Big Ten Football - 2021 Iowa Hawkeyes Preview
Our Iowa Hawkeyes preview 2021 finds that this teams looks to be very competitive, as they have been for many years. Last season, the Hawkeyes went 6-2, finishing second in the Big Ten West. Although they earned a trip to the Music City Bowl to play Missouri, the game was canceled. In the four previous seasons, Iowa’s bowl record was 3-1, as they won their last three postseason contests against Boston College, Mississippi State, and USC. Last season, the Hawkeyes ranked second in the conference and 40th nationally in points per game with 31.5. On defense, their 16.0 PPG allowed ranked second and sixth. As they were in 2020, in 2021, we expect the Iowa Hawkeyes to be strong on both sides of the ball.
Iowa Offense
Junior Spencer Petras returns to quarter back. Although his stats were in no way astounding, as he completed 57.1 percent of his passes for 1,569 yards while tossing nine TD passes and five interceptions, Petras is a solid leader. If he can refine his passing accuracy, he’ll be a dangerous pocket passer. The receiving unit loses two-of-three top performers with tight end Sam LaPort and his 27 receptions, 10.0 YPC, and one score returning. He’s ready for a breakout season. Wideouts Nico Ragaini, who had 18 catches for 191 yards, and Tyron Tracy, who caught 14 balls for 154 yards and one score, will both move into starting spots.
Last year’s top ground gainer, Tyler Goodson, is ready to go again. In 2020, he recorded 143 carries for 762 yards, scoring seven times while averaging 5.3 YPA. Goodson also had 15 catches for 152 yards. He’s a major force. The O-line has lost some key, experienced players. Tyler Linderbaum, who many consider to be the best college center in the nation, still anchors the unit.
Iowa Hawkeyes Preview 2021 - Defense
The D-line loses three-of-four starters including 2020 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Daviyon Nixon. Last season, Nixon notched 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and eight TFL. All-Big Ten defensive end Chauncey Goldstone, who posted 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three TFL, and three QBH, is also gone. Fifth-year senior Zach VanValkenburg will be the lynchpin of this group. Last season, he recorded 30 tackles 3.5 sacks, 5.0 TFL, and 2.0 QBH.
The linebacking unit returns two-of-three starters. It’s led by junior MLB Seth Benson. Last year, he recorded 47 tackles two sacks, one TFL, and three QBH. In the secondary, all four starters are back. Senior corner Matt Hankins, who recorded five PBU and one INT, and senior safety Jack Koener, who posted two TFL, two PBU, three INTs, and one QBH, are both top-notch defenders.
Specialists
Punter Torey Taylor, an Australian recruit, averaged 44.1 YPP and placed 18-of-40 punts within the 20. Our Iowa Hawkeyes preview 2021 acknowledges that he’s a premium talent and asset. Senior Tory Taylor, who handled kickoffs last year, steps up as the field goal and extra-point man. He replaces 2019 All-American Keith Duncan. Charlie Jones handles punts and Ivory Kelly-Martin kickoffs. Last season, Jones broke one return for a TD as he averaged 10.5 YPR. Kelly-Martin brought back two kickoffs last season, averaging 20 YPR.
Iowa Hawkeyes Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Iowa Hawkeyes preview 2021 sees this team as being very tough, once again, on both offense and defense. Along with possessing fine talent, the Hawkeye coaching staff is first rate. If Petras can improve his accuracy and his wideouts can step up and the defensive line can come along quickly, Iowa will be highly competitive. They play Wisconsin on October 30. That game could decide which team takes the West Division.
Big Ten Football - Iowa Hawkeyes 2021 - Predictions:
Second Place - Big Ten West
Citrus Bowl vs. LSU