Offense
There may not be a more clutch QB in college football today than Ricky Stanzi. He is the reason Iowa may win the Big Ten and is a darkhorse national title contender. Stanzi has a career completion percentage of under 60%, but he completes an outstanding 67% in the 4th quarter and has a pass eff rating of 200.2. Stanzi is also blessed to have a wealth of experience at his disposal at WR. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Marvin McNutt return and the group combined for nearly 1,500 yards receiving in 2009. Iowa does have questions at RB, but Kirk Ferentz is an O-line guru and his unit will answer the RB uncertainity.
Defense
The defense is the strength of this football led by a stout D-line that is the Big Ten’s best. Adrian Clayborn turned down an early shot at the NFL and his 21 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks were among the best in the Big Ten in 09. DT Karl Klug is also a major space eater and leads a defensive line that only allowed 94 ypg on the ground.
Iowa also has the Big Ten’s best secondary. They return 5 with starting experience led by 1st team Big Ten SS Tyler Sash who had 85 tackles in 09. 2nd team Big Ten and senior FS Brent Greenwood is also back. The entire Iowa defense will do special things in 2010.
Overall
The only things that worries me about Iowa in 2010 is they typically underperform when expectations are high. In 2005 and 2006 Iowa was ranked #11 and #16 in the preseason and both times they finished the season unranked. The 06 team only finished 6-6. However, I think the talent is too strong in 2010 especially on defense, and I really believe that Ricky Stanzi is one of the best leaders at QB in college football.
The schedule also sets up very nicely for Iowa as they get Penn St, Ohio State, and Wisconsin at home. I believe the November 20 show down with the Buckeyes will be for the Big Ten title and depending on the records of both teams a spot in the Rose Bowl.
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