Football has some holes to fill
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Last season, head coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes bounced back from three-consecutive mid-season losses to finish 9-4 and win six of their last seven. In 2009, Iowa will look to continue that momentum into the fall.
What you should know
Headed by defensive tackles and captains Mitch King and Matt Kroul, the nation’s No. 12-ranked defense led Iowa to its fifth January bowl game in seven years last year. Now, defensive coach Norm Parker’s squad will be busy trying to find replacements along the interior.
“When Mitch and Matt left, it was a tough blow,” junior defensive end Christian Ballard said. “But I’ve just been coming out here and just really just been excited for practice. I just want to get better every day.”
On the offensive side, the Hawkeyes will have to fill the void left by senior offensive linemen Rob Bruggeman and Seth Olsen. Last year, the offensive line’s play enabled first-year quarterback Ricky Stanzi and running back Shonn Greene to thrive.
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Whom you should know
With the Doak Walker Award winner Greene gone, sophomore Jewel Hampton will be asked the fill the role as the No. 1 back. As a true freshman, the Indianapolis native ran for almost 500 yards last year. Also, Stanzi, in his second year as the starter, should continue to progress behind center.
“I’ve tried to work on everything, obviously,” he said. “But if there’s one thing that I really tried to work on it would probably be [being] more comfortable in the pocket.”
Main rival
In the last six years, Iowa has beaten its biggest rival, Iowa State, four times, including a 17-5 victory on Sept. 13 in Iowa City. This year, Ferentz and Company will travel to Ames on Sept. 12.
The Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 37-19.
How to get tickets
What: The Hawkeyes have seven home contests, including a night game against Michigan on Oct. 10.
Where: Student tickets for the 2009 football season can be purchased at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena ticket office or online at hawkeyesports.com.
Price: For the season, students pay $154 ($22 per game), and the general public pays $339 ($48 per game).
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