Hawkeyes Picked to Finish 2nd in Big Ten
Courtesy: Iowa Sports Info
Photo by Jim Slosiarek, SourceMedia Group News
By
John Sears
Story Created:
Aug 2, 2010 at 10:19 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Aug 2, 2010 at 9:42 PM CDT
Chicago, IL - The 2010 University of Iowa football team has been picked to finish second in this year’s Big Ten Conference race. The Ohio State Buckeyes are picked to repeat as league champions and Wisconsin is tabbed for third. The voting by Big Ten media was announced today as part of the annual Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon festivities in Chicago.
The pre-season ranking is the highest ever for an Iowa team since records have been kept (1996). The Hawkeyes were picked to finish third three times (2004, 2005 and 2006).
“I suppose it’s flattering to be picked so high by the league’s media,” said Head Coach Kirk Ferentz. “But the reality is that we haven’t won a single game yet in 2010. We fully realize we have a lot work to do before the season begins.”
The Hawkeyes finished the 2009 season with an 11-2 overall and 6-2 conference record. The mark includes a 24-14 win over Georgia Tech in the FedEx Orange Bowl.
The Hawkeyes enter the campaign with three pre-season all-America candidates and 16 returning starters. Defensive end Adrian Clayborn, defensive back Tyler Sash and punter Ryan Donahue are considered strong candidates for post-season national honors. Other Hawkeyes to receive considerable pre-season attention are quarterback Ricky Stanzi, defensive back Brett Greenwood, linebacker Jeremiha Hunter, defensive tackle Karl Klug and wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos.
Clayborn, a 6-4, 285-pound senior from St. Louis, has been named to the numerous pre-season all-America teams and has been named to the Lombardi, Nagurski and Lott Trophy Watch Lists. Sash is a 6-1, 210-pound junior from Oskaloosa, IA. He is also a part of the Nagurski, Lott and Jim Thorpe Watch Lists in addition to pre-season all-America teams.
Coach Kirk Ferentz has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year three times, including last season. Of his 16 returning starters, eight are on defense, six offense and both kickers. A total of 48 returning lettermen makes the 2010 squad one of the most experienced returning teams in the nation.
Clayborn, Stanzi and Klug are currently in Chicago, with Ferentz, as part of the Big Ten’s Kickoff Luncheon and media activities. Media members from throughout the country have converged on Chicago to visit with Big Ten players and coaches.
Iowa’s season officially gets underway Friday when the 2010 squad will conduct its first practice of the season and face the Iowa media at the school’s annual Pressday activities.
Iowa begins its season Sept. 4th with a home date against Eastern Illinois.
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