illinois
Another rolling victory for the Hawks is the only thing I can expect here. Another game at home, and it's against Illinois. On top of that, Kirk Ferentz owns Ron Zook.

What could trip the Hawks up?
The Zooker's amazing recruiting ability have produced top recruiting classes each year he has been at Illinois. If this talent suddenly realizes their potential, who knows what will happen?

October 20 at Purdue
During the past few seasons, Purdue has given Iowa some close games. Joe Tiller's offense is known as one the best in the country. While Iowa has had Purdue's number over the past few seasons, I think this game is a dangerous one for the Hawkeyes. As a Hawk fan, I know anything is possible on the road. Combining the Hawks' road woes with Purdue's dangerous offense, this game could very well be another loss. I'm calling it a loss right now to be realistic.

What gives the Hawks a shot?
The key to this game is getting good production on the ground. If the Hawks can keep the ball out of Purdue's hands, they will have a good chance of winning.

October 27 vs Michigan State
The Spartans have been the poster-child of disappointment in the Big Ten, consistently underachieving. With the departure of head coach, John L. Smith, and some key players including quarterback, Drew Stanton, they will have a rough season this year. The Hawks should roll at home.

What could trip the Hawks up?
If the defense doesn't show up and vastly underperforms.

November 3 at Northwestern
Kirk Ferentz teams always perform their best in November (except last season). I don't see anything different this coming season. Northwestern will be an improved team from the version last year that beat the Hawks at Kinnick. However, I believe this year will be different. The Hawks' veteran defense will shut down the Wildcats' offensive attack en route to a road win.

What could trip the Hawks up?
More typical road woes combined with looking ahead towards Minnesota.

November 10 vs Minnesota
Another team with a new head coach, Minnesota has a solid team this year. Minnesota, traditionally has a hard time in the second half of the season. With new head coach, Tim Brewster, the Golden Gophers are hoping this problem will be remedied. However, they will have to come to Kinnick this year for the Battle for Floyd of Rosedale, which gives Iowa the slight edge at this point. Hawks win back Floyd in a close one.

What could trip the Hawks up?
Rivalry passion from the Golden Gophers will be on display in Kinnick. The only question is how it will manifest itself on the field. Another nail-bitter game could go either way.

November 17 vs Western Michigan
A tune-up game before the bowl season, this game will be a nice break from the brutal Big Ten season. Iowa gets the luxury of watching the climax of the Big Ten season in the annual Michigan vs. Ohio State game. Oh yeah, and they will play a game too. The Hawks roll as they pad their bowl resume.

What could trip the Hawks up?
Another tornado...

Projected record 9-3

Not too early to start thinking of 2008
If Hawk fans thought this year was going to be good, next year looks exponentially more promising. The schedule is even easier than this year's, with Iowa's four toughest games all at home. Another factor to keep in mind is the fact that Iowa's top 10 recruiting class from 2004 will be in their fourth year at Iowa. Veteran talent plus easy schedule could equal Big Ten title.

2008 Football Schedule

Aug 30 Maine
Sept 6 Florida International
Sept 13 Iowa State
Sept 20 at Pittsburg
Sept 27 Northwestern
Oct 4 at Michigan State
Oct 11 at Indiana
Oct 18 Wisconsin
Nov 1 at Illinois
Nov 8 Penn State
Nov 15 Purdue
Nov 22 at Minnesota