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Transcript: Live chat with Eric Page

By Eric Page | 5 comment(s)

Quad-City Times University of Iowa football beat writer Eric Page will chat live with readers at 2 p.m. Thursdays throughout the football season. Ask as many questions as you like about the Hawkeyes, the Big Ten or anything else related to college football, and he'll get to as many as he can in the time allotted.

Eric Page's Hawkeyes chat (08/21/2008)

1:52 Eric Page: Good afternoon Iowa fans. Feel free to start submitting questions. I'll give it 10 or 15 minutes and then start firing answers. Thanks.

1:57 [Comment From Brian]

Who's going to start at LG and how long is Doering out?

2:00 Eric Page: Right now, it looks like Rafael Eubanks is going to get the nod at left guard. He was a two-year starter at center, so he's got experience, but he was beat out by Rob Bruggeman. Regardless of who starts, Julian Vandervelde and Dan Doering both will rotate in. I'd say the line goes eight deep this fall with a regular rotation. Doering's rumored to have a wrist or hand injury of some type. I don't imagine it will keep him out real long, but it's a tough break for a kid who really, really needs a break to go his way.

2:00 [Comment From Matthew G]

What's the status on the medical redshirt for Tony Moeaki?

2:01 Eric Page: Matthew ... Moeaki is going to wait until after the season to apply for the redshirt, and chances are good he'll get it.

2:01 [Comment From ISU]

What do you believe will be the difference in the week three ISU vs. Iowa matchup?

2:02 Eric Page: ISU ... Home-field advantage. That said, I expect it to be a close, low-scoring game like last year that will probably come down to special teams. Sound familiar?

2:02 [Comment From CT]

How has Spievey looked so far in camp? Do you expect him to start opposite of Fletcher?

2:03 Eric Page: Spievey looked good the one time I saw him -- in open practice last Saturday. With Jordan Bernstine having missed a lot of time because of injuries, I'd Spievey and Bradley Fletcher are your opening day starters. Spievey could be a great story if he keeps things together in the classroom and gets a degree. Wouldn't hurt if he was All-Big Ten, either.

2:03 [Comment From Brian]

What have you heard about Brandon Wegher's announcement on Saturday? Iowa or Nebraska or...?

2:04 Eric Page: Brian ... as I've written in my blog. My sense is that Wegher will commit to Iowa.

2:04 [Comment From John]

Who is goign to start at CB and is Bernstein healthy yet?

2:05 Eric Page: Bernstine didn't practice Saturday, and Kirk Ferentz said he'd missed a lot of time in camp. Like I said, I'm expecting to see Fletcher and Spievey on the corners.

2:05 [Comment From Matthew G]

How many years of eligibility does Shonn Greene have left?

2:05 Eric Page: Greene has this year and next. He played at Iowa in 2005 and 06.

2:05 [Comment From Guest]

Ok I'll be the one to ask it. Eric, have you heard anything about the Big Ten Network and Mediacom. Are we seriously looking at another football season of this? It's ridiculous.

2:07 Eric Page: The only thing I've heard from the BTN is that there hasn't been a whole lot of progress. I really thought this deal was going to get done, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen before next Saturday. That's really too bad for Iowa fan, because the Hawkeyes are going to be on the BTN a whole lot this fall. The last time I talked to Mediacom, I was canceling my service to switch to DirecTV, which, by the way, is great!

2:07 [Comment From bobby bowe]

Is Moeaki out for just the Maine game or is he out for longer?

2:08 Eric Page: Moeaki, most likely, won't play against Maine. But Ferentz sounded like if it was a Big Ten game on the 30th Moeaki could play. It sounds like they're playing it safe and want to make sure he's 100 percent before he's back.

2:09 [Comment From Brian]

Iowa is known well for putting offensive linemen into the NFL. Kirk Ferentz is a former offensive line coach. Why is Iowa having so much trouble recruiting offensive linemen?

