I definitely agree with your and Mandel’s take on the importance of this season for Ferentz’s future at Iowa. I think nothing was more indicative of that than the fans’ reaction when rumors had Ferentz heading to Michigan at the end of the season. Posters on the fansites and blogs were downright giddy at the prospect, and already speculating how much better Iowa would be after Brian Kelly or Chuck Long took the reins.

Here’s a question: have you (or anyone else) talked to Ferentz about this lately? Obviously, he knows that 6-6 seasons complete with off-field problems won’t suffice, especially since his current paycheck could lure just about any coach in the country to Iowa. But does he know what has gone wrong and how to fix it? I’m curious about his disposition in general, and how he plans to approach the season and (hopefully) right the ship.

Even though Michigan is probably going to be so-so this year, any schedule that doesn’t include them and OSU is one the Hawkeyes should ride to a bowl game. Coupled with the fact that probably Iowa’s two toughest opponents (Wisconsin and Penn State) come to Kinnick, it’s a great schedule for the Hawkeyes to get their groove back. I’m going to be totally optimistic and say the Hawks upset Illinois again, get a split out of the Wisconsin/Penn State games, lose tough road games at Michigan State and Pitt, and handle everyone else for 9-3 and the Outback Bowl.