The interminable offseason is upon us, and we're taking a look at three things each Big Ten team must do in the coming months before the games begin again in late August.
Up next: the Iowa Hawkeyes.
1. Locate linebackers: The good news is Iowa historically finds them, but the Hawkeyes are replacing an exceptional group in James Morris, Christian Kirksey and Anthony Hitchens. The three combined for 322 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, six interceptions and four fumble recoveries last season. Iowa's linebackers were the biggest reason for the upgrade on defense, and it will be very important to see development from younger players like Travis Perry and Reggie Spearman.
2. Create more explosion plays: Iowa's offense established more of an identity in Year 2 under coordinator Greg Davis, but as Davis noted last month, "We have a hard time creating the big run, the big throw." Iowa averaged just 5.3 yards per play in 2013, which ranked 10th in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes lose only one offensive skill-position starter (tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz) and must do a better job maximizing players like Damond Powell, who averaged 24.2 yards per reception and ranked fourth on the team in receiving despite limited work.
3. Improve in red zone, short yardage: It's tough to explain how an Iowa team with a big, physical offensive line and a powerful running back in Mark Weisman struggles so much to grind out the tough yards. Iowa scored only 27 touchdowns on 53 trips inside the red zone in 2013, and ranked last in the league in fourth-down conversions (5-of-17). Predictable play calls could be to blame, but Iowa should improve in this area as all the running backs return along with three starting linemen, led by left tackle Brandon Scherff.
More to-do lists
