Black Heart Gold Pants - Hawkeye Football: 2020 Iowa Opponent PreviewsSwelling with Iowa Hawkeye pride since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47511/bhgp-fave.png2020-09-03T07:01:00-05:00http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/rss/stream/210501632020-09-03T07:01:00-05:002020-09-03T07:01:00-05:00Hawkeye Football Opponent Preview: Maryland Terrapins
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Maryland at Michigan State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ds0vkY-EJ9x0bjQeZUL2-34ZtIE=/0x0:1954x1303/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67346476/usa_today_13731812.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Can the Maryland Terrapins rebound after a terrible 2019 in Mike Locksley’s second season?</p> <p id="5gGeGu"><em>Hey there. As you’re aware if you’re reading this article, we’ve been counting down the days and weeks until the beginning of the Iowa football season and </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/6/10/21286122/hawkeye-football-2020-iowa-opponent-previews-bhgp"><em>previewing each of Iowa’s opponents in 2020</em></a><em>. Welp,</em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/8/11/21363826/big-ten-postpones-football-season-iowa-hawkeye-football-canceled-just-like-happiness-bhgp"><em> the Big Ten has announced that fall sports will not happen, and there’s “hope” that a season will be played in the spring</em></a><em>. </em></p>
<p id="uSw51K"><em>Will the spring season actually happen? If I were a betting blogger, I’d invest my entire life savings on ‘No!’ and that other conferences won’t be playing this fall either, despite their best wishes. Or maybe they will? Or maybe the Big Ten and the PAC-12 will play in the spring when everyone else is playing in the fall? Nobody knows! </em></p>
<p id="4XrZat"><em>Regardless, we’re already here, blogging away about Iowa’s opponents for the upcoming season, and we’re gonna need a lot of content to fill these months, so we’ll keep on keeping on. Just note, we are assuming at this point that these games will get played, and that the rosters in the spring will be the same as the fall. Will that come true? Probably not! But who cares? </em></p>
<p id="Ta25b8"><em>This week we’re previewing the </em><a href="https://www.testudotimes.com/"><em>Maryland Terrapins</em></a><em>, who are looking to rebound in 2020 after a promising 2-0 start in 2019 culminated in a 3-9 season.</em></p>
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<h2 id="U8L1yz">Maryland Terrapins</h2>
<h3 id="ypvre9">2019 Record: 3-9 (1-8), 6th in Big Ten East</h3>
<p id="9uGUE2">If you somehow only watched the first two weeks of the 2019 college football season and also only happened to watch the Maryland Terrapins, you’d think you witnessed the birth of one of the greatest offensive teams...ever? </p>
<p id="ojSE0C">The Terrapins obliterated their opponents by scoring 142 points in their first two games, a 79-0 win against Howard and a 63-20 win against No. 21 ranked Syracuse in Mike Locksley’s first season as head coach. A 20-17 loss at Temple was disappointing but not out of the question. And then...things got bad. Maryland lost 59-0 to No. 12 Penn State, blew out Rutgers, 48-7, and didn’t score more than 28 points again for the rest of the season, ending with a 3-9 record. </p>
<p id="N5r8kc">Thankfully, the Terrapins return a lot of players from last season, all of whom are hoping to redeem themselves after a dismal 2019 campaign. </p>
<h3 id="QfIjzT">Key Departures</h3>
<p id="m0KJ6B">The Terrapins return pretty much everyone on offense from 2019 except at running back. <span>Javon Leake</span> has graduated after leading the team in rushing last season with 736 yards and 8 touchdowns, along with second-leading rusher Anthony McFarland Jr, who tallied 614 yards and 8 touchdowns. </p>
<p id="JDK1SO">Defensively, it’s a bit of a different story. <a href="https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/terps-football-early-2020-season-preview/">The biggest losses for Maryland defensively</a> come from the departure of <span>Marcus Lewis</span>, <span>Tino Ellis</span> and <span>Antoine Brooks Jr.</span>, the team’s starting corners. The defensive line also saw a lot of loss due to graduation, and will be greatly assisted by community college transfers Mosiah Nasil-Kite and <span>Ami Finau</span>.</p>
<h3 id="b9I7fk"><a href="https://athlonsports.com/college-football/maryland-football-terrapins-prediction-preview-2020">Key Returners</a></h3>
<p id="oHzNSo">They key for success for Maryland — whenever Big Ten Football gets played again — will rest in the offseason progress of its numerous returners on both sides of the ball. While losing its top two running backs, the Terps still return most of their other starters from 2019. </p>
<p id="RTsJiM">A key component will be deciding who will be under center. <span>Josh Jackson</span>, a transfer from Virginia Tech, put up some great numbers in the beginning of the season and tallied 1,274 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, but was inconsistent. A competition was expected in the spring for the starting position between <span>Jackson</span>, <span>Tyler DeSue</span> and Lance DeGendre, who all received snaps last season. </p>
<p id="SUHXh9">Whoever lines up at quarterback will be throwing to <span>Dontay Demus Jr.</span>, who tallied 625 yards and 6 touchdowns on 41 receptions last season, along with <span>DJ Turner</span>, who is returning from injury. Joining him in returning from injury will be <span>Jeshaun Jones</span>, a standout in 2018, as well, along with receivers <span>Darryl Jones</span> and Carlos Carriere. Tight end <span>Chigoziem Okonkwo</span> figures to be a target for QB1 as well. And while the team lost running backs, it will feature a veteran offensive line at tackle and center and talent behind the line as well, mainly <span>Tayon Fleet-Davis</span>, who logged 265 yards for an average of 4.2 per possession last season. </p>
<p id="qEa8Ms">Defensively, the Terps also return plenty of starters from 2019, too, but will need to see improvement in every area after being one of the worst defenses in the conference. Ayinde Ele ranked 12th in the conference in tackles last season; he and defensive lineman <span>Nick Cross</span> will highlight the Terrapin defense. Many other starters return at linebacker, too, but again, the team will need noticeable improvement if it wants to avoid a repeat of 2019. </p>
<p id="qi0OF6">The team also returns starters at special teams with kicker <span>Joseph Petrino</span> heading into his third season, and the team will hope to find consistency at punter from either <span>Colton Spangler</span> or <span>Anthony Pecorella</span>, who traded punts last season. </p>
<h3 id="TavAkF">2020 Preview</h3>
<p id="8RPTDL">There’s enough experienced talent across both sides of the ball for Maryland to be improved in...whatever the next season of football is, but a lot of that will ride on improvement defensively and consistency at quarterback from whoever earns the starting position. </p>
<p id="DYy7GD">However, if the 10-game, conference only schedule happens, I’d guess Maryland will be in for another tough season, with the only on-paper likely wins coming against Rutgers, Northwestern and maybe Indiana and Michigan State. Otherwise, I don’t know how the Terps pull off wins with a schedule rounded out by Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State and Minnesota. Oof. </p>
<h3 id="L7o68Y">Iowa/Maryland Prediction</h3>
<p id="8KaXq3">We don’t know if this one will remain on the revised-revised schedule after being added a week before the fall season was pushed off entirely. If it is played, this game might be a but of a toss-up, but I think Iowa has enough difference in talent on both sides of the ball to pull off a close win. </p>
<p id="NNmfGR">Iowa 24, Maryland 21 </p>
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https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/9/3/21419064/hawkeye-football-opponent-preview-maryland-terrapins-iowa-kirk-ferentz-mike-locksley-bhgpmattcabel2020-08-27T07:01:00-05:002020-08-27T07:01:00-05:00Hawkeye Football Opponent Preview: Wisconsin Badgers
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Big Ten Championship-Ohio State vs Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RJubkKAoWBECG5leFZxqC8jao_U=/0x0:4242x2828/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67302733/usa_today_13764211.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>How will the Badgers follow up a successful 2019 season that featured 10 wins — and some frustrating losses? </p> <p id="5gGeGu"><em>Hey there. As you’re aware if you’re reading this article, we’ve been counting down the days and weeks until the beginning of the Iowa football season and </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/6/10/21286122/hawkeye-football-2020-iowa-opponent-previews-bhgp"><em>previewing each of Iowa’s opponents in 2020</em></a><em>. Welp, last</em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/8/11/21363826/big-ten-postpones-football-season-iowa-hawkeye-football-canceled-just-like-happiness-bhgp"><em> week the Big Ten announced that fall sports will not happen, and there’s “hope” that a season will be played in the spring</em></a><em>. </em></p>
