The depth chart is hot off the presses for the Iowa Hawkeyes first game against Miami (OH) RedHawks. Let me tell you, nothing feels better than a hot piece of paper right out of the printer.

Quick hitters for this Friday afternoon!

Offense:

• Biggest one that jumps out for me is no Shaun Beyer as he’s been talked up as the heir apparent. Not sure if it’s an injury thing or Drew Cook (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) has just passed him but he’s dropped off the depth chart.
• There’s only three receiving spots (2 WRs & 1 TE) after having the two tight ends all of last year and three wideouts earlier this summer. CONSPIRACY THEORY: That third WR spot is contingent on Oliver Martin being approved or denied. The “loser” of this change is Calvin Lockett, who dropped off from backing up Brandon Smith. Probably not a huge deal one way or the other, Iowa has four receivers they feel good about. Time to put that “potential” and “talent” into actuality.
• Total copouts with the ORs to QB2 and Kicker. I’d probably do the same. QB2 isn’t really anything to monitor until it is – I’m not sure whoever goes in if Stanley loses his helmet is a tell. Both Peyton Mansell and Spencer Petras have already redshirted so the four-game rule won’t apply to either. (Only Alex Padilla)
• OR at RG is the bigger deal as neither Cole Banwart nor Levi Paulsen have separated from the other. Landon Paulsen has had LG down pat pretty much all year so I think we should be comfortable with that.
• Just me or a lot of freshman as backups on the line? Mark Kallenberger is probably the first guy in should an injury happen. Let’s hope we don’t have to find out!

Defense

• All hail Michael Sleep-Dalton aka Sleepy D aka The Electrician.
• No Julius Brents, who is apparently dinged up. D.J. Johnson looks like the fifth DB and it’s just a matter of where he lines up (CASH or outside). Kaevon Merriweather held off a late push from Jack Koerner.
• Not much else to report by way of changes.

EXCEPT FOR IHMIR SMITH-MARSETTE AS PUNT RETURNER. Calling it now: most important non-Nate Stanley player on the roster.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND TIME TO CRUSH SOME CLAWS