5. Iowa

Top Offensive Player: T Bryan Bulaga
Scouting the Offense: With perhaps the best offensive line in the conference, Iowa looks to one of the top tackles in the nation to pave the way for a new starting RB with Shonn Greene gone to the NFL. QB Ricky Stanzi returns and should top last season's numbers of 1,956 yards and 14 touchdowns. Jewel Hampton figures to replace Greene at running back, but he has had knee problems lately. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos is the top receiver on the team and could emerge as one of the best in the conference. "DJK" totaled 89 yards and a touchdown in the upset of Penn State last season.

Top Defensive Player: LB Pat Angerer
Scouting the Defense: Last year's defense gave up only 13 points per game and never surrendered more than 27. Angerer and the linebackers form one of the top units in the nation. He notched 107 tackles and added five interceptions last season. The defensive line allowed just 94 rush yards a game last season, but it has to get to the quarterback more. The 19 sacks by the defense was the lowest in the Big Ten. The secondary also looks solid as three starters return.

Overall Outlook: The Hawkeyes may have lost their workhorse from last season in Greene, but the offensive line and the defense could pave the way to double-digit wins if things break right. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to challenging for a Big Ten title is the schedule, as Iowa visits Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State in conference play. Even so, the Hawkeyes are always dominant at home and just a split of those four road games could lead to 10 victories and another New Year's Day bowl game.

-Staats