<p id="uSw51K"><em>Will the spring season actually happen? If I were a betting blogger, I’d invest my entire life savings on ‘No!’ and that other conferences won’t be playing this fall either, despite their best wishes. Or maybe they will? Or maybe the Big Ten and the PAC-12 will play in the spring when everyone else is playing in the fall? Nobody knows! </em></p>
<p id="4XrZat"><em>Regardless, we’re already here, blogging away about Iowa’s opponents for the upcoming season, and we’re gonna need a lot of content to fill these months, so we’ll keep on keeping on. Just note, we are assuming at this point that these games will get played, and that the rosters in the spring will be the same as the fall. Will that come true? Probably not! But who cares? </em></p>
<p id="Ta25b8"><em>This week we’re previewing the </em><a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/"><em>Wisconsin Badgers</em></a><em>, the reigning Big Ten West champions whose overall successful season featured some bad losses and two straight losses to end the season. </em></p>
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<p id="HKCN5V">As I sit down to write this blog post, it’s an unprecedented day in the history of sports. In the wake of yet another act of police violence in Kenosha, Wisconsin last weekend, in which a police officer fired seven shots into the back of 29 year old Jacob Blake, the Milwaukee Bucks refused to take the floor for their playoff game against the Orlando Magic in protest of police brutality. This historic action rippled through the sports world, causing the postponement of the day’s three NBA games. The Milwaukee Brewers also did not play their scheduled game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Seattle Mariner game vs. the San Diego Padres was also not played. </p>
<p id="aOcRje">I feel that I would mention something about this day in sports even if I wasn’t here to preview the Wisconsin Badgers. I know we try to keep politics out of our discussions in the comments here, and I’m doing my best to avoid politicization here as well. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this moment in history that sports — and us as sports fans — are facing. We’re at a moment in time where athletes at all levels are starting to bridge the gap between sports and real life, whether it’s for social change or just the chance to play college football, and I’m all for it. These athletes have a platform and the more they use it, the more change we will see. In the NBA, hopefully it will result in systemic change. In college football, hopefully we have finally started to bridge the gap for players to have their own union to ensure their safety. Two extremely different topics, yes, but still something we would have thought unthinkable even a few years ago. </p>
<p id="U3L4kM">I’ll close with this thought: sports are considered an escape for many people, and understandably so. But it’s becoming clearer every day, whether through acting for social change, representation from the NCAA, or even athlete mental health, we’re entering a new era of sports where we can’t view sports as an escape. We need to view these athletes as entertainers who are using their platform for the betterment of others. </p>
<p id="meD88N">Onto what you clicked here for...</p>
<h2 id="U8L1yz"><a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a></h2>
<h3 id="ypvre9">2019 Record: 10-4 (7-2), 1st in Big Ten West</h3>
<p id="HPcRR6">Another strong year for the Wisconsin Badgers football program ended on a frustrating note, and featured a pretty big bump along the way. 6-0 and ranked No. 6 in the country, the Wisconsin Badgers traveled to Champaign, IL for what should have been an easy matchup against the 2-4 Fighting Illini. Instead, the Badgers left Champaign with a last second loss that ruined their perfect season, and had to face the <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a> the following week, which resulted in two straight losses. </p>
<p id="s1oM3y">Those two games proved to be the Badgers’ only regular season losses, but the damage, in some ways, was done. The Badgers made a run after falling behind in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-championship-game">Big Ten Championship</a> against Ohio State, but ultimately fell short, and missed out on a spot in the College Football Playoff for the second time in the season. And their <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/rose-bowl">Rose Bowl</a> matchup against the <a href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com/">Oregon Ducks</a> was a narrow, one-point loss. </p>
<p id="XrVmIb"><a href="https://athlonsports.com/college-football/wisconsin-football-badgers-prediction-preview-2020">So where does that leave the Badgers headed in...whatever the 2020 season might bring</a>? It leaves them with a tough challenge to repeat as Big Ten West champions, as the team lost five of its most talented players. </p>
<h3 id="QfIjzT">Key Departures</h3>
<p id="NvDH0C">The Wisconsin offense was hit hard in the offseason from both graduation and early departures for the NFL. Gone is center <span>Tyler Biadasz</span> to the NFL, a key cog in what makes Wisconsin so successful year after year: a beefy offensive line. So, too, are the people Biadasz worked so hard to protect: running back <span>Jonathan Taylor</span>, who capped off the 2019 season with 2,003 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 252 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. He was the star of the Badger’s offense, and was greatly assisted by a strong offensive line that will take time to gel in 2020. Also gone is wideout <span>Quintez Cephus</span>, who tallied 901 yards and 15 touchdowns on 59 receptions in 2019. </p>
<p id="qdoI6D">The defensive departures are highlighted by linebackers <span>Chris Orr</span> and <span>Zack Baun</span>, who together tallied 24 combined sacks last season, but otherwise the squad will return a lot of talent across the board. </p>
<p id="pZRdW2">The Badgers also face some key departures on special teams: kicker <span>Zach Hintze</span> and kick returner <span>Aron Cruickshank</span>, who transferred to Rutgers (I don’t know why you’d leave Wisconsin football for Rutgers football, but education is important, and there’s obviously more to life and where people finish (or start anew) their education than football). </p>
<h3 id="b9I7fk">Key Returners</h3>
<p id="ghFB8B">The team does return a lot of talent, but there are still a lot of questions on offense too. That begins with quarterback <span>Jack Coan</span>, who completed 69% of his passes last season (nice) ate the tune of 2,727 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, but was inconsistent, and could face a quarterback battle from <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2020/3/2/21158447/wisconsin-badgers-football-spring-position-preview-quarterback-jack-coan-graham-mertz-chase-wolf">redshirt freshman Graham Mertz</a>. Whoever lines up under center will have experienced options at running back and receiver, but a lot of talent to replace. On the running back front, <span>Garrett Groshek</span> might be the go-to guy, but <span>Nakia Watson</span> will get more snaps in his second season as well. </p>
<p id="3nFuwK">Mertz or Coan (or both!) will have some experienced receivers to throw to, but none as talented as Cephus, or Taylor, for that matter. Tight end <span>Jake Ferguson</span> caught 69 nice passes last season, and should be a big, reliable target, along with receivers <span>Kendric Pryor</span> and <span>Danny Davis III</span>, who both have talent but will need to step into larger roles. And the offensive line returns a lot as well, but will see a big hole at center that could cause some early shuffling along the entire line to find Biadasz’s replacement. </p>
<p id="AFFWV6">Defensively, the team is stacked with returning talent, starting with the defensive line. Highlighted by <span>Keeanu Benton</span>, the line will also reach <span>Isaiahh Loudermilk</span>, <span>Matt Henningsen</span> and Garrett Rand. And in the secondary, <span>Eric Burrell</span> highlights a strong returning group after tallying three interceptions and forcing two fumbles. </p>
<h3 id="223sg2">2020 Preview </h3>
<p id="b6qsZh">While needing to replace high quality talent — and a potential battle for the starting quarterback position — will make for a tough start to the season (again, whenever that is) for the Badgers, the team overall has a pretty solid 10-game schedule. The team is slated to face Minnesota at home, but does have tough road matchups at Iowa and Michigan. Other opponents include Nothwerstern, Indiana, Purdue, Illinois, Nebraska, Maryland, and Rutgers, which means on paper, the Badgers have games against Iowa and Minnesota circled as the obvious big games on the way to repeating as division champions. </p>
