The expectations were high for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2005, but a young defensive line and an early season concussion to former Big 10 Player of the Year Drew Tate set the Hawkeyes back. The Hawkeyes are expecting big things from Drew Tate in 2006 and also from tailback Albert Young who answered all Iowas questions about who would be carrying the ball last season by rushing for 1,334 with over 1,000 of those yards in Big 10 games which was tops in the league. Iowa does lose two starting receivers in Hinkel and Solomon, who each caught 7 touchdown passes a piece, but their leading receiver, 67 tight end Scott Chandler, is back and poses major matchup problems for opponents. Often times, the Hawkeyes will split him out and take advantage of his size against smaller corners.

Theres no doubt the Hawkeyes should have one of the most talented and balanced offenses in the league, but much like Ohio State, they will have some questions on the defensive side of the ball as they too lost a par of highly touted linebackers in Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge. The defensive line did perform better toward seasons end as the four first-time starters were able to get more penetration up front. I expect them to be one of the most solid defensive fronts this season, but whether Iowa can find some worthy replacements for their All-Big 10 linebackers remains to be seen. They may also experience some trouble in the secondary as the Hawkeyes lost a pair of four-year starting corners.

Look for All Big 10 defensive end to make some major noise on the defense as well as All-American tackle Mitch King. The Hawkeyes will reload as they have talent already in place and I dont expect much of a drop off in the quality of Iowas defense from last season. A weak non conference schedule will allow the new comers to get adjusted, and hopefully theyll be ready for Ohio State on September 30th when the Buckeyes come to Iowa City.

I expect this to be one of the best games in the Big 10 this year. The Buckeyes will have no cake walk as they found out two seasons ago in their last visit to Kinnick Stadium when the Hawkeyes blew them out. Iowa has a great shot to pick up a win against Ohio State at home, but I dont see them getting past Michigan at the Big House on October 21st. The Hawkeyes will make a push for the Big 10 title, but will likely come up just a little short. The best they will be able to hope for is a tie with Ohio state or Michigan.

Odds to win National Title: 25/1
Odds to win Big 10 Championship: 6/1
Over/Under win totals: Over 9.5 -155/Under 9.5 +125
Lines at BoDog