By Ben E. Brake

Offense-

The offense had a rough time last year mainly because the front line was in disarray. They are still searching for the
right quarterback to run the system. Senior Scott Mullen started for the Hawkeyes in the last 5 games of the season last
year and will probably have the controls at the beginning of this season. They have a lot of depth in the backfield with
the star being RB Ladell Betts. The coaches want him to carry the ball 25 times per game and believe he can produce
good numbers even with the problems on the front line. With several returning receivers from last year’s team, Iowa is
expecting to be a little stronger with their passing game.

Defense

Iowa is making several changes to their defensive scheme to provide more pressure on the opponent’s quarterback.
They only had 18 sacks last year, which ranked last in the Big 10. Iowa’s secondary lost some key players and will be
tested often this season to see if the holes have been filled properly. If the defensive line can provide the needed
pressure on the quarterback, the secondary may not be affected as bad.

Special Teams

The special teams will provide a big question mark to the coaching staff this year. The only real threat that Iowa has
on special teams is in the return game. Wideout Kahlil Hill is the return man for kickoffs and punts. If you’re not
careful Hill can burn an opponent that isn’t ready for him. He ran 1 kickoff and 2 punts back for touchdowns in 98 and
would love to add to those numbers this year.

Coaching

Kirk Ferentz is in his second year at Iowa and he is hoping to take the team back to its glory days. With last years 1-10
season, it may take a little longer than he was hoping. He did have some tough breaks last year with 3 games being
lost on the last play.

Ferentz is going to shake things up with movement of players along with offensive and defensive schemes. He may
not end with a winning season but would like to make it respectable at least.

Game outlook against K-State

I am looking for Iowa to be competitive almost the entire first quarter if they have the ball first and Phil Bennett starts
off with a conservative defense. I believe K-State will be going into half time with a considerable lead and Ell
Roberson III (if he is not injured) and other back-ups will get to endure plenty of playtime. Score Prediction KSU 42 -
Iowa 10.