<p id="Y8eJGa">If I had to guess, the returning talent, combined with the great coaching of head coach Paul Chryst, will turn this into another solid season for the Badgers, with one major caveat: the team figures out its situation at quarterback early. </p>
<h3 id="HGUubL">Iowa/Wisconsin Prediction</h3>
<p id="McSCl3">This game makes me nervous year after year, and this Wisconsin defense seems like it will be solid. I think, like always, this will be a close game that Iowa <em>can </em>win, but probably won’t, due to some last second trick Wisconsin pulls. </p>
<p id="iY1myV">I hope I’m wrong (again, if the games even happen at all!). </p>
<p id="tst7cD">Wisconsin 27, Iowa 24 </p>
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https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/8/27/21402718/iowa-hawkeye-football-2020-opponent-preview-wisconsin-badgers-kirk-ferentz-paul-chryst-bhgpmattcabel2020-08-20T07:00:00-05:002020-08-20T07:00:00-05:00Hawkeye Football Opponent Preview: Purdue Boilermakers
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Purdue at Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x434S7gIPsDjl4BeC9IjqWviGzA=/0x0:4619x3079/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67231704/usa_today_13643643.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Can Jeff Brohm’s program get back on track after a dud of a 2019 season? </p> <p id="5gGeGu"><em>Hey there. As you’re aware if you’re reading this article, we’ve been counting down the days and weeks until the beginning of the Iowa football season and </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/6/10/21286122/hawkeye-football-2020-iowa-opponent-previews-bhgp"><em>previewing each of Iowa’s opponents in 2020</em></a><em>. Welp, last</em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/8/11/21363826/big-ten-postpones-football-season-iowa-hawkeye-football-canceled-just-like-happiness-bhgp"><em> week the Big Ten announced that fall sports will not happen, and there’s “hope” that a season will be played in the spring</em></a><em>. </em></p>
<p id="uSw51K"><em>Will the spring season actually happen? If I were a betting blogger, I’d invest my entire life savings on ‘No!’ and that other conferences won’t be playing this fall either, despite their best wishes. Or maybe they will? Or maybe the Big Ten and the PAC-12 will play in the spring when everyone else is playing in the fall? Nobody knows! </em></p>
<p id="4XrZat"><em>Regardless, we’re already here, blogging away about Iowa’s opponents for the upcoming season, and we’re gonna need a lot of content to fill these months, so we’ll keep on keeping on. Just note, we are assuming at this point that these games will get played, and that the rosters in the spring will be the same as the fall. Will that come true? Probably not! But who cares? </em></p>
<p id="Ta25b8"><em>This week we’re previewing the </em><a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com/"><em>Purdue Boilermakers</em></a><em>, who, after having two years of instant success under head coach Jeff Brohm, delivered an underwhelming 4-8 2019 campaign and are looking to right the once-promising ship. </em></p>
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<h2 id="U8L1yz">Purdue Boilermakers</h2>
<h3 id="ypvre9">2019 Record: 4-8 (3-6), 5th in Big Ten West</h3>
<p id="utIHrZ">After a bowl victory and two bowl appearances in Jeff Brohm’s first two seasons as head coach at Purdue, it’s safe to say the Boilermakers derailed in Brohm’s third season, tallying a 4-8 record and no bowl appearance in a season where the team was expected to at least make its third consecutive bowl. Injuries certainly played a role in that, but it still made for a tough season. </p>
<p id="scHcQI">Heading into the 2020 season, whenever (if ever) that may be, the Boilermakers are obviously looking to get back...<em>on track...</em>as Brohm tries to permanently bring the Purdue program to sustained relevance. And it’s certainly a possibility after all the young players who saw extended playing time last year in the face of those aforementioned injuries...</p>
<h3 id="QfIjzT">Key Departures</h3>
<p id="9MV6RN">One of the biggest departures for the program is former defensive coordinator <span>Nick Holt</span>, who was fired after the 2019 season. <a href="https://athlonsports.com/college-football/purdue-football-boilermakers-prediction-preview-2020">Holt was in charge of a defense that left a <em>lot </em>to be desired in nearly every aspect, inexperienced or not</a>. His 2019 defense was ranked 13th in the Big Ten in total defense, allowing 436 yards per game, and 12th in run defense, allowing 192 rushing yards per game. </p>
<p id="1jl8Es">Replacing him comes Bob Diaco, fresh from a stint at Louisiana Tech. He will have a lot to work with when it comes to up-and-coming talent on his roster, but will need to replace <span>Markus Bailey</span>, who tallied 301 combined solo and assisted tackles, 13.5 sacks, 6 interceptions and 1 touchdown in his career. He only saw playing time in 4 games last season due to injury before being drafted in the 7th round of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> to the Cincinnati Bengals, but still made an impact on the team’s younger defensive players from the sidelines. The team also lost its leading tackler Ben <span>Holt</span>, son of former defensive coordinator Nick, who tallied 66 solo tackles and a sack in his lone graduate-transfer season with the Boilermakers. </p>
<p id="H1OtWF">The offense, meanwhile, was slated to return a lot of talent, with the biggest loss expected to be tight end <span>Brycen Hopkins</span>, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 4th round of the NFL Draft. </p>
<p id="53yci6">That all changed a few weeks ago when <span>Rondale Moore</span> opted out due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Farewell <a href="https://t.co/4LioRRoOEM">pic.twitter.com/4LioRRoOEM</a></p>— Rondale Moore (@moore_rondale) <a href="https://twitter.com/moore_rondale/status/1291492884269740033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a>
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<p id="3OpmWx"><span>Moore</span> was expected to return from injury to add to the more than 1600 yards and 14 touchdowns he had tallied in his career, but the nature of his leg injury led to some doubt. Opting out allows Moore to focus entirely on training for the draft, but does limit his film and NFL franchises’ ability to see that he’s fully recovered on the field.</p>
<h3 id="b9I7fk">Key Returners</h3>
<p id="a5mbbE">The offense highlights a lot of returning talent, but also a lot of question marks, particularly at quarterback. The offensive line returns three starters from last season, led by <span>Grant Hermanns</span> at left tackle. But that line will need to better work, as the run game struggled in 2019 — tallying only 83 yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry, both last in the conference. However, the team’s two leading backs, <span>King Doerue</span> and Zander, Horvath who tallied 451 yards and 5 touchdowns and 377 yards and 2 touchdowns restively, both look to use their combined starting experience to find better results. And at receiver, true sophomore receiver <span>David Bell</span>, who logged 1,035 yards and 8 total touchdowns in his debut season, will lead the way with Moore now opted out for the NFL.</p>
<p id="pa9hlJ">But the man behind center throwing and handing off the ball to the returning talent is still up in the air. The Boilermakers return quarterbacks <span>Jack Plummer</span> and <span>Aidan O’Connell</span>, but also have added UCLA graduate transfer Austin Burton. If you have more than one quarterback, you have no quarterback, as we saw from Purdue last season, and the quicker they can decide on who will stay under center for the duration of the season, the better they will perform under Brohm’s fantastic offensive mind. </p>
<p id="vNsiOH">Defensively, new DC Diaco will be relying on the returning talent of defensive end <span>George Karlaftis</span>, whose 7.5 sacks over 12 starts earned him Freshman All-<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a> recognition. Defensive tackle <span>Lorenzo Neal</span> is also poised to return, but will be another Boilermaker returning from an injury that kept him out the entire 2019 campaign. Cornerbacks Dedrick Mackey and <span>Cory Trice</span> also showed promise last season, along with help from safeties <span>Simeon Smiley</span>, <span>Brennan Thieneman</span>, <span>Cam Allen</span> and UConn graduate transfer Tyler Coyl. </p>
<p id="eBPfRt">And rounding it out in the kicking game, the Boilermakers will return kicker <span>J.D. Dellinger</span>, who hit 13 of 16 field goal attempts last season. Sophomore punter <span>Brooks Cormier</span> also returns, but was inconsistent last season and will compete with junior punter <span>Zac Collins</span>, who logged 33 punts for over 1,000 yards last season. </p>
<h3 id="223sg2">2020 Preview </h3>
