Iowa football: 5 keys to the Hawkeyes winning the Big Ten in 2023

2. The running game gets better

Cade McNamara should help this come to fruition. Not only is he a solid runner that can add offense with his legs, his arm strength and potential to take the ball deep on any given play should help keep defenses honest and not allow them to pack the box with nine or ten defenders on what have typically been rushing situations.

Beyond that, the stable appears to be full of workhorses again. Kaleb Johnson has a stranglehold on the lead back job with the Athletic stating that he “could become Iowa’s best running back since Shonn Greene.” Outside of Johnson, Leshon Williams and Jaziun Patterson have both shown glimpses of promise as well and true freshman Kamari Moulton may look to get some touches as an incoming three-star back.

Finally, the Hawkeyes return almost all of their important offensive lineman for the first time in what seems like forever. As amazing as it would have been to welcome Kadyn Proctor to Iowa City, it simply wasn’t in the cards this season and that’s ok. With the line having solid chemistry and the introduction of Erick All (Michigan transfer) to pair with Luke Lachey, the Hawks should be able to get the ball outside the tackle for big gains again.