NFL
By: Zachary Draves
In the topsy-turvy world of college football where norms and dynamics are shaping rapidly, the Iowa Hawkeyes are looking to capitalize on that with a more than budding sense of optimism. The annual Media Day last Friday was chock full of smiles amongst the players, staff, and head coach Kirk Ferentz, who is coming into his 26th season.
The need for a positive outlook couldn’t have come at a better time as the University is currently in the throes of an ongoing investigation in allegations of illegal gambling on the part of some current and former Hawkeye players.
As of now, Junior walk on wide receiver Jack Johnson, former Hawkeye and current Oklahoma State wide receiver Arland Bruce IV, former Hawkeye and current Troy University safety Reggie Bracy are accused of underage gambling, placing bets on Iowa sporting events including football games, unfair wagering, and violating licensed sportsbook user terms and conditions.
Current Iowa kicker Aaron Blom was accused of tampering with records as part of the investigation.
At the Big Ten Conference Media Day in July, Sixth year defensive lineman Noah Shannon released a statement explaining his absence from the event as became the first Iowa player to openly admit to taking part in the probe.
With this hanging over their heads, the hands of Coach Ferentz are tied in terms of his ability to go into any further details. But he is looking to send the message that this won’t jeopardize the game itself.
(Courtesy: Dennis Scheidt)
“As I stand here right now, the one thing it doesn’t — it can’t be compromised, the integrity of the game, that’s first and foremost, ” he said.” “That’s got to be protected, and that’s where everything should start.”
As for the investigation, he says that they will still do their part and hope for the best possible outcome.
“We will continue to cooperate. I think everybody involved has done a good job of that. That will be ongoing, and as we move forward, just hope that whoever is making decisions, they’re thoughtful, “ he said. “ Hopefully they’re making appropriate decisions, and then being timely would be appreciated, as well.”
As it pertains to Shannon, Coach Ferentz spoke highly of him and wished him the best as he waits on his fate from the NCAA.
“Noah is one of the best kids we have on our football team. He’s a strong, respected leader, tremendous young person, and has been nothing, from my standpoint, than a model football player for us. I’m really proud of everything he’s done,” he said.
“I’m proud of the fact that he did come forward and say, ‘I’m not sure I want to go to Indianapolis. I don’t think it’s right right now, fair to our football team’, and that gives you a little indication into his character, I think.”
In the meantime, Hoffman can practice, but can’t play.
When it comes to football, the Hawkeyes are entering the season ranked #25 in the APs Top 25. They are coming off an 8-5 record, 5-4 in conference, and a victory over Kentucky at the 2022 Transperfect Music City Bowl last New Years Eve.
This is the fourth time in five years that the Hawkeyes have been ranked in the AP Top 25.
When looking at the Big Ten as it sits, there is good reason to believe that Iowa can potentially come out on top in the Big Ten West. On their schedule they have relatively easy opponents and could wipe the slate clean against unranked conference teams they play at home such as Illinois, Northwestern, Rutgers, Purdue, Minnesota, and Michigan State.
They also have two non-conference games to begin the season against Utah State and Western Michigan.
Their biggest test will be on the road against Penn State and Wisconsin. Not only do they have the home crowd on their side, but the Nittany Lions and Badgers respectively are ranked in the top 20, but Penn State at #7 and Wisconsin at #19.
Most are expecting the Hawkeyes to come up short in those games, but they are at least rid of the highly ranked Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines on their schedule.
The keys to success for the Hawkeyes will come down to three crucial areas.
The Effectiveness of the Transfer Portal: The Hawkeyes have revamped their roster by utilizing the transfer portal by bringing in eight players, one less than the sum total of transfers the program has brought in during the 2019-2022 offseasons. Without question the biggest name to be brought to Iowa City is quarterback Cade McNamara from Michigan.
(Courtesy: Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
In 2021, he was the starting quarterback for the Wolverines where he had a passing percentage of 64.%, threw 15 touchdown passes, and acquired 2,567 passing yards. He helped lead them to the 2021 Big Ten championship and an appearance in the Orange Bowl.
The other transfers include backup quarterback Deacon Hill, tight end Erick All, offensive tackle Daijon Parker, interior offensive lineman Rusty Feth, wide receiver Seth Anderson, wide receiver Kaleb Brown, and linebacker Nick Jackson.
Growth in Offense: Spurred by the additions of many offensive transfers and facilitated by McNamara, many are expecting that the Hawkeyes’ offense looks to be better than ever. With the return of an experienced offensive line Luke Lachey, Kaleb Johnson, Nico Ragaini and Diante Vines, the Hawkeyes look to bring a mixture of vibrancy and veteran talent that can revitalize an offense that dealt with injuries and a lack of depth last season.
Juniors Mason Richman and Connor Colby won’t have to worry about carrying the load they did last year as sophomores when they had to step up with little experience.
The addition of various dynamic wide receivers that possess experience will be crucial to the Hawkeyes generating yards and getting into scoring position.
Maintaining a Strong Defense: Coming into this season, the Hawkeyes are ranked by ESPN as one of the top 10 defenses in the country. A huge return for them is junior safety Cooper DeJean. Last year he set a single season record of three interception touchdowns, made first team All Big Ten, and was the 2022 Music City Bowl MVP.
In addition, Jay Higgins, Nick Jackson, Jermari Harris and Xavier Nwankpa will round out the defense that can obtain turnovers in crucial areas and give the offense a renewed sense of comfort.
Even in the midst of controversy and a injury sustained to McNamara during the Kids Day exhibition on Saturday, the Iowa Hawkeyes shouldn’t be overlooked nor counted out.
“We are trying to go out there and be better,” says Daijon Parker at Media Day. “We are doing whatever it takes to improve and be better every day. So we just try to be precise with the work that we do.”
#25 Iowa takes on Utah State on September 2 at 11:00am CST at Kinnick Stadium.