<p id="iBHahe">It’s still hard to say what will happen with Big Ten football in general, so it’s obviously still difficult to say what will happen with Purdue in 2020. On paper, the team is poised to lean on its youthful experience to achieve more success in 2020. But between youth and the loss of a talent like Moore, the Boilermakers have a lot to prove. That’s made more difficult with a conference-only schedule that features difficult road matchups against Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and difficult home matchups against Iowa, Ohio State and Nebraska. It’s possible that the Boilermakers could pick up an upset or two somewhere in there to get enough wins for a bowl appearance, but a lot of it will depend on the growth of talent and improvement from the defense under Diaco. </p>
<h3 id="HGUubL">Iowa/Purdue Prediction</h3>
<p id="vNiaZu">Let’s not shy away from it: this game is usually a yearly toss-up. But if the Big Ten-only schedule plays out, the Hawkeyes will face the Boilermakers in week 2, and I think, even with a lot of unknowns for the Hawkeyes, it will take Purdue a bit more time to figure things out, and Iowa will squeak out a close victory. </p>
<p id="c0pEvN">Iowa 24, Purdue 21 </p>
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https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/8/20/21375936/hawkeye-football-opponent-preview-purdue-boilermakers-iowa-jeff-brohm-kirk-ferentz-bhgpmattcabel2020-08-13T06:32:00-05:002020-08-13T06:32:00-05:00Hawkeye Football Opponent Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Ohio State at Nebraska" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PsBbFTUH3gWAVT_IUGSufyTqTv8=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67197475/usa_today_13433620.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>No matter when or where the Nebraska Cornhuskers play next season, a youthful roster will find its way onto the field </p> <p id="5gGeGu"><em>Hey there. As you’re aware if you’re reading this article, we’ve been counting down the days and weeks until the beginning of the Iowa football season and </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/6/10/21286122/hawkeye-football-2020-iowa-opponent-previews-bhgp"><em>previewing each of Iowa’s opponents in 2020</em></a><em>. Welp, earlier </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/8/11/21363826/big-ten-postpones-football-season-iowa-hawkeye-football-canceled-just-like-happiness-bhgp"><em>this week the Big Ten announced that fall sports will not happen, and there’s “hope” that a season will be played in the spring</em></a><em>. </em></p>
<p id="uSw51K"><em>Will the spring season actually happen? If I were a betting blogger, I’d invest my entire life savings on ‘No!’ and that other conferences won’t be playing this fall either, despite their best wishes. </em></p>
<p id="4XrZat"><em>But we’re already here, blogging away about Iowa’s opponents for the upcoming season, and we’re gonna need a lot of content to fill these months, so we’ll keep on keeping on. Just note, we are assuming at this point that these games will get played, and that the rosters in the spring will be the same as the fall. Will that come true? Probably not! But who cares? </em></p>
<p id="Ta25b8"><em>This week we’re previewing the </em><a href="https://www.cornnation.com/"><em>Nebraska Cornhuskers</em></a><em>, who are entering the third season of the Scott Frost era with even more unrealistic expectations than they usually have: still trying to play in the fall despite the postponement of the season by their own conference. </em></p>
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<h2 id="U8L1yz">Nebraska Cornhuskers</h2>
<h3 id="ypvre9">2019 Record: 5-7 (4-5), 6th in Big Ten West</h3>
<p id="mixG9d">Oh, Nebraska Football. Where to even begin? </p>
<p id="6rcl4C">Entering the third year of the Scott Frost era, the program has yet to accomplish a winning season. They’re so desperate to <em>have </em>a winning season under Prodigal Son Frost that they’re even at odds with the Big Ten Conference over whether they’ll play football this fall or not, hinting at a return to the Big 12, or maybe a spot in the SEC? </p>
<p id="FHwyF1">Let’s see how that’s working out for them...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Does the Big 12 schedule released this morning include a few Big Ten teams that have expressed an interest in still playing? <a href="https://t.co/GzHkcPwZza">pic.twitter.com/GzHkcPwZza</a></p>— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedditCFB/status/1293629678171742210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="ylBz7I">Raise your hand if you’re surprised. Scott Frost, put your hand down you don’t count. Nobody else? I thought not. How’s the reception to this cry for attention around the country? About as you’d expect. <a href="https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/2020/08/11/by-bashing-big-ten-nebraska-forgets-that-it-isnt-1995-anymore/">Check out this great post from AuburnWire for some fantastic context on Nebraska’s attempt to gain relevance in 2020</a>. </p>
<p id="zMGoY4">Anyways, from a football standpoint, it’s not looking like things will come together for the Huskers this year. No matter when they play, Frost will be playing a very young and inexperienced roster that also features minimal depth. <a href="https://athlonsports.com/college-football/nebraska-football-cornhuskers-prediction-preview-2020">According to Athlon Sports</a>, 70% of the roster is made up of true freshman, redshirt freshmen and sophomores. </p>
<p id="EVVB1n">Holy inexperience, Batman! </p>
<h3 id="QfIjzT">Key Departures</h3>
<p id="0D9jsg">The biggest departure for the Huskers comes from wide receiver <span>JD Spielman</span>, who transferred to TCU in June after logging 898 yards and 5 touchdowns on an average of 18.3 yards per catch. And to top things off, backup quarterback <span>Noah Vedral</span> left the program as a graduate transfer for Rutgers, leaning a lot of inexperience behind <span>Adrian Martinez</span> at quarterback. Otherwise, the offense returns a lot of talent, and the vast majority of departures come on defense. </p>
<p id="60W0q9">The defensive departures start with linebacker <span>Mohamed Barry</span>, who tallied 41 solo tackles and a sack while leading the team in total solo and assisted tackles last season as a senior. The defensive line saw the most losses, starting with <span>Khalil Davis</span>, who was drafted by the Buccaneers in the 6th round of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, along with tackles <span>Darrion Daniels</span>, who will suit up for the San Francisco 49ers and <span>Carlos Davis</span>, who will play for the Pittsburg Steelers after being drafted in the 7th round, whenever the NFL officially gets going. In all, the defensive line will be replacing four of five starters. </p>
<p id="Hre9NN">The kicking game was a struggle for the Huskers last season, and as a result, kickers <span>Barret Pickering</span> and <span>Matt Waldoch</span> left the program, both with eligibility left. </p>
<h3 id="b9I7fk">Key Returners</h3>
<p id="zNKrlv">Offensively, we’ll see the return of quarterback <span>Adrian Martinez</span>, who had offseason shoulder surgery on his non-throwing arm after a season in which he tallied 1,956 yards on 59% completion rate, 10 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Martinez also ran the ball for 626 yards and 7 touchdowns. Martinez was part of an effective rushing game that this season will most likely be headlined by Doak Walker Award candidate <span>Dedrick Mills</span>, who logged 745 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, along with Wan’Dale Robinson, who lined up at running back and wideout last year. </p>
<p id="Mas9X1">Despite missing Spielman, the receiving yards will primarily go to Robinson and Kade <span>Miller</span> for wideouts, and tight end Jack Stoll. The offensive line will be headlined by tackle Matt Farniock, who started every game in 2018 and 2019. The offense will feature 11 total players who have at least five starts under their belts. </p>
<p id="T6AuLe">Defensively, DE <span>Ben Stille</span> leads the unit in experience with 11 starts over his three seasons. Last season he tallied 13 tackles and 3 sacks. Linebackers Caleb Tannor, <span>Collin Miller</span> and <span>JoJo Domann</span> return as well. The secondary has talent, with talent that can rotate to numerous positions if needed. <span>Marquel Dismuke</span> headlines the group at safety, along with <span>Cam Taylor-Britt</span>, who played six games at safety, three at cornerback, and one at outside linebacker last year, along with <span>Dicaprio Bootle</span>, who started games playing both corner and safety last year. </p>
<h3 id="223sg2">2020 Preview </h3>
<p id="fMiRav">Who knows what will happen in 2020, but the Cornhuskers’ 10 game Big Ten Schedule wasn’t going to do them any favors. Road games at Iowa, Ohio State and Purdue are anything but gimmes, and neither are home games against Wisconsin, Penn State or Minnesota. Rounding out that slate are games against Purdue, Michigan State, Northwestern, Rutgers and Illinois, where I see about one guaranteed win over Rutgers — and that could honestly be a toss-up too. </p>
