Iowa Football: 5 Bold Predictions for September

3. Improvement in the running game

Last season, it appeared Iowa had a dynamic duo at running back with Akrum Wadley and grad transfer James Butler. However, they didn’t quite have the success many had hoped as Butler’s elbow injury derailed much of his senior season. Wadley did still manage to rush for over 1,000 yards and electrify Kinnick Stadium with his dazzling, ankle-breaking runs. But, despite Wadley’s efforts, Iowa finished only 97th in the nation in rushing, their lowest output since 2012.

The Butler-Wadley duo has since graduated, however, it appears they have been replaced with a trio: Toren Young, Ivory Kelly-Martin and JUCO transfer Mekhi Sargent. Young and Kelly-Martin did see spotty playing time last season and showed great promise. It looked as if they would be the next “Thunder and Lightning” combo in Iowa football, however Mekhi Sargent entered the picture after he transferred from Iowa Western and has shown he is ready to contribute.

With all that being said, the rushing attack will average at least 150 yards per game in September. This group has the ability to make it happen as all three backs have different skill sets, which will make them that much more dangerous. It will be a treat to see what this running back unit can accomplish.