2011 Iowa Hawkeyes College Football Expert Predictions, Picks, Vegas Odds and Schedule – Iowa Hawkeyes NCAA Football Preview: The 2010-11 season was a typical year for the Iowa Hawkeyes. They finished the year 8-5, made it to a bowl game, and won their bowl game for a school-record third year in a row. That being said, making and winning random bowl games isn’t exactly what Iowa fans expect from their program. Eight-win seasons are nice, but the Hawkeyes haven’t been able to find the formula to win the Big Ten title. If that is going to change in 2011-12, Iowa will have to overcome the loss of several starters on both sides of the ball.
Looking back at last season, closing games was the biggest issue for the Hawkeyes. Iowa was either leading or tied during the fourth quarter in every single loss last year. Experience is supposed to help down the stretch of games, but with just nine starters back, the problem may not get better in 2011-12. Head coach Kirk Ferentz is going to have his work cut out for him.
On the offensive side of the ball, Iowa loses 3,000-yard passer Ricky Stanzi and three running backs. With Stanzi no longer under center, the Hawkeyes are going to have to lean heavily on sophomore running back Marcus Coker. As a freshman, he ran wild on the Missouri Tigers in the bowl game, topping 200 yards in the victory. Iowa’s depth at the position has been depleted, which means the team’s offensive production this year is going to hinge on the health and effectiveness of Coker.
He should find plenty of running room thanks to the return of four starting offensive lineman. Late in the season, a power running game in the Big Ten is a must, and the Hawkeyes will have the personnel to do just that. Senior wide receiver Marvin McNutt will spread the field, and even though questions at the QB position will likely limit his numbers, he will still keep defenses honest and take some pressure off Coker and the big guys up front.
Defense is ultimately going to determine how far the Hawkeyes go in 2011-12. After being one of the better units in the nation last season, Iowa lost three defensive linemen to the NFL draft, and both starting safeties graduated as well. The linebackers are solid, but given the talent the Hawkeyes lost, the defense is going to inevitably slip. Iowa always manages to make opponents work for their points, but this year’s group doesn’t appear to have the makings of an elite unit.
Looking at the schedule, the Hawkeyes dodge a few of the elite programs in the Big Ten. A road game in October against Penn State is the first true test, but the backend of the schedule does have some tough games. Home games against Michigan and Michigan State will both test the Iowa defense, along with the season finale against Nebraska in Lincoln.
All in all, a favorable schedule will allow the Hawkeyes to put together a solid year despite losing some important pieces. Iowa will pound the ball on the ground and play good enough on the defensive side of the ball to beat a majority of the teams in what is still a somewhat down conference. The Hawkeyes aren’t ready to challenge for the Big Ten title, but they should be one of the better teams in the Legends Division.
2011 Iowa Hawkeyes College Football Predictions: 9-3 Record
Preseason 2011 Iowa Hawkeyes NCAA Football Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS Championship: +6000
Odds to Win 2011 Big Ten Champonship: +1500
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2011 Iowa Hawkeyes College Football Schedule
Sat, Sep 3 Tennessee Tech 12:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 10 at Iowa State 12:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 17 Pittsburgh 12:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 24 Louisiana-Monroe TBA —
Sat, Oct 8 at Penn State TBA —
Sat, Oct 15 Northwestern 7:00 pm —
Sat, Oct 22 Indiana 12:00 pm —
Sat, Oct 29 at Minnesota TBA —
Sat, Nov 5 Michigan TBA —
Sat, Nov 12 Michigan State TBA —
Sat, Nov 19 at Purdue TBA —
Fri, Nov 25 at Nebraska 12:00 pm —
Check out NSAwins.com’s official 2011 Big Ten Football Predictions and Preview article.
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