<p id="drLa9u">Let’s just say I don’t think this is the year Frost takes the program to the promised land, but there’s certainly a lot of young talent. We’ll see if he can develop it. I guess...if they ever get to play.</p>
<p id="X70KHT">And who knows, even if this schedule does happen in the spring, who knows if Nebraska will still be in the Big Ten...</p>
<p id="kx0jHd">I crack myself up. </p>
<h3 id="HGUubL">Iowa/Nebraska Prediction</h3>
<p id="DPRvTp">Let’s make it 6 in a row. Iowa has more talent than this team, period. </p>
<p id="IWju17">Iowa 34, Nebraska 21 </p>
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https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/8/13/21365144/hawkeye-football-opponent-preview-nebraska-cornhuskers-iowa-scott-frost-kirk-ferentz-big-ten-12mattcabel2020-08-06T06:31:00-05:002020-08-06T06:31:00-05:00Hawkeye Football Opponent Preview: Illinois Fighting Illini
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 30 Redbox Bowl - Cal v Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1iNDDxqONEWL7KF41no-zpGPMCc=/0x0:2916x1944/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67164097/1191096314.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With returning talent at quarterback, can the Illini pull together a winning season in 2020? </p> <p id="5gGeGu"><em>As we countdown the days and weeks until the beginning of the Iowa football season, we’ll be </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/6/10/21286122/hawkeye-football-2020-iowa-opponent-previews-bhgp"><em>previewing each of Iowa’s opponents in 2020</em></a><em>. While the season may seem more and more unlikely by the day, there are still games on the schedule as of this moment, so we’re previewing the teams, even if we don’t know when the season might start anymore after the Big Ten cancelled all fall non-conference games in every sport, instead slating only conference opponents for all seasons. </em></p>
<p id="4XrZat"><em>But we’ll keep on going until we have nothing to write about, and then we’ll just write about other random stuff. Our latest entry in our series of previews is Iowa’s newly determined week 5 opponent (who’s counting what anymore), the </em><a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/"><em>Illinois Fighting Illini</em></a><em>. The Illini are fresh off an up-and-down season that featured big highs and low lows heading into Lovie Smith’s fifth season at the helm of the program. </em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="wa4r1p">
<h2 id="U8L1yz">Illinois Fighting Illini</h2>
<h3 id="ypvre9">2019 Record: 6-7 (4-5), 4th in Big Ten West</h3>
<p id="sHhXVi">When Lovie Smith’s Illinois program was on last season, they were on. 2-4 overall and 0-3 in conference play heading into a home matchup against the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a>, the Illini needed a win. Badly. And they produced it, in the form of a 24-23 win over the No. 6 ranked Badgers, which kicked off a four game winning streak. The win streak was bookended by a 37-34, come-from-behidn victory against Michigan State, that they once trailed in 28-3, to capture a spot in a bowl game. </p>
<p id="WEKoNE">But Illinois ended the season on a low note, losing its last three games in miserable fashion to Iowa, conference cellar dwelling Northwestern, and Cal in the Redbox Bowl. </p>
<p id="pOzPIC">But with some strong returning talent and a season where the program showed potential like it hadn’t before under Smith, it’s safe to say the Illini are in the hunt to have the 2020 season go in a better direction. </p>
<h3 id="QfIjzT">Key Departures</h3>
<p id="Hc4G5h">Offensively, there is a lot of veteran talent returning to the Illini squad. The <a href="https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/04/college-football-news-preview-2020-illinois-fighting-illini">biggest departures come in the run game</a> (despite mild success at best in 2019), headlined by <span>Reggie Corbin</span>, who departed early for the NFL (but didn’t get drafted) after a season in which saw him tally 675 yards and 7 touchdowns. <span>Dre Brown</span>, who split carries with Corbin and tallied 584 yards and 5 touchdowns, graduated. </p>
<p id="Krbf1T">Defensively, the team loses the skills of <span>Dele Harding</span>, who led the team in tackles with 154 total solo and assisted tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 3 forced fumbles and a fumble return. </p>
<p id="xyEGnD">Defensive lineman Oluwole Betiku left early for the NFL as well, signing with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent after a season tallying 19 solo tackles and 9 sacks. Senior DB <span>Stanley Green</span> graduated after logging 69 nice tackles last year, along with two other linemen, so pass rushing might be an issue. </p>
<h3 id="b9I7fk">Key Returners</h3>
<p id="gA3ufq"><a href="https://athlonsports.com/college-football/illinois-football-fighting-illini-prediction-preview-2020">The team returns a lot of talent on both sides of the ball</a>. Four starters on the offensive line returned, headlined by quarterback Brandon Peters. Peters only threw for 1,884 yards and 18 touchdowns last season on 55% completions, but was monumental in the Illini’s wins, particularly the comeback against Michigan State. Having returning talent at QB will be monumental for Smith’s program, especially considering the talent at offensive line and receiver. The offensive line is headlined by center <span>Doug Kramer</span>, along with guard Kendrick Green. The line is rounded out by returning tackles <span>Vederian Lowe</span> and <span>Alex Palczewski</span>. </p>
<p id="qleGlH">Check out this vid of Kramer pushing a <em>truck </em>this spring. If he can do that, I don’t think he’ll have any problem with most Big Ten defensive linemen...</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Find a way <a href="https://twitter.com/Loustrength?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Loustrength</a> ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OLPride?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLPride</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ILL</a> <a href="https://t.co/MtP8iMsUkM">pic.twitter.com/MtP8iMsUkM</a></p>— Doug Kramer Jr. (@illini_doug) <a href="https://twitter.com/illini_doug/status/1243242363524460547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a>
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<p id="3ayxsC">At receiver, things will start and end with Joel Imaorbhebhe, who tallied 639 yards and 9 touchdowns on 33 catches in 2019. In all, five of Peters’ targets from 2019 will return, and it will most likely result in a stronger offensive performance, even with the relative inexperience at running back. </p>
<p id="1CVjwN">Defensively, the tone will be set by returning linebackers <span>Jake Hansen</span> and Milo Eifler. Hansen recorded 41 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception, while Eifler logged 39 tackles and two sacks. </p>
<p id="mcFQ5G">The secondary sees a lot of returning talent as well. Safeties Tony Adams and <span>Sydney Brown</span> return, along with cornerbacks <span>Nate Hobbs</span> and Marquez Benson, who is returning from a knee injury suffered last season. </p>
<p id="7u1q8F">Rounding out the returners is Aussie punter <span>Blake Hayes</span>, who received All-Big Ten recognition last season, along with kicker <span>James McCourt</span>, who sealed the deal for Illinois’ win over Wisconsin last season with his last second field goal. </p>
<h3 id="223sg2">2020 Preview </h3>
<p id="koYuz9">Things are certainly looking up for the Illini talent-wise in 2020, but their new conference-only schedule is not doing them any favors. The year will (as of this writing) start off with a road trip to Columbus, followed by road trips to Nebraska and Indiana. They’ll also travel to Madison later in the season, where the Badgers will certainly be looking for revenge. Illinois does face Iowa, Minnesota and Penn State at home, but with no real breaks anywhere in the schedule, the Illini will need to put things together fast if they’re going to earn a winning record against this schedule. </p>
<h3 id="HGUubL">Iowa/Illinois Prediction</h3>
<p id="EhaTPF">This is a road game for Iowa, taking place in week five for both teams. We’ll know a lot about the teams, and since it comes at the halfway point of the season, could be a really pivotal game for the season outcome. However, fans or no fans, I think Iowa will be able to take this one with its overall physical presence. It just might be a little closer than we expect. </p>
<p id="kym8aG">Iowa 31, Illinois 27 </p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/8/6/21356474/iowa-hawkeye-football-opponent-preview-illinois-fighting-illini-lovie-smith-kirk-ferentz-bhgpmattcabel2020-07-30T06:31:00-05:002020-07-30T06:31:00-05:00Hawkeye Football Opponent Preview: Northwestern Wildcats
