Iowa Hawkeyes - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

Things were looking good for the Hawkeyes last year before they lost to the likes of Northwestern, Minnesota and Indiana; that’s not exactly the stuff championship seasons are made of. This year, Iowa has 14 starters returning - six on offense and eight on defense from a team that lost to Texas in the Alamo Bowl. The QB position is the biggest question mark with Drew Tate’s departure, but expect Jake Christensen to earn the job. He will have Albert Young and Damian Sims in the backfield to alleviate some of the pressure in his first year as a starter. Even with their help, Christensen must overcome a group of receivers that lacks an impact player and an offensive line which looks shaky. That unit lost starting guards Mike Elgin and Mike Jones and tackle Marshal Yanda, which potentially imperils Christensen’s safety in the pocket.

With the loss of tight ends Scott Chandler and Ryan Majerus to graduation, the team's passing attack is going to have a difficult time getting off the ground. If the offensive line is a question mark, the defensive line might be an exclamation point. With the front four returning, boosted by Matt Kroul and Mitch King (115 combined tackles), Iowa should be strong in the trenches. Unfortunately, it drops off pretty fast after that. There is little depth at linebacker and Iowa lost both of their starting safeties from last season. The loss of linebacker Edmond Miles, who was in on 100 tackles last season, will surely be felt.

Team tackle leader Mike Klinkenborg (129) and Mike Humpal will need to have big seasons if Iowa is to have a steady defense. The best news for head coach Kirk Ferentz and company is that their schedule does not include Ohio State or Michigan. Sounds like opportunity knocking. Can Iowa answer in 2007?

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