Five Questions Heading into '09

Alright I can begin writing poorly about this season's team. I have some posts ready to go and this is the first one.

1. How do you replace Mitch King and Matt Kroul?
Iowa's entire defensive scheme relies on superior defensive line play. Controlling the line of scrimmage by maintaining gap discipline in the run gam and applying pressure in the pass game by using only four down lineman (at least on first and second down- Norm seems to be blitzing more on third down the last two seasons, even "gasp" employing Nickel and Dime defenses). Mitch King and Matt Kroul started a combined 97 career games between them ( 50 straight for Kroul- I think an Iowa record). These two rarely left the field also, so that leaves pretty inexperienced replacements. Karl Klug managed to win a Player of the Week last season in the blow out win over FIU, and saw some decent playing time. Chad Geary can play both tackle and end but he suffered an ACL tear and is iffy to return for his senior season. I was told Binns would slide to DT, but that never happened in spring drills so it seems he was reluctant to switch positions. It looks like tackle by comittee with a steady dose of Mike Daniels, Cody Hundertmark, Travis Meade (who moved over from the crowded O-line mix), and Steve Bigach who reportedly was Doyelized. I expect big things from Klug who seems to have the motor and burst of King, but at least one of these other guys has to anchor the D and hold the point of attack- do the dirty work that Kroul rarely got credit for.

2. How will the O-line shake out by Big Ten time?
Much like Iowa's defense, the Hawk's offense is driven by the big guys up front. There seems to be unusual depth to this years unit even taking into account losing 3 year starter Seth Olsen and 2nd team all Big Ten selection Rob Bruggeman whom many credit with being the engine that made last season's line go. There are five Seniors and four Juniors in the 2-deeps coming out of spring drills including Andy Keumpal who could not compete because of injury. Position Battles at all three interior line spots figure to linger into the season. Plus someone will have to fill in for Kyle Calloway while he deals with his suspension for his Moped DUI. It would be nice to have the line figured out by the time we play ISU on the road but it seems unlikely that will be the case. It is imperative that it is figured out before we head into Happy Valley.

3. Will Stanzi take Command of the offense and who will be his backup?
Ricky needs to do more than just manage a game heading into his Junior campaign. Behind what is potentially a great offensive line and with the possible loss of Jewel Hampton for the season, Stanzi has to step up and lead with his play. Brinson, O'Meara, Wegher, Rogers, and Robinson can step up and replace the ghosts of Shonn Greene and Jewel Hampton. I think the running game will be fine. Stanzi is an excellent play action passer and does a very good job of throwing on the run. Now he needs to be more poised in the pocket and read coverages better. It should be a natural progression for him as he becomes a more confident player as the incumbent with no one really pushing him. One thing I was really impressed with was how he handled himself in a really tough situation last season with the qb competition. If you could have combined Stanzi's touch and demeanor with Christensen's mind Iowa would have had some hellish qb play last season. This is only the second time in the Ferentz era where the Hawks are coming into a season with the qb situation settled (and no last season doesn't count). If we don't see some measureable improvement from Stanzi it may be time to take a long hard look at a dedicated qb coach. The second part of this question may be the more disturbing one, which of the Redshirts will step in if Stanzi goes down? Remember Syracuse in '06? As much as people like to deride JC he won games behind a sub par O-line in 2007 . He rescued us against ISU last season and handled himself with class throughout all of last year. Manson killed us against Syracuse. JC would have been a helluva nice option as we let the kids season for another year. We need both qbs to see significant time against UNI, hopefully against Arizona, Arkansas State, and our idiot nemesis Indiana who should absolutly blow this season. And (knock on wood) not in significant situations. I don't mean any disrespct towards them. They may be incredible. But I like known quantities. Stanzi from last season can win us 8 games with this schedule.

4. Who will start opposite of DJK and can Stross and Moeaki stay healthy?
Assuming DJK has (and can stay out of and apparently that is a big if) made it out of the doghouse I would bet on Stross. I think Stross should figure out which ex-girlfriend he pissed off and get the voo-doo doll excorcized. When you see a healthy Stross you almost see a bigger Kevin Kasper. Usually you just see braces or crutches. Colin Sandeman and Marvin McNutt have earned a lot of praise from the coaching staff. Paul Chaney Jr. was also a big story this spring. Walk- ons Don Nordmann, Ben Evans, and Steven Staggs also have a chance to contribute. Before the season is over Keenan Davis will probably be the guy. If he is as advertised he might be the guy when he steps onto campus. If Jordan Cotton and Stephane N'Goumou can avoid redshirts they have a chance to contribute. N'Goumou is quickly replacing DJK as the new internet legend in Iowa City. Moeaki could be the key to the entire offense. A rare total tight end- a crushing blocker and a match up nightmare in the passing game, a full season of health could vault him into third to fourth round NFL status and All-American consideration, but he has lost basically the last two seasons to injuries. I think that it is unlikely that both players make through the season unscathed. The best we can hope for is one to make it. I hope it is Moeaki.

5. Where will the LEADERSHIP come from on this team?
Given some of the events off the field rumored to have take place this summer this is possibly the most important question to be addressed. Losing Mitch King, Matt Kroul, Rob Bruggeman, Seth Olsen, Andy Brodell, Brandon Myers, Bradley Fletcher and even Jake Christensen will be felt on the field but even more importantly (in my opinion) off of it. If you have heard these guys talk at a Hawkeye event or met them you realize that they were special people. They were leaders, especially King, Kroul, and Christensen. Every college team faces this every year, but I think we all realize how important this is to Iowa after the '05- '07 seasons went. I think there are some natural candidates for these roles but you also need others who are willing to be led. Lets hope for no more news until Media Day.