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qp1L-x_zttDKHRAf0aaoijPzHlU=/770x0:4928x2772/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67131353/usa_today_13731838.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Two years removed from a Big Ten Championship appearance, can the Wildcats bounce back after a disastrous 2019? </p> <p id="5gGeGu"><em>As we countdown the days and weeks until the beginning of the Iowa football season, we’ll be </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/6/10/21286122/hawkeye-football-2020-iowa-opponent-previews-bhgp"><em>previewing each of Iowa’s opponents in 2020</em></a><em>. While the season may seem more and more unlikely by the day, there are still games on the schedule as of this moment, so we’re previewing the teams, even if we don’t know when the season might start anymore after the Big Ten cancelled all fall non-conference games in every sport, instead slating only conference opponents for all seasons. </em></p>
<p id="4XrZat"><em>But we’ll keep on going until we have nothing to write about, and then we’ll just write about other random stuff. Our sixth and latest entry in our series of previews is Iowa’s Week 8 (maybe?) opponent, the </em><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/"><em>Northwestern Wildcats</em></a><em> who, two years removed from an appearance in the </em><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-championship-game"><em>Big Ten Championship</em></a><em> followed up with a 3-9 campaign they’re eager to forget about. </em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="edJof2">
<h2 id="U8L1yz">Northwestern Wildcats</h2>
<h3 id="ypvre9">2019 Record: 3-9 (1-8), 7th in Big Ten West</h3>
<p id="w6ioNs">Pat Fitzgerald and his Northwestern Wildcats football program followed up what was probably the most successful year in program history — an 8-1 conference record, an appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game and a comeback victory over Utah in the Holiday Bowl for a 9-5 overall record — with one of, if not the, worst in Fitzgerald’s tenure: a 3-9 disaster. Those three wins came against UNLV, UMass and Illinois in the season finale. </p>
<p id="in8USz">Obviously, Fitzgerald is looking to move on from that and recreate some of the magic from the 2018 season. With new offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian (hired away from Boston College) in tow and a decent number of returning starters on defense, improvement should be in the cards for the Wildcats in 2020, shortened season or no.</p>
<p id="RTvFhS">Then again, it’s Northwestern football...who knows what can happen. </p>
<h3 id="QfIjzT">Key Departures</h3>
<p id="NR1OCE">The biggest, most important departure for this program was probably offensive coordinator Mick McCall, who was shown the door after a season in which his offense ranked 128th in the nation in passing touchdowns with six (!!), 126th in scoring at 16.3 and dead last in yards per pass attempt at 4.5, <a href="https://athlonsports.com/college-football/northwestern-football-wildcats-prediction-preview-2020">according to Athlon Sports</a>. </p>
<p id="hDreei">OUCH. </p>
<p id="0eCPMq">The point of this section is usually departures for people that will be missed, but this is a key departure in that the offense can truly only go up from there with new OC Bajakian. He’s got his work cut out for him, however, but should have some help under center (more on that later). </p>
<p id="lHan1L">Player wise, the biggest departure was probably wideout <span>Bennett Skowronek</span>, who headed for greener pastures as a graduate transfer to Notre Dame. He’s really the main loss for the offense. Sure, the Wildcats will most likely be having a new quarterback, but honestly, that’s probably not a bad thing. </p>
<p id="CWux2I">Defensively, it’s a bit of a different story, but again, a lot of talent returns. The biggest loss comes on the defensive side of the ball. <span>Joe Gaziano</span> highlights that group after leading the unit last season with nine sacks and tallying the most sacks in program history over his career. <a href="https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/05/college-football-news-preview-2020-northwestern-wildcats/2">Three of four total starters</a> from last season are gone from the defensive line. </p>
<p id="5juJN8">The other key defensive departure comes with <span>Blake Gallagher</span>, who tallied 91 tackles and 3 interceptions last year, a team best in both. However, the defense has been a strong point over the last few seasons, and should continue to be with the amount of returning talent...</p>
<h3 id="b9I7fk">Key Returners</h3>
<p id="BEJdUp">Offensively, there’s a lot of experience returning, even if the performances were undewherming last season (at least partially due to 4 quarterbacks getting play time at varying points). Receiver Riley Lees is poised for success in his senior season after tallying 430 yards on 51 catches and bringing in two of Northwestern’s six (!!) passing touchdowns. Presumed No. 2 receiver, senior <span>Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman</span>, caught 17 passes for 188 yards and no touchdowns. But in all, seven receivers who caught passes return, including <span>Berkeley Holman</span>, who averaged 14 yards per catch last season, albeit with limited targets. </p>
<p id="cYsdxT">The run game should also be a positive thanks to running backs <span>Isaiah Bowser</span> (returning from injury) and <span>Drake Anderson</span>, who tallied nearly 650 yards and three touchdowns in his freshman season. </p>
<p id="fhRYqj">Running the show will be a “returning” player with plenty of starting experience, just on a different team: graduate transfer <span>Peyton Ramsey</span> from Indiana, who logged over 5000 yards in two seasons and started 23 games. </p>
<p id="La2MeB">The defense is highlighted by linebacker <span>Paddy Fisher</span>, a two-time All-Big Ten selection who has tallied 315 tackles and 9 fumbles in his career. He’ll be joined by fellow senior linebacker <span>Chris Bergin</span>, who will be a starter for the second straight year. </p>
<p id="zsjN5l">Joining them will be safeties <span>JR Pace</span> and Travis whillock, who bring plenty of experience and conference recognitions, along with cornerback Cameron Ruiz. Earnest Brown IV brings experienced talent to the defensive line, but has struggled to stay healthy in previous years. </p>
<p id="AycAEV">And finishing out the returners will be kicker <span>Charlie Kuhbander</span>, returning for his fourth year as the starter. He’ll be joined by Kent State graduate transfer punter <span>Derek Adams</span>. </p>
<h3 id="223sg2">2020 Preview </h3>
<p id="nSCCdi">It’s tough to think things could be worse for Northwestern after the dumpster fire of 2019. Things will definitely improve, but whether that translates into wins is a different story. </p>
<p id="nBCHWa">If the conference games stay in the current order scheduled, the Wildcats open the season on the road against Michigan State, followed by a road trip to Penn State, and then two home games against Maryland and Nebraska before traveling to Iowa City. </p>
<p id="YxPGk1">Again, we don’t know what will happen with the season and schedule, but that’s a brutal start. With other games currently on the schedule against Purdue, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, there’s certainly no guarantee that this will be a repeat of 2019, but the season will most likely be an improvement. </p>
<p id="JgZsNw">But then again, literally anything would be an improvement over last season, so...yeah. </p>
<h3 id="HGUubL">Iowa/Northwestern Prediction</h3>
<p id="M7Ad0C">I think Iowa takes this one, but it’s Iowa vs. Northwestern. Weird things always happen. Close games usually happen, and blowouts are rare. Fans or no fans (season or no season), I think the comforts of Kinnick make all the difference here and Iowa pulls off a win. </p>
<p id="eHLMRM">Iowa 21, Northwestern 17 </p>
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https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/7/30/21346456/iowa-hawkeye-football-opponent-preview-northwestern-wildcats-pat-fitzgerald-kirk-ferentz-bhgpmattcabel2020-07-23T06:31:00-05:002020-07-23T06:31:00-05:00Hawkeye Football Opponent Preview: Penn State Nittany Lions
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Cotton Bowl Classic-Memphis vs Penn State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gx2ncSoBGrkwlubaJQG9-i6-HTY=/0x0:3978x2652/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67096190/usa_today_13844722.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Is this the year for the Nittany Lions to take home a Big Ten East Division title? </p> <p id="5gGeGu"><em>As we countdown the days and weeks until the beginning of the Iowa football season, we’ll be </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/6/10/21286122/hawkeye-football-2020-iowa-opponent-previews-bhgp"><em>previewing each of Iowa’s opponents in 2020</em></a><em>. While the season may seem more and more unlikely by the day, there are still games on the schedule as of this moment, so we’re previewing the teams, even if we don’t know when the season might start anymore after the Big Ten cancelled all fall non-conference games in every sport, instead slating only conference opponents for all seasons. </em></p>
