Ferentz returns to lead Hawkeyes
Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel ranked all 130 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country entering the 2017 season. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 130 to our projected No. 1 team.
Hawkeyes
7 Iowa
Kirk Ferentz (135-92, entering 19th season; 147-113 overall)
8-5, 6-3 in Big Ten Conference, tied for second in West Division
A wave of optimism washed over the Iowa program as it entered the 2016 season thanks, in part, to a successful 2015 campaign that saw the Hawkeyes win a programbest 12 games and capture the West Division. Despite being buoyed by those expectations, the team struggled in close losses to North Dakota State, Northwestern and Wisconsin. But upset wins over Michigan and Nebraska helped Iowa bounce back to finish second in the division en route to the program’s fourth consecutive January bowl. starters back this season. The group is led by a pair of third team all-conference selections in OG Sean Welsh and C James Daniels. The unit features 10 letterman and seven players with at least one career start.
The Hawkeyes backfield already included a 1,000-yard rusher in fleet-footed Akrum Wadley (1,081 yards, 10 touchdowns), but the addition of James Butler, a graduate transfer from Nevada who led the Wolf Pack with 1,336 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, gives the group a boost.
After what can only be called a dysfunctional season offensively, Iowa offensive coordinator Greg Davis retired in the offseason. Ferentz filled the position from within, promoting his son, Brian. Sophomore Nathan Stanley, who was C.J. Beathard’s backup last season, and junior Tyler Wiegers will compete for the quarterback job in preseason camp.
The Hawkeyes must replace Riley McCarron, who was the team’s top receiver (517 yards) as well as a key component to Iowa’s return game.
Thanks to the retirement of Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops this summer, Kirk Ferentz is the longesttenured coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision as the 61-year-old prepares to begin his 19th season at Iowa. Ferentz doesn’t appear to be slowing down. The Hawkeyes enter preseason camp in search of a new quarterback and playmakers on both offense and defense, but they’re expected to remain competitive in the Big Ten.