2:12 Eric Page: The bloom is kind of off that rose, isn't it? As Ferentz would say, I think that sort of thing is cyclical. But did Iowa every really recruit top linemen. Yes, Ferentz landed Dace Richardson and Dan Doering in 2005, but neither has panned out. Robert Gallery didn't come to Iowa as a heralded recruit. I'd say Iowa has more of a rep for developing O-linemen, and they still might do that with this young group. I think Bulaga is the real deal. Seth Olsen is solid, and I'll give the others some time.

2:12 [Comment From Matthew G]

What's the deal with the life skills coach? Were they just blowing smoke there, or are they actually going to find someone to do this?

2:13 Eric Page: The life skills coach is coming, Ferentz said last Saturday. He better not be blowing smoke, because that would be a heck of a thing to put out there and never follow through on. I'm guessing we'll see a hire by midseason.

2:13 [Comment From mm]

Sense of comfort level with coaching staff about current season relative to previous camps

2:14 Eric Page: Ferentz, to me, seemed really uneasy Saturday after the scrimmage. I've never heard him speak so bluntly about being disappointed in the team. Now, he could have simply been trying to motivate them to practice harder in camp, but I sensed he was genuinely concerned about how the offense, especially, will perform against Maine.

2:15 [Comment From Ian]

Between a defense that looks great and an offense that looks questionable at best, what are the odds of a repeat of the now epic 6-4 Penn State game ?

2:15 Eric Page: We're going to see a lot of close, low-scoring games, which is why it's so important for the special teams to make an impact.

2:15 [Comment From Nate]

Is it frustrating not being able to attend practices and how much does Iowa limiting their players to the media make your job tougher?

2:17 Eric Page: It makes my job very difficult, not knowing what really going on in practice. Speculating is great, but it would be great to be able to see the team develop throughout the season. As far as limiting players, I understand Ferentz's stance on true freshmen. In my position, I pretty much have to play the hand I'm dealt, you know? Just provide the best coverage I can with the access I'm given. I'm not going to compain.

2:17 [Comment From David]

Do you think there is a possibility that Stanzi will start ahead of Christensen?

2:18 Eric Page: Not in the opener. But perhaps by the end of the season. I do expect to see Stanzi take meaningful snaps.

2:19 [Comment From Phil]

What school do you predict Wegher will choose on Saturday and how confident are you in your prediction?

2:19 [Comment From paigowhawk]

where do you think wegher is going to committ.

2:19 Eric Page: Iowa. But that's just the sense I'm getting. Nothing hard from a source.

2:20 [Comment From Phil]

Jake Christensen appears to be a tough kid (e.g., handles criticism), good leader (e.g., teammates seem to have confidence in him) and a good athlete (e.g., was an elite 11 QB coming out of high school) but will Christensen have "the light turn on" this season after a year of game experience? How much of it has to do with improvements on the o-line and at WR?

2:21 Eric Page: A ton of it has to do with the O-line and receiver. Iowa could have had Carson Palmer playing QB last fall, and he would have struggled. If the O-line improves, the running game will improve, which will open up the passing game, which will lead to Christensen's numbers being better. It's all related, and it's all an evolution. Jake has shown a lot of toughness -- mental, emotional, physical -- and I sense last year's stuggles will make him better in the future.

2:21 [Comment From Mike]

What are your thoughts on the O-Line this year? From the sound of it, there seems to be a ton of work left to do. Do you see dramatic improvement?

2:23 Eric Page: I haven't seen dramatic improvement on the O-line. Sometimes a car is just a lemon, you know? That's what we're going to find out this fall. Is this group capable of getting the job done? Or is personnel the problem. Last year, we know it was an experience/injury factor. This year, the experience is there, as is the depth of experience, so performance should be better. I stress the should.

2:23 [Comment From bobby bowe]

I'd be surprised if Iowa doesn't come out of the tunnel in that ISU game with alot of fire. Last year they seemed bored.

2:24 Eric Page: They did seem flat. In fact, Iowa showed an alarming habit of "coming out flat" and "not being prepared" last year. This team is not good enough to not come out and play its best, most intense football for 60 minutes.

2:24 [Comment From Adam J]

Angerer or Coleman?

2:25 Eric Page: Right now ... I think Coleman starts, but both are going to play, and Iowa's defense will be better for it.

