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| Sunday, August 12 Updated: August 13, 10:37 PM ET Betts the best back no one knows about By Jeff Potrykus Special to ESPN.com |
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Iowa Hawkeyes 2000 record: 3-9 (3-5). Coach: Kirk Ferentz (3rd year, 4-19). Starters returning: 8 offense, 8 defense, 1 kicker. Outlook: Ferentz has talked about incorporating some of Northwestern's spread offense into the Iowa play book to breathe life into an offense that was last in the Big Ten in scoring, total yards and rushing yards in 2000. While that sounds nice, the Hawkeyes have to answer a few questions first. They'll enter camp with no clear-cut starting quarterback and a paucity of proven wide receivers. Quickly identifying a consistent quarterback from the pool of senior Kyle McCann, sophomore Jon Beutjer and junior-college transfer Brad Banks is essential. Developing more than two receivers is also key. The coaches were so worried about the depth at that position they moved senior Tim Dodge from the secondary. Another question is can Iowa's defense, which allowed 440.9 yards and 27.5 points per game last season, give the offense some much-needed support? Iowa's front seven should be steady and more physical. The key will be the play of the secondary, which was depleted by injuries last season. The Hawkeyes allowed 21 touchdown passes and intercepted just nine passes last season. Those numbers must improve. Keep an eye on: RB Ladell Betts. Most fans who don't regularly follow the Big Ten probably don't have a clue who Betts is. Their loss. The senior tailback isn't a great back, but he is a workhorse who averaged 4.7 yards per carry and rushed for 1,090 yards last season behind a line that was in a constant state of flux. Iowa's net rushing total last season was...1,090 yards. Betts is No. 3 on the school's all-time rushing list with 2,626 yards and needs 1,530 to become No. 1. With a more stable line this season, he could set the record. Key game: Since the Hawkeyes won't be contending for the conference title and may not be in the running for a bowl game, the Sept. 15 matchup with rival Iowa State is critical. Why? Because Iowa State has won the last three meetings and in-state recruits will be watching to see which program is on the rise and which isn't. It's a good year if... The Hawkeyes pick up where they left off at the end of last season. After a miserable start during which the Hawkeyes lost their first five games and eight of their first nine last season, they showed tremendous mettle by winning at Penn State, upsetting Northwestern and nearly winning at Minnesota. Ferentz and his assistants did a masterful job of keeping the team united through injuries and a brutal schedule. An easier non-conference schedule will help but don't expect this still young team to win more than four Big Ten games. Jeff Potrykus covers the Big Ten for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. |
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