Do not make the mistake of sleeping on Iowa. The Hawkeyes are a perennial model of consistency under Kirk Ferentz... defense and special teams will again be top-notch... and Penn State, Michigan, and Oregon aren't on the schedule. If the offense makes even... okay, let's just wait and see what happens with the offense.
3. Is THIS the best defense in the Big Ten?
Ohio State and Penn State have arguments, but Iowa returns just about everyone from a unit that allowed 14.8 points per game a year ago. The D-line is experienced and the back seven will be among the best in the country.
2. How much will QB Cade McNamara help?
McNamara hasn't played a full season since helping lead Michigan to the Big Ten title in 2021. Now that he's healthy, he has to upgrade a position that's been a disaster area for years at Iowa.
1. Will new OC Tim Lester really make a difference?
The Hawkeyes cut ties with Brian Ferentz after ranking last among Power 5 schools in scoring. The only way is up from here, and Lester should have the benefit of Iowa's best (and most experienced) O-line in the past four years.