Iowa Football: Can Hawkeyes escape 8-win purgatory?
Offense
The head of Iowa’s offense is back in 2018, and should be even better. Nathan Stanley will continue to lead this offense, and after a super impressive sophomore campaign, he should be even better this year. He’s not a big play quarterback by any means, but his game managing ability is perfect for Iowa.
Running back might be the biggest question on this offense. Iowa’s workhorse, Akrum Wadley is gone, as is his backup James Butler. That means a younger player will have to step up. The sophomore duo of Toren Young and Ivory Kelly-Martin should be capable.
Neither saw much of any time last year, but both looked solid on limited carries. Young is much more of a traditional back, and will see the majority of the carries. Kelly-Martin’s quickness makes him an ideal change of pace h-back. Iowa will likely use him in that spot.
The receiving corps, like the quarterback, should improve on a solid season. Matt Vandeberg is gone, but he’s just about the only one. Nick Easley is back after a great season, and will lead a pretty young group of receivers.
The true strength on this team is at tight end. Noah Fant might be the best tight end in the country. With TJ Hockenson and Nate Wietling behind him, I’m not worried at all about this group. Fant is a sure handed threat to make a play at any time. If the line can give Stanley time, Fant will be dominant.
If running back isn’t the biggest question on this offense, the line is. Sean Welsh is gone, as is James Daniels, and they were two of the Big Ten’s best last season. While three linemen return, finding replacements will be a struggle.
So who are those replacements?
The answer at center, replacing Daniels seems pretty simple. Cole Banwart is young but solid, and should fill that spot well. Welsh’s guard spot is more complicated. Mark Kallenberger would make sense, as would Levi Paulsen, or Keegan Render, but we’ll just have to wait and see. There will probably be a drop off, but if Iowa can soften the blow, the offense could be very solid.