Iowa at a glance

2001 schedule Sept. 1 vs. Kent State Sept. 8 vs. Miami (Ohio) Sept. 15 at Iowa State Sept. 29 vs. Penn State Oct. 6 at Purdue Oct. 13 at Michigan State Oct. 20 vs. Indiana Oct. 27 vs. Michigan Nov. 3 at Wisconsin Nov. 10 at Northwestern Nov. 17 vs. Minnesota 2000 results (3-9, 3-5 in Big Ten) Kansas State L 27-7 Western Michigan L 27-21 Iowa State L 24-14 Nebraska L 42-13 Michigan State W 21-16 Illinois L 31-0 Ohio State L 38-10 Wisconsin L 13-7 Penn State W 26-23 Northwestern W 27-17 Minnesota L 27-24

OFFENSE
For that to happen, there has to be stability at quarterback. Last year, three different QBs started four games, with each signal caller being forced to the sidelines with an injury. Following spring practice, 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior Kyle McCann was listed as the No. 1 QB, although 6-foot-5, 200-pound sophomore Jon Beutjer figures to provide a challenge in the fall. McCann and Beutjer won't beat you with their legs, so this will get down to who shows the most consistency throwing the football.

Keep in mind, though, that the Hawkeye offense won't revolve around the QB but rather will be keyed by the running exploits of senior Ladell Betts. For the first time in his career, Betts will be doing his damage behind an offensive line that figures to be better-equipped to provide consistent play up front. There is also quality depth at the RB spot with junior Siaka Massaquio and sophomore Aaron Greving also looking to contribute. Last year Betts accounted for all of the Hawkeyes' 1,090 net rushing yards.

The loss of reliable wideout Kevin Kasper to the NFL will be huge, but the hope is that talented senior Kahlil Hill will put it all together and surface as a prime-time option. Senior Chris Oliver figures to work opposite Hill, but also keep an eye on Tim Dodge, a speedy 5-foot-10, 180-pounder who has moved back to wide receiver after spending the 2000 season in the defensive secondary. Also in the mix at wide receiver could be newcomer Brad Banks. The athletically gifted 6-foot-1, 185-pounder, who participated in spring practice after coming over from Hinds Community College, figures either at QB or WR.

On the much-improved offensive line, Bruce Nelson -- a 6-foot-4, 290-pound junior who worked at guard and tackle last year -- takes over at center. 6-foot-7 , 300-pound sophomore Robert Gallery will operate at LT, with talented junior Eric Steinbach holding down the LG spot. Operating on the right side of the line figures to be senior Alonzo Cunningham (OG) and sophomore Sam Aiello (OT). A real boost up front could be provided by Ben Sobieski, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound senior who once was considered a top-flight performer as a youngster in the Hawkeyes' program. After sitting out the last two years as well as this past spring practice, Sobieski will be provided an opportunity to push for playing time at either RG or RT. By the way, keeping him out of spring practice was by design. They want to make sure he's at full strength when the bell rings.

DEFENSE
Defensively, the strength of the Hawkeyes defense will be the front four, led by Jerry Montgomery at DT and Aaron Kampman off the edge. The linebacking situation should be OK, but the young secondary has to come together quickly in order for things to really come together on this side of the ball. While LCB Matt Stockdale is a senior, this will be his first extensive action in the Hawkeyes deep patrol. In addition, the other three starters -- RCB Benny Sapp, FS Chris Smith and SS Bob Sanders -- are all just sophomores. Of this group, watch out for Sanders. Even though he's just 5-foot-8, the rugged 195-pounder figures to make his mark as one of the hardest-hitting DBs in the Big Ten.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Looking to replace quality punter Jason Baker will be redshirt freshman David Bradley, with sophomore Nate Kaeding, who won the Penn State game in overtime, handling the placekicking duties.

Overview: With the anticipated solid play up front, Betts should be able to produce big-time results carrying the football. And if an injury occurs, the Hawkeyes have excellent depth at the RB spot with Massaquio and Greving. Whether it be McCann or Beutjer at QB, they will be looking for Hill to make his mark as the primary featured wideout, with juco transfer Banks figuring to be in the mix. If Montgomery provides the push at DT and Kampman is a force when it comes to pressuring QBs from the outside, the young secondary will have an opportunity to settle in.