Internal crisis hampers Iowa

Iowa's schedule includes neither Ohio State nor Michigan, an undeniable benefit to any Big Ten team.

But the Hawkeyes have encountered an unexpected opponent that could do more long-term harm to their high hopes than the Bucks or Wolverines.

Iowa.

With just 10 days to go until the Hawkeyes' opener against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field, they're reeling from the suspensions of all-Big Ten-caliber receiver Dominique Douglas and top backup Anthony Bowman.

The sophomores from Detroit were arrested for credit card fraud as they allegedly charged more than $2,000 worth of goods on others' accounts.

Not only do their absences hamstring a passing game that already needs to break in sophomore quarterback Jake Christensen, but they introduce an additional crisis of confidence into a program that has gone "only" 13-12 over the last two seasons.

Iowa lost six of its last seven games in 2006. Its lone win was a 24-14 home decision over NIU.

"The first half of the season, I thought we were climbing the ladder," said coach Kirk Ferentz. "But from that point on, we just didn't perform the way we had to perform. That 2-6 conference record? We earned it."

And now the Hawks apparently must earn their way back into the Big Ten's first division without the nation's most productive freshman receiver.

Without Douglas, who caught 49 passes for 654 yards, Iowa must rely more on wideout Andy Brodell, tight end Tony Moeaki (Wheaton Warrenville South) and an uncertain running game.

Seniors Albert Young and Damian Sims have the potential to become the Big Ten's top tandem, but Young's junior season was compromised by a knee injury and Sims sat out Saturday's scrimmage with an injured foot.

Young has declared himself back to his sophomore form, when he led the Big Ten in rushing, but he can't repeat the feat without a competent offensive line.

"That's what camp's for," Young said.

Iowa entered fall ball with just three spots on the O-line filled. The Hawks want junior Dace Richardson (WW South) to fulfill his considerable potential at left tackle, but he underwent minor knee surgery last month and Ferentz said he needs more time to heal.

Though the Hawks have multiple questions on offense, they came to camp with most of the answers on defense.

Everyone on the line is a third-year starter who has performed well enough in the past to be projected as a potential all-Big Ten candidate.

Two linebackers return, including the league's No. 2 tackler in Mike Klinkenborg, as well as both cornerbacks.

Iowa feared having little to no experience at safety, but along came a helpful ruling from the NCAA to assuage some of those fears.

Devan Moylan, whose hamstring was torn from the bone at Illinois in Week 4 last season, received an unexpected sixth year.

"We're very excited to get Devan back," Ferentz said.

No more so than Moylan himself, who was enjoying a post-graduate traipse through Europe when he heard about his last chance.

For Iowa's sake, perhaps eager players like Moylan will offset the bad karma from guys like Douglas and Bowman.

And, perhaps, Ferentz' coaching tactics leading up to last year's narrow Alamo Bowl loss to Texas will carry over.

Ferentz, for the first time in his career, conducted double sessions as he tried to work away the stench of the Hawks' 1-5 finish.

"The question was, were the players going to follow and respond," Ferentz said. "And they did a great job. It wasn't the Burma Road, but we made it a very challenging month."

Iowa

Coach: Kirk Ferentz (ninth year at Iowa; 55-43)

2006 record: 6-7, 2-6 (tied for 8th); lost to Texas 26-24 in Alamo Bowl.

Last bowl miss: 2000

All-Big Ten candidates: RB Albert Young, RG Seth Olsen, TE Tony Moeaki, DE Kenny Iwebema, DE Bryan Mattison, LB Mike Klinkenborg.

The Hawkeyes will go to a bowl if … their uncertain offensive line allows new QB Jake Christensen to keep his adjustment period to a minimum. They need to take advantage of a sweepable home slate, too.

BCS finish the last five years (2006 listed first*): 52nd, 26th, 12th, 13th, 5th.

*Ratings (courtesy CollegeBCS.com) are pre-bowls.

-- Lindsey Willhite

Schedule

Sept. 1 vs. NIU 2:30 p.m. (at Soldier Field)

Sept. 8 SYRACUSE 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Iowa St. 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Wisconsin 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 INDIANA 11 a.m.

Oct. 6 at Penn St. TBA

Oct. 13 ILLINOIS TBA

Oct. 20 at Purdue TBA

Oct. 27 MICHIGAN ST. TBA

Nov. 3 at Northwestern TBA

Nov. 10 MINNESOTA TBA

Nov. 17 W. MICHIGAN TBA