2:25 [Comment From Guest]

I predict a breakout year for DJK in his sophomore season. I think he will be more polished and will think less which will allow him to make plays. Your thoughts?

2:26 Eric Page: I agree. But it all depends on health. If DJK can be out there with a healthy Brodell, Stross and Moeaki, he could be a big-time home run threat as a slot receiver. If he's the No. 1 guy, he won't be as productive. I do think he'll be a real impact player on special teams.

2:27 [Comment From Brian]

Who is Iowa looking at for a 12th opponent next season? Shouldn't this have been determined by now?

2:27 Eric Page: Not sure at this point. But I'm talking to Gary Barta later today, and I'll check on that.

2:27 [Comment From Matthew G]

Any insight as to who our LBs will be? I assume Edds is a lock, but after that, who do you expect to start come next Saturday?

2:28 Eric Page: Linebackers ... A.J. Edds, Jacody Coleman (With Pat Angerer playing a lot of snaps as a reserve) and Jeremiha Hunter (with Jeff Tarpinian, who has been injured, seeing the field, too)

2:28 [Comment From Ian]

We know how good Mitch King is, but now, so does everyone else. Who has the bigger year King or Adrian Clayborn?

2:29 Eric Page: Statistically? Probably Clayborn, from a sacks and TFL standpoint. But any success the D-line has will have a lot to do with King being disruptive in the middle.

2:30 [Comment From K]

Do you see JC using his athletic ability and running a little more. He did it in High School. I'd like to see him run the quarterback draw.

2:31 Eric Page: Iowa actually showed a little, dare I say, spread look Saturday in the open practice, with the QBs making read handoffs. I do envision Christensen using his feet a little more this year. The thing there is he's got to be decisive about it. If he's going to run, he's got to tuck it and run. Last year, he didn't make up his mind quickly enough, and that led to sacks. He certainly has the ability to be an effective runner.

2:31 [Comment From IO-wuh]

Is there any fan base more annoying than Wisconsin's?

2:33 Eric Page: Badgers fans are pretty nuts. Being visiting fans in Madison is never fun. They've had a good run lately, so they're pretty high on their horse, but, like Iowa has the past three years, the Badgers will eventually fall back to the middle of the pack.

2:33 [Comment From Fred W.]

Given the early schedule, do you feel that the Hawks have a great chance for a 5-0 start, or perhaps being more realistic, a 4-1 start with a loss to Pitt?

2:34 Eric Page: 5-0? No. Even if Iowa beats Pitt, I see a slip-up in there somewhere ... (ISU, Northwestern). But 4-1 is a real possibility. Honestly, the Hawkeyes better be at least 4-1 if they want to make a bowl, because the run of at Michigan State, at Indiana, vs. Wisconsin, at Illinois and vs. Penn State could all be losses.

2:34 [Comment From Deuce]

What do you make of various recruting rankings and stars? Obviously keeping great in-state talent is important, but beyond that what will Iowa need to stay in the upper half of the conference?

2:36 Eric Page: Star ratings mean nothing (see Bob Sanders). Iowa needs to develop kids once they get them, and they need to keep players on campus. The biggest problem the past three years has been instability, losing players for one reason or another. If Iowa can keep its recruiting classes intact, or nearly intact, the Hawkeyes will win games.

2:36 [Comment From David]

Do you have a prediction where you think the Hawks will finish this year?

2:36 Eric Page: I see anywhere from 5-7 to 7-5.

2:37 [Comment From paigowhawk]

do you think andy kuemple should be playing guard in front of eubanks.

2:37 Eric Page: Kuempel, right now, is in Iowa's top eight. I think he'll see significant time as the third offensive tackle.

2:37 [Comment From Guest]

Is Brodell 100%? I got worried when he didn't play in the scrimmage on Saturday. How about Stross?

2:38 Eric Page: Brodell was out with a sore back, which shouldn't keep him out during the season. It was mostly precautionary. Stross is a different story. That hamstring has been bothering him for a year now, and that's an injury that lingers.

2:39 [Comment From Roger]

How well has Stanzi learned to read defenses?