<p id="4XrZat"><em>But we’ll keep on going until we have nothing to write about, and then we’ll just write about other random stuff. Our fifth and latest entry in our series of previews is Iowa’s Week 7 (maybe?) opponent, the </em><a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/"><em>Penn State Nittany Lions</em></a><em>, who are fresh off an 11-2 season and a runner up finish in the Big Ten East. </em></p>
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<h2 id="U8L1yz">Penn State Nittany Lions</h2>
<h3 id="ypvre9">2019 Record: 2019 Record: 11-2 (7-2), 2nd in Big Ten East</h3>
<p id="xPrt2m">The Penn State Nittany Lions had their best campaign since their 2016 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-championship-game">Big Ten Championship</a> in James Franklin’s sixth year at the helm of the program. The team started 8-0 (including a 17-12 win over Iowa that was plain ugh) before a close loss to Minnesota that put the Gophers on the map (until they traveled to Iowa City of course, but I digress) and a loss to Ohio State that kept them out of the driver’s seat for a division — and conference — title. But the team finished the season on a strong note regardless with a high-scoring victory over Memphis in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/cotton-bowl">Cotton Bowl</a>, and an 11-2 record. But as a result of that, and the continued success the program’s having under Franklin, the program lost multiple coordinators to coaching positions across the country. The Nittany Lions return a lot of talent, particularly on offense, but with a new offensive coordinator in Kirk Ciarrocca and new coordinators for the wide receivers and the offensive and defensive lines, it will certainly take some time for things to gel, particularly for Ciarrocca. </p>
<p id="PnstV9">And yet, key returning talent on offensive everywhere except wide receiver and one of the nation’s best linebackers, this team is poised for success in whatever the 2020 season looks like. </p>
<h3 id="QfIjzT">Key Departures</h3>
<p id="qeHGXG">As mentioned above, Franklin’s biggest departures came from his offensive coordinator, his wide receivers coach, and his line coaches, either leaving for promotions at other schools, or in the case of offensive line coach Matt Limegrover, let go completely. Former offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ricky Rahne departed the program to become the new head coach at Old Dominion while wide receivers coach Gerard Parker left to become the offensive coordinator at West Virginia, and defensive line coach John Scott left the position for the same one in the NFL with the New York Giants. Ciarrocca as the new offensive coordinator, however, comes hot off the most successful season in recent history for the Minnesota Gophers, with eyes on a national championship. </p>
<p id="0C05wo">However, on the roster side of things, his offense lost its top receiver in <span>KJ Hamler</span>, who departed the program with two years of eligibility remaining after tallying 98 catches, 1,658 yards and 13 touchdowns over two seasons; he was drafted in the second round of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> by the Denver Broncos. </p>
<p id="SOmg8U">Bigger hits came on defense, losing defensive end <span>Yetur Gross-Matos</span> to the NFL ahead of what could have been his senior season, along with cornerback <span>John Reid</span>, defensive lineman <span>Robert Windsor</span> and linebacker Cam <span>Brown</span>. The team lost nine of its ten top tacklers, and that will certainly be difficult to replace, no matter how dominant returning linebacker <span>Micah Parsons</span> might be. </p>
<h3 id="b9I7fk">Key Returners</h3>
<p id="l4udhz"><span>Parsons</span> highlights the returning stars across the board for Penn State. He logged 52 solo sacks and 57 assisted sacks last season, 5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He was a force to be reckoned with, but had NFL caliber talent all around him to help. Defensive end <span>Shaka Toney</span> brings experience to the squad, along with tackles <span>Antonio Shelton</span> and <span>PJ Mustipher</span>. The defensive backfield returns safety <span>Lamont Wade</span> and corner <span>Tariq Castro-Fields</span>, but the entire squad will lack experience. <a href="https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/06/college-football-news-preview-2020-penn-state-nittany-lions/2">Overall, it could take time for the unit to gel, particularly in the shortened season</a>. </p>
<p id="i7O5nA">Offensively, the team will be led by senior quarterback <span>Sean Clifford</span>, who passed for 2,654 yards, 23 touchdowns and 7 interceptions last year, along with 5 rushing touchdowns. Behind him will be a stable of running backs led by <span>Journey Brown</span>, who rushed for 890 yards and 12 touchdowns last season on an average of 6.9 nice yards per carry. </p>
<p id="wbfLvP"><span>Clifford</span> and Brown will be blocked by a <a href="https://athlonsports.com/college-football/penn-state-football-nittany-lions-prediction-preview-2020">veteran offensive line</a> filled by tackles <span>Rasheed Walker</span> and <span>Will Fries</span> and center Michal Menet. Guards <span>C.J. Thorpe</span> and <span>Mike Miranda</span> also return, but both played right guard last season, so projects are that one will move over to the left to fill the squad’s only departure to graduation. </p>
<p id="jOF0Lq">But as mentioned above, the team will struggle returning receivers. Tight end <span>Pat Freiermuth</span> will help after a season in which he caught 43 passes for 507 yards and 7 touchdowns, but <span>Jahan Dotson</span> is the only true wide receiver returning who caught a decent number of passes last season, and <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/29240770/how-top-2020-college-football-team-becomes-national-title-contender#PennState">his count is only 9</a>. ESPN’s Bill Connelly, in the linked article mentions he expects to see sophomore <span>Daniel George</span> to be the second-leading receiver, with assistance from a combination of four true and redshirt freshmen. Maybe the veteran line and talent behind it will be enough, but there is definitely a gaping hole at wideout this season that teams with experienced backfields will certainly be exploiting early and often earlier in the season. </p>
<h3 id="223sg2">2020 Preview</h3>
<p id="CQgKoM">With so much up in the air with the Big Ten football season right now, it’s tough again to project what will happen with this squad. As the schedule stands now, the squad is expected to travel to Ann Arbor in its second conference game of the season, after hosting Northwestern for the conference (and season?) opener. It will certainly provide a challenge for the wide receivers group and the almost entirely new defensive unit. </p>
<p id="636OUi">But from there, the schedule is somewhat favorable, with the Nittany Lions hosting Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan State, and no other real (currently) scheduled road tests. The current road slate: Michigan, Indiana, Nebraska, Rutgers. None of those squads, aside from Michigan, scream true challenge for this squad led by Clifford. </p>
<p id="RrRWqt">I would maybe predict a home field upset against Ohio State like in 2016, but with the possibility of no fans being the x-factor in College Station, who knows. </p>
<p id="ExS3Dl">Regardless, this season could be special for the Nittany Lions if the wide receivers can make plays. There will be challenges for sure, but I’d predict 1 loss, max, for a 10-game schedule, to Ohio State or Michigan. But even then who knows. </p>
<h2 id="C4D1Cd">Iowa/Penn State Prediction</h2>
<p id="hpxhve">Not sure what to expect here, but I think it could be a blowout, particularly if Penn State is looking to prove something (potentially) a week removed from a road loss to Michigan. This would be the third game of the season for the Nittany Lions, and fourth for the Hawkeyes. Despite that one game advantage (or disadvantage, depending on injuries, COVID, etc.), there’s a chance the Nittany Lions could come back to State College with vengeance on their minds and absolutely demolish Iowa, 2012 matchup style. </p>
<p id="QaHkcg">I’m going to predict that, sadly. I think there’s too much offensive talent for the Hawkeyes to handle. </p>
<p id="KuYKPd">Penn State 42, Iowa 24 </p>
