Big Ten Football: Preseason Stock Report Rankings

5. Iowa

Last year: 8-5 (5-3)

This Week: vs. Northern Iowa (Aug 30 – 11:00 A.M. on BTN)

My Prediction: Iowa 28-21

The formula for success in Iowa City has always been “win with the hosses up front”.

Iowa is set to do so with potential first round NFL talent leading deep units up front on both sides of the ball.

On offense, left tackle Brandon Scherff leads the way. Run stopping defensive tackle Carl Davis stands out on defense.

The Hawkeyes don’t have exceptional talent at the skill positions on offense, but it gets the job done.

Developing quarterback Jake Rudock looks to expand his role from that of game manager into more of an overall threat this season.

While he doesn’t have many receiving targets worth mentioning, he does have a reliable backfield.

The biggest question mark for Iowa entering the season is if they can replace their three playmaking starting linebackers.

The Hawkeyes’ defensive line ate up offensive linemen last season, allowing those ‘backers to make plays. Will defensive coordinator Phil Parker ask that of his new linebackers or will he have to change up the scheme?

What Iowa has in its favor over the other Big Ten West favorites is it’s schedule.

The Hawkeyes host both Wisconsin and Nebraska (though those two games will be played in a span of 13 days), and their crossover games include Indiana and Maryland.