2:39 Eric Page: Stanzi looks much more comfortable in the pocket than he did at this time last year, and he is making better decisions. He needs to get some game action, though.

2:39 [Comment From Arnie]

Great forum and thanks for the time Eric. Have you gotten any updates on Andy Brodell? What is a reasonable season for him stat-wise?

2:41 Eric Page: Andy's an intriguing guy. He, basically, has had two great games in his career ... Minnesota and the Alamo Bowl to end 2006. He hasn't been a consistent guy other than that. So, if he's healthy, he could be a good one, but we don't really know at this point. I could see him in the neighborhood of 40 or 50 catches and 500 to 600 yards, a handful of TDs ... if he stays healthy.

2:41 [Comment From Jim Rhodes]

If Jake struggles do you think the staff will:

2:42 Eric Page: ... give Stanzi the keys for a series or two.

2:42 [Comment From Larry]

Did you feel last season Stanzi deserved more than 3-5 snaps based on the play of our starting quarterback?

2:42 Eric Page: Yes. I think one of the biggest coaching mistakes of 2007 was not throwing a backup QB, either Stanzi or Nelson, on the field to see what they'd do under pressure. What did they have to lose?

2:43 [Comment From Adam J]

if the coaching thing falls through, could Kirk Ferentz find work impersonating Adam West as Batman? And who would he choose to be Robin?

2:43 Eric Page: He does look like West, doesn't he?

2:43 [Comment From Eric]

I heard McNutt was practicing some zone read plays out of shotgun. Would Iowa actually run this type of offense if JC and Stanzi were ineffective or injured?

2:44 Eric Page: It looked to me like all the Iowa QBs were making zone read-type fakes Saturday. I don't know that McNutt has been doing it more than the others.

2:44 [Comment From Mike]

Do you see the Special Teams unit making an impact this year like it has during the 2002-2004 years?

2:45 Eric Page: Funny thing ... I just watched Iowa vs. Purdue from 2002 on the BTN the other night. What a great game. Blocked punt and a blocked field goal for scores. That's obviously a bit extreme, but Iowa needs that kind of impact from its special teams, especially with the offense struggling to score points.

2:45 [Comment From hayden's sunglasses]

Who has the more predictable offense-- the Bears, Wisconsin or Iowa?

2:45 Eric Page: That's a pretty close race.

2:46 [Comment From george]

40+ sacks and 25+ dropped balls, why do you think, people are on jake and not the other areas, as kirk said, we need to get him help. so what has changed in your opinion, after watching 17 sacks at the scrimmage?

2:47 Eric Page: The QBs still need some help. There is no way to draw any kind of conclusion about the quarterback play when everything around him was falling apart. As I wrote earlier, if the line improves, the running game will improve and the passing game will improve. It's really pretty simple.

2:47 [Comment From Kyle]

Who are the best looking freshmen thus far?

2:48 Eric Page: Well, that John Wienke's got a nice smile. Only kidding. Wienke, however, looks like he'll grow into a nice college QB. The Brothers Prater, Shane and Shaun both look like they could play early at WR and DB. Jewel Hampton and Jeff Brinson both are going to get a chance to show what they can do at running back behind Greene.

2:49 [Comment From Adam J]

Do you think cats understand sign language?

2:49 Eric Page: What the ... ?

2:49 [Comment From The Wizard]

How do you tollerate working with Doxie?

2:49 Eric Page: Come on, now. That's not nice.

2:49 [Comment From Leighton]

what's your sense of how the middle of the pack of the big ten is going to play out this year? are wisconsin, IL and PSU overrated (relative to other big ten teams)? is IA underrated?

2:51 Eric Page: I think Iowa is right where it deserves to be. The Hawkeyes have to prove they belong back in the upper tier. As for Wisconsin and PSU, I think both are among the top 20 in the nation, as is Illinois. Penn State, if the quarterback pans out, could be pretty darn good. And I think Michigan State is going to surprise a lot of people in Year 2 under Mark Dantonio.

