I wouldn’t have ever predicted that Gene Chizit would lose his home opener against Kent St. You would have thought that the Cyclones would have shown some promise with senior Bret Meyer at QB and Texas’ former defensive coordinator revamping the defense. Meyer tossed two INTs and the defense gave up 202 yards on the ground. You have think that Albert Young will have a big game in Ames.

Last season was a disappointment for Hawkeye fans. The Hawks finished below .500 for the first time in six years and lost their last 4 games. Iowa also broke its string of Jan 1 bowl games, but did go to the Alamo Bowl where they made a good showing against Texas.

The 2007 season has plenty of reasons for optimism. The Hawks roll out new starting QB Jake Christensen, return talented starters on both sides of the line and, for the next two seasons, don’t face Michigan or Ohio St. Let’s look at the units:

Offensive Backfield:

Tate is gone, say hello to the new boss, Jake. Christensen holds a lot of promise and is one of the most anticipated recruits from the talented class of 2005. Tate disappointed a lot of fans last season, so a new QB is a welcome change.

One of the strengths is the tandem of Albert Young and Damien Sims. If Young returns to form, he should take a lot of heat off Christensen. Young’s success depends on the development of the …

Offensive Line:

The linemen will feature 3 underclassmen and 2 juniors. The returning players aren’t that experienced, so it will depend on how well they develop. Ferentz’s history with the linemen is pretty good, so maybe this isn’t as much of a question mark.

Receivers:

Until this week, this was a unit that gave a lot of hope. Tony Moeaki takes over for Scott Chandler. Dominique Douglas had a strong freshman season and Andy Brodell broke out at the end of the season, especially the great catch against Texas in the Alamo Bowl. Douglas’ status is undetermined and who knows how his legal troubles and suspension will affect the team. I’d guess he misses 4-6 games.

Defensive Line:

This unit is a big strength for the Hawks. Iwebema, Mattison, King and Kroul are all experienced upper classmen. Iwebema was injured for much of last season, so look for him to turn in an All Big Ten season. The D-Line should shut down the run well, which may not be a good thing considering …

Defensive Secondary:

Last year’s unit wasn’t very strong, and the 2007 version has even less experience. It is even thinner with Marcus Wilson deciding to transfer. I’d expect the better QBs to really attack the thin secondary. Watch for James Hardy to put up huge numbers against the Hawks.

Linebackers:

This is another strong unit for the Hawks with seniors Klinkenborg and Humphal with soph AJ Edds joining. Klinkenborg and Humphal really impressed last season taking over for Greenway and Hodge. Look for them to continue to improve.

Schedule:

9/1 N. Illinois at Soldier Field

This should be an easy victory as N. Illinois graduated their star running back Garrett Wolfe. A lot of Chicago area Hawk fans will make this feel like a home game. Iowa wins big.

9/8 Syracuse

There won’t be any overtimes when Syracuse visits Kinnick Stadium. Iowa will role to a big win.

9/15 at Iowa State

This game is the only non-conference game that worries me. Iowa St will have a new coach and every year they turn in their best performance against Iowa. The Hawks are better on paper so I will give the nod to Iowa in a close one.

9/22 at Wisconsin

The Big 10 season opener won’t be pretty. The Badgers are a lot of people’s picks to win the Big 10. I can’t see the Hawks standing much of a chance in Madison and will probably lose big.

9/29 Indiana

Of all the home games, this is the one that worries me most. Our defensive secondary is thin and James Hardy has always done well against the Hawks. Iowa has more talent and it is a home game, but I don’t think this will be easy game. Hawks win a close, but high scoring game.

10/6 at Penn St

Iowa has a good history against the Nittany Lions and if this game was in Iowa City, I’d be tempted to pick the Hawks. Penn St has a lot of talent and I think they will win by a touchdown.

10/13 Illinois

Ron Zook can certainly recruit (look at the national champion Gator team loaded with Zook recruits). Trouble is, he has never proven he can coach. He isn’t going to prove it today. Hawks win big.

10/20 at Purdue

A lot of people point to the number of returning starters for Purdue, but this is the unit that was 114th in total D last season. Joe Tiller won’t be coaching the Boilermakers much longer as I expect a disappointing season for them. This will be Iowa’s biggest road win in the Big 10.

10/27 Mich St

Michigan St always seems to be rebuilding and this season they are without Drew Stanton. Iowa rolls in a laugher.

11/3 at N’western

The Wildcats have seemed to have the Hawks number over the past couple of seasons. Look for Iowa to get revenge for the home loss from last season in a close one.

11/10 Minnesota

Minnesota never seems to put up much of a fight in Iowa City and I don’t expect one this year. Iowa wins big.

11/17 W. Michigan

Directional Michigan finishes out the season. The Hawks should be firing on all cylinders at this point. Look for a win by more than 3 TDs.

That would leave Iowa 10-2 and 6-2 in conference. They would be tied for 3rd with that record and get another Jan 1 bowl game, probably the Outback Bowl.