College Football News has its
2009 Iowa Preview up (written by Pete Fiutak). There are 3 articles to read through: an overall preview, one for
the offense, and one for
the defense. You can also see a projected
depth chart that looks pretty close to what I expect it to be opening day.
This is overall a good read and is pretty in depth. Each position is analyzed and rated, and there is a list of the 10 best players on the team (no surprise, Bulaga is first). There are something things I completely disagree with (like Northwestern should have gone to the Outback Bowl over Iowa) but it's still worth your time to read. Here are some of my thoughts on Fiutak's analysis of each position:
Quarterback: The author gave the QBs a rating of 7 (out of 10) and liked Stanzi calling him "tremendously efficient." He was also very high on the backups, Vendenberg and Wienke and says that they "are more talented than Stanzi." I agree with his overall assessment. If Stanzi can be more consistent and limit turnovers, then we will be in good shape.
Running Backs: The running backs also receive a 7 rating, though I think they will be better. Fiutak seemed a little hung up on the fact that Hampton and Brinson had minor injuries in the spring, but thinks Hampton will be good and "a look for 1,000 yards." Depending on how much time is split between Hampton and Brinson (and even Paki) I think Hampton can have a big season, but more importantly the corps as a whole should be very productive. Also mentioned was the strength of the fullbacks as Fiutak says they "might be the best in the Big Ten." I have to agree with that. Both Morse and Leppert with very good lead blockers for Shonn Greene last year (let's forget about the last play at Michigan State), and both had 5 catches.
Receivers: Fiutak liked giving out sevens I guess as the receivers also received a rating of 7. He was very high on Marvin McNutt. I am as excited as anyone about McNutt's progress as a receiver in the spring, but still he is very unproven. He did see a little time at receiver last year catching 1 pass for 11 yards, but that was it. The other starters listed are Trey Stross and Tony Moeaki. Both will be good, but have a history with the injury bug. Hopefully this year will finally be both of their break out years. So our starters are a converted quarterback, a two guys plagued with injuries… However, let's not forget about DJK, though like Fiutak says, it's hard "making grabs from the doghouse." So hopefully he will get his act together and turn into the true game changing receiver that we saw flashes of last year.
Offensive line: Though the interior of the line is not set, Fiutak likes the experience and rated the o-line a 9. He praises Bulaga and Calloway, for obvious reasons, and likes Richardson and Vandervelde at guards. He is concerned with Eubanks' health but thinks he'll be good at center. It'll be interesting to see how the line shakes out…I'm guessing it won't be Richardson, Eubanks, and Vandervedle all starting, with Eubanks the least likely. Doering and Kuempel will definitely push for a spot and Fiutak expects Gettis to be good as well.
Defensive line: Look, another 7! The defensive line does have some questions marks with Mitch King and Matt Kroul graduating, but the ends will be studs. Fiutak predicts All-Big Ten honors for Clayborn and I agree. Clayborn will be the star of the line. He's excellent against the run and will likely move inside in to let pass rush specialist Broderick Binns play in passing situation. This should help Iowa's pass rush which the author says is a weakness of the d-line.
Linebackers: The linebackers get a 9. Pat Angerer is Fiutak "star of the defense" and rightly so. Angerer led the team in tackles and tied for the lead in interceptions. Fiutak also really likes Hunter calling him the "most talented linebacker" (that's saying something with Edds and Angerer playing beside him). But, Norm Parker has said that Jeff Tarpinian is pushing Hunter and the competition is very close…so Hunter might not even be a starter. That said, I'm very comfortable with all 4 guys and agree that however the 3 starters are, all "three could end up on All-Big Ten teams."
Secondary: The secondary gets an 8. The secondary returns 3 starters and Amari Spievey will be the number 1 corner. Fiutak says that opposing team's "passing games will avoid the game-changer at all costs" and I think that is right on. Jordan Bernstine or Shaun Prater, whoever wins that spot, will see a lot of balls thrown in his direction. Fiutak is also rightly worried about the backup experience as he says the "reserves are a bit green." However, in the spring, Sash and Greenwood sat out giving David Cato and Jack Swanson some important reps.
Special Team: Last, but not least the special teams get a rating of 8. The author really seems to like the place kickers Murray and Mossbrucker. I think they both did a good job, but a couple of missed field goals really hurt in some of the losses early in 2008. I will completely agree, however, with the statement that Ryan Donahue is the "star of the show" on special teams. He's a good punter and as he has become more consistent is turning into a great punter.