2:52 [Comment From Buttonhook Right on 2]

Coach Ferentz came with the tag offensive line genius. It seems to me that we've had a pretty hard time developing talent since Coach Philbin left for the Packers. What gives? Thoughts on Coach Morgan? Thanks.

2:53 [Comment From Adam J]

Is Reese Morgan's job in jeopardy?

2:53 Eric Page: I think we'll know a lot more about how good of a coach Reese Morgan is and if his job is in jeopardy after this season. Because this line should be greatly improved.

2:54 [Comment From Josh]

Who do you see starting in the safety spot opposite of greenwood when the big 10 season comes around. Dalton obviously had his struggles last season and I am excited to see what Sash can do on the field, any chance he could eventually be the starter?

2:54 Eric Page: Sash looked really good Saturday, and I do think he'll play this year. Coaches say Lance Tillison has really impressed and could beat out Dalton, who did struggle last season. He started all year, but never really grabbed hold.

2:55 [Comment From paigowhawk]

eric, i know you follow the iowa program for the times, but who is your favorite college football team.

2:55 Eric Page: I'm a college football fan. I grew up following the Big Ten, and that's what led me into this business.

2:55 [Comment From Brian]

Are Weinke and Vandenberg both going to redshirt? What's the deal with Blackwell and the Clearing House? Shouldn't he have an answer by now?

2:57 Eric Page: Wienke and Vandenberg is probably a deal where they'll redshirt one to stagger their eligibility. Right now, based on what I've seen, I'd say Vandenberg redshirts. As for Blackwell, we haven't heard anything yet, and Ferentz is pretty annoyed by the hold up.

2:57 [Comment From Larry]

I think people are forgetting how much the O-line improved as last season went on. The last 3 games there were plenty of opportunities for Jake to make plays, but he came up short. Do you think the mistakes for Jake will continue even if the O-line performs well?

2:58 Eric Page: It's hard to tell. But, if Jake has time, we'll finally be able to draw some conclusions about what kind of QB he's going to be, or if he's going to be Iowa's starter.

2:58 [Comment From Primo]

How did the o-line look during the scrimmage?

2:58 Eric Page: Terrible. Too many sacks. No running room for the backs.

2:58 [Comment From Jebus]

Speaking of "blooms off of roses", what about the strength and conditioning program? 1.)Do you think there are an inordinate number of hamstring injuries? 2.)In addition; when I see pictures of Doering and Eubanks certain other hawks, they don't seem to have "developed" any further than there were last year.

3:00 [Comment From Reece Morgan]

Is it me? Or is it the players? Or both?

3:00 Eric Page: Doering looks more physically imposing than he did last year. I think if he could get on the field consistently, he'd develop into a good player. He looked good at times late last season. The number of injuries last year and this preseason, especially hamstrings, is a bit alarming. You wonder if they will re-evaluate what they're doing in that area.

3:01 Eric Page: Reese, thanks for checking in. Personnel certainly was an issue last year.

3:01 [Comment From turkey legs]

Eric, that the most sense of anything I have read about Jake in two years. I'm glad some people can see that if we don't have so improvemnet in the O-line it does not matter who the heck the OB is!

3:01 Eric Page: Thanks.

3:01 [Comment From Adam J]

Can Jeff Tarpinian stay healthy?

3:01 Eric Page: We'll see. Right now, it looks like he's going to be slow coming out of the gates this season.

3:02 [Comment From Ian]

Are there any freshman that you expect to make an impact this season?

3:02 Eric Page: Certainly the running backs, Brinson and Hampton. Mossbrucker has a chance at kicker, but he didn't look good Saturday. And, as stated, the Brothers Prater at WR and DB could play early.

3:03 [Comment From Leighton]

Who is the player right now that no one is talking about but that will play a significant role in the Hawks' season this year?

3:04 [Comment From Matthew G]

Which freshman do you see making an immediate impact?

3:04 [Comment From Ryan]

Have any true freshman jumped out at you? Any young WR's that may contibute like Douglas a few years back?

3:04 Eric Page: Amari Spievey. Yeah, it was at Iowa Central CC, but the guy had seven picks and returned two for TDs last year, and he returned two kickoffs all the way. He's a guy who could make plays back there.

3:05 Eric Page: Freshman ... again ... the Praters, the RBs, Mossbrucker, and I'd add DeMarco Paine to that list at WR.

3:06 [Comment From Jaba]

Can you give a few names of people we should watch, maybe names under the radar who could do some good things this season?

3:07 Eric Page: LB Troy Johnson looked very good playing with the second unit Saturday. And Jeremiha Hunter has made a lot of progress and could be an impact player. On special teams, always keep on eye on No. 17 Jayme Murphy, and walk-on Joe Conklin, an ISU transfer, could make an impact there, too.

3:07 [Comment From george]

Why did Kirk stick with two walk on offensive guards last year for six straight games without replacing them much earlier. It was obvious at Soldier Field with all the pressure on Jake up the middle we needed Doering or someone else in the game. When Doering played we were 4-2, without him we were 2-4. Why is this stuff, "common sense" so over looked in your opinion?

3:08 Eric Page: It's easy for us to look from the outside in and ask "why isn't this guy playing? they were 4-2 with him?" But do you now how much film the coaching staff studies. I always assume the best players are on the field, with good reason. The only agenda Ferentz has got is winning games.

3:09 [Comment From Ryan]

Which freshman do you expect to see on the field this year? Also, have you heard how Casey McMillan is looking in practice? Thanks for the great articles and coverage of the Hawks - living in Atlanta, you have become one of my primary sources for the latest scoop on Hawkeye football!

3:10 [Comment From Todd in Chicago]

There's been a lot of talk from players and coaches about newly-focused senior leadership and upping the intensity, more focus, better preparation, etc. Do you think there really will be an improvement, or is it all lip-service?

3:10 Eric Page: Glad to hear you're reading down in SEC country. Haven't heard a lot about McMillan, but I do see him as one of those developmental guys who will be real good in a couple years. I like the line with James Ferentz at center, McMillan at guard and Bulaga at tackle.

3:11 Eric Page: It's all lip-service until they start winning games. That's just the blunt truth. They said all the same stuff last spring and last August. Until we see the renewed focus and better leadership transfer onto the field, you have to question what's going on behind closed doors.

3:11 [Comment From CT]

What true freshman have impressed so far and are most likely to play this year?

3:11 Eric Page: Man, you guys love the freshmen, don't you?

3:11 [Comment From Matthew G]

Who do you think is the single most important player to Iowa's success this season on O and D?

3:13 Eric Page: Great question. On offense ... I'll go out on a limb and say Rob Bruggeman. He'll be the one calling out the signals on the line, and he seems to be the vocal leader of that group. The offense's success will hinge on the line. As for defense, A.J. Edds needs to have a huge year at outside linebacker, both statistically and as a leader. And I'd throw in Daniel Murray on special teams. Iowa's going to be in a lot of close games, and the kicker needs to perform.

3:14 [Comment From Josh]

With you seeing a lot of low scoring games for Iowa this year, field goal kicking is going to be extra important, who do you see handling those duties?

3:14 Eric Page: Day 1, it's Daniel Murray. It's his job to lose.

3:14 [Comment From Travis]

Are you expecting a RB by commitee kind of look or do you expect Shonn Greene to be the man? What NFL back would you compare Shonn Greene to?

3:15 Eric Page: Greene's going to be the guy, with the others probably combining for 10 to 12 carries a game. An NFL back that compares to Greene? I've got to see him on the field first.

3:15 [Comment From george]

What would Jakes numbers look like if you add the 25 dropped balls and we would have had a good oline in your opinion? I think 9-3 what do you think?

3:16 Eric Page: You can't draw any conclusions -- positive or negative -- about any of Iowa's QBs until the O-line and receivers play better. Check back on that three games into the season.

3:16 [Comment From Bill C.]

Is Doxie uninformed or just not smart?

3:16 Eric Page: He is informed and smart. He just has strong opinions ... many of which Iowa fans don't agree with.

3:17 [Comment From Mike]

Kirk Ferentz mentioned that Shonn Greene is still not in "Football Shape", however, Shonn himself mentioned that he is ready to take on the majority of the carries next Saturday and beyond. How ready do you think Shonn is?