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https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/7/23/21334079/hawkeye-football-opponent-preview-penn-state-nittany-lions-iowa-hawkeyes-james-franklin-bhgp-big-tenmattcabel2020-07-16T06:31:00-05:002020-07-16T06:31:00-05:00Hawkeye Football Opponent Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 28 CFP Semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl - Clemson v Ohio State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3Seiyt5RWBtTW2ZZ1uKaluwTCrY=/0x0:3133x2089/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67065539/1192775858.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How will the Buckeyes bounce back after their CFP championship hopes were dashed last season? </p> <p id="5gGeGu"><em>As we countdown the days and weeks until the beginning of the Iowa football season, we’ll be </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/6/10/21286122/hawkeye-football-2020-iowa-opponent-previews-bhgp"><em>previewing each of Iowa’s opponents in 2020</em></a><em>. While the season may seem more and more unlikely by the day, there are still games on the schedule as of this moment, so we’re previewing the teams, even if we don’t know when the season might start anymore after the Big Ten cancelled all fall non-conference games in every sport, instead slating only conference opponents for all seasons. </em></p>
<p id="ohtyQ8"><em>But we’ll keep on going until we have nothing to write about, and then we’ll just write about other random stuff. Our fifth and latest entry in our series of previews is Iowa’s Week 6 (maybe?) matchup against the </em><a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/"><em>Ohio State Buckeyes</em></a><em>, the reigning Big Ten champions, who fell against Clemson in the College Football Playoff and lost tons of talent on both sides of the ball. </em></p>
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<h2 id="U8L1yz">Ohio State Buckeyes</h2>
<h3 id="ypvre9">2019 Record: 2019 Record: 13-1 (10-0), 1st in Big Ten East, Big Ten Champions</h3>
<p id="FLZt0a">The Ohio State Buckeyes looked unstoppable in the 2019 regular season, riding an undefeated campaign all the way to Indianapolis for a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-championship-game">Big Ten Championship</a> title, leaving all its opponents in the dust on the way, all during head coach Ryan Day’s first full season at the helm of the program. But Trevor Lawrence and the <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a> put an end to the Buckeyes’ title hopes with an epic 4th quarter come-from-behind victory. </p>
<p id="5fKVuu">It was a sour end to what was an incredible season for Ohio State. The Buckeyes essentially cruised to a 12-0 season, with not even one close call, thanks to an explosive offense led by quarterback <span>Justin Fields</span> and running back <span>J.K. Dobbins</span>, and an even more explosive defense led by defensive end <span>Chase Young</span> and an elite secondary. </p>
<p id="BB1n3S">A lot of talent on both sides of the football are gone. But Fields and a few key offensive linemen return, and this is still Ohio State we’re talking about. There’s yet to be untapped talent up and down the roster. </p>
<h3 id="QfIjzT">Key Departures</h3>
<p id="7m48NJ">The biggest departure, as mentioned above, is <span>Young</span>, who was drafted 2nd overall in last year’s draft by the Washington Unnamed Professional Football Team. He had an incredible junior season, garnering recognition after recognition, and was a key component of Ohio State’s insane margin of victory in every game except the Big Ten Championship and the loss to Clemons in the CFP Semifinal. According to <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/29240770/how-top-2020-college-football-team-becomes-national-title-contender#OhioState">ESPN’s Bill Connelly,</a> “Despite being increasingly double-teamed as 2019 went on [Young] generated pressure on 19% of his pass rushes (easily the most among players with 200-plus attempts) and sacked QBs 16.5 times (also the most).” That’s ridiculous, and I agree with Connelly, who says that no matter what kind of talent steps into the role, they probably won’t be able to match Young’s contribution. </p>
<p id="4xtHEs">The defense will also hurt from the loss of a lot of talent in the secondary, most notably its starting corners, both of whom were taken in the first round as well. <span>Jeff Okudah</span> was drafted right behind young at No. 3 overall by the Lions, while <span>Damon Arnette</span> was drafted No. 19 overall by the Raiders. The team lost a lot of talent at safety as well, with <span>Jordan Fuller</span> declaring early for the draft and being picked up by the Los Angeles Rams in the 6th round, while his teammate <span>Brendon White</span> transferred to Rutgers for his final year of eligibility. </p>
<p id="TG3MkN">Offensively, the team lost running back <span>Dobbins</span> as mentioned above, who was selected in the 2nd round of the draft by the Ravens with the 55th overall pick after rushing for over 2000 yards on the season. Gone too is top receiver KJ Hill, the school’s all-time leading receiver, who was picked up by the Chargers in the Draft, along with <span>Binjimen Victor</span>. </p>
<p id="oHTsVs">But again, this is Ohio State, a program that annually loses elite talent and still follows up with at least a shot at playing in the CFP (unless they travel to Iowa City, that is...) thanks to great recruiting and key returning talent. </p>
<h3 id="b9I7fk">Key Returners</h3>
<p id="8zwwdp">The offense will be just fine with Fields under center once again. Throw him into the mix, and good things will continue to happen for the Buckeyes. Add in the fact that he will be protected by standouts <span>Thayer Munford</span> and Nick Petit-Frere at tackles. Running back will most likely see a by-committee approach, as sophomore <span>Master Teague III</span> (great name) continues to heal from an Achilles injury. He was the team’s second leading rusher last season with 789 yards and four touchdowns. He’ll be joined by Oklahoma transfer <span>Trey Sermon</span> — a key addition for the team — and fellow sophomore <span>Marcus Crowley</span>, along with RS freshman <span>Steele Chambers</span>. </p>
<p id="O09avR">At wideout, the squad will have plenty of returning, if inexperienced talent with <span>Chris Olave</span> and <span>Garrett Wilson</span>, who combined for over 1,000 receiving yards last year. Incoming freshman Julian Fleming is poised to be an interesting addition as well. </p>
<p id="upkNJR">Defensively, Jonathan Cooper will return, albeit from injury, and at DE, <span>Tyreke Smith</span> and <span>Zach Harrison</span> have experience, but will need to get up to speed quickly. Linebacker Pete Werner returns as well after logging 64 tackles, along with playmaker <span>Tuf Borland</span> (So many good names on this squad). The defense will have work to do replacing so many of its top tacklers, but the offense will probably be explosive enough that it won’t matter, especially early in the season (despite being against Big Ten opponents). And at corner, <span>Shaun Wade</span> returns, ready to step into the limelight after the standout performances at corner last season. </p>
<p id="nlPWfE">And I’d be remiss as always to not mention special teams, with returning senior talent from punter <span>Drue Chrisman</span> and placekicker <span>Blake Haubeil</span></p>
<h3 id="223sg2">2020 Preview</h3>
<p id="wkYJmm">It’s tough to say what will happen now with this Ohio State squad given all the uncertainties with the season. They have enough talent to be right there at the top of the Big Ten, but as the schedule stands currently, the Buckeyes have a tough slate of games, particularly a rough stretch on the road against Michigan State and Penn State in back-to-back weeks. </p>
<p id="YLRq7S">No matter how shaky the defense is initially, with Fields running the offense, Dobbins or no Dobbins, the team will find success. They just might not steamroll through whatever conference slate they have again, especially with no tune up games. </p>
<p id="JR63sr">Normality is out the window now, so anything goes, but this will be a team that wins the vast majority of their...9 games? 10 games? There are still so many unknowns at this point (like whether there will be any sort of season at all) but if football gets played, Ohio State will be at or near the top of the Big Ten standings. </p>
<p id="mDFstn">It’s also worth nothing, however, that last week Ohio State paused its voluntary practices for every program because of an unknown number of positive COVID-19 tests among athletes in all sports. However, as of Tuesday, practice has resumed, <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/29460529/ohio-state-athletes-resume-virus-stoppage">according to ESPN</a>. I look to Ohio State to be the conference’s guiding force here. If the star-studded program ends up deciding to continue pausing practices, or go against the conference’s wishes and declare that they won’t play due to whatever reason, it would probably cause the whole conference to just shut down the season, or move it to spring. But who knows. </p>
<h2 id="C4D1Cd">Iowa/OSU Prediction</h2>
<p id="4qpTFn">No woodshed this time, sadly. I think this Ohio State squad will just have too much talent for Iowa to keep up with, especially if the two teams meet in the third game of the season. It might be closer than we might think, but Ohio State will take the victory. </p>
<p id="DuI8cp">Ohio State 27, Iowa 17 </p>
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