CHICAGO – Wisconsin has a brutal schedule with big questions at quarterback. Iowa has an easier slate, with C.J. Beathard returning at QB, but it needs to bounce back from a disappointing Rose Bowl.
One day after the Gophers took their turn at Big Ten media days, their two border rivals were in the spotlight Tuesday, explaining their strengths and weaknesses.
Wisconsin went 10-3 in coach Paul Chryst's first season despite the disappearance of its traditionally strong running game. Corey Clement is back from injury at tailback, and Chryst believes the offensive line is better.
But the Badgers open with LSU at Green Bay's Lambeau Field, and then face this stretch for Games 4-7: at Michigan State, at Michigan, Ohio State, at Iowa. Wisconsin needs to replace veteran QB Joel Stave, and the early gantlet could make it tough to break in senior Bart Houston or freshman Alex Hornibrook.
"Probably the number one question I've been getting … is about the schedule," Chryst said. "I know our players and coaches, we're excited about the challenge of the schedule we have, because that's a great opportunity."
Iowa has an opportunity to build on last year's magical 12-0 regular season and reclaim the momentum it had before losing to Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game and then getting blown out by Stanford 45-16 in Pasadena.
The Hawkeyes return several key skill players (including Beathard, tailback Akrum Wadley and receiver Matt VandeBerg) and seven defensive starters (including Josey Jewell and Thorpe Award winner Desmond King).
In last week's preseason media poll, 33 of 39 writers picked Iowa to repeat as Big Ten West champion. The schedule sets up well, because the Hawkeyes avoid Ohio State and Michigan State from the East again, and face Wisconsin and Nebraska at home.
"I think if you look back, there are years where we've handled [high expectations] well, like '09 and maybe 2003 and 2004," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "And then in those seasons you alluded to [2005 and 2010], that really gets down to just winning close games."