3:18 Eric Page: I'm anxious to see how Green looks against Maine. I think he needs to come out and carry 20 to 25 times and put up 150 yards and a couple scores. Confidence is going to be a big factor in getting him going early. He'll get in better shape as the weeks go along. I mean, come on, he missed an entire year. He's going to be sucking wind for a while.

3:18 [Comment From Mike]

Is there any sense that the coaching staff is doing anything to prepare for the increasing number of spread offenses on the schedule?

3:20 Eric Page: Norm Parker is pretty confident he can handle the spread. He pointed to how Iowa shut down Illinois last year. But the Hawkeyes didn't, and haven't, looked very good against passing spread teams. I get the sense we might see a little more nickel this fall, but I'd imagine, knowing the staff, that we'll see a lot of what we've seen in the past ... bend, try not to break.

3:20 [Comment From Todd in Chicago]

What are your thoughts on the RB position? Who will be the regular starter? I assume Greene... But how much will the others contribute? Is Guillory BigTen-ready? His ankles kinda' look like they might be filled with orange Pixie Stix dust. I don't want to see him get hurt out there...

3:21 Eric Page: Boy, Guillory did look pretty small out there. I think they might have to get him the ball in space and let him go to work.

3:21 [Comment From Todd in Chicago]

What's The Zooker like in person?

3:22 Eric Page: Just like he is on TV. The guy makes me want to go to Illinois.

3:22 [Comment From Tye]

Do you think we can expect to see a running back core that is athletic and ready to handle big ten expectations? If not, this could add more stress to our passing game.

3:23 Eric Page: The running backs have a lot to prove, and we probably won't know anything until Week 4 against Pitt. I do like the change of pace possibility with Greene and then Guillory, O'Meara, Hampton, Brinson.

3:23 [Comment From Travis]

Any names on the recruiting front we should be aware of outside of the state of Iowa? What do you see as our biggest recruiting need for this next class?

3:23 Eric Page: With Keenan Davis and Jordan Cotton locked in at receiver, the Hawkeyes need to get some O-linemen. Losing Barrent hurt.

3:24 [Comment From John]

I think Illinois is breathtakingly overrated. Mendenhall was clearly the best player last year and they'll struggle without him. Thoughts?

3:25 Eric Page: People forget Mendenhall's backup Daniel Dufrene averaged better than 6 yards a carry, too. I think the Illini will be just fine, but I still expect a close game Nov. 1.

3:25 [Comment From george]

We went primary Shotgun when Tate was a Sophomore and went 10-2. Jake is much better that way also. Why in the world don't the coaches see that and adjust?

3:26 Eric Page: I'm sure there's a reason. Like I said, these guys do this for a living and study a whole lot of film. I do think, however, that putting Jake, or whoever plays QB, in the shotgun might help them see the field and give them a little more time to make reads when under pressure.

3:26 [Comment From Travis]

Every publication has Ferentz in the top 3 "hot seat" coaches. Do you see any scenario where Ferentz is not the Head coach at Iowa next year? The next?

3:27 Eric Page: Yes. If Iowa misses a bowl game and continues to have off-field issues, I could see Ferentz losing his job after 2008.

3:27 [Comment From CT]

Ballard has missed some time in camp, but it sounds like Broderick Binns has stepped in and played very well. How do you see the DLine rotation looking this season?

3:28 Eric Page: Binns looked very good Saturday. And Chad Geary will be in there at end, too, so they've got a deep rotation there. They need to find a third and fourth tackle to keep King and Kroul fresh, but I expect the d-line to be very, very good.

3:28 [Comment From Buttonhook Right on 2]

QB of the future: Weinke or Vandenberg? Early reports appear promising on both.

3:29 Eric Page: I say Wienke. He just looks like a classic dropback passer. Big, broad shoulders, and he stands up tall in the pocket. He's already 6-5, 225 and could carry 240 comfortably by the time he's 22 or 23. That said, both threw the ball reasonably well Saturday.

3:29 [Comment From Michael]

Hi, Eric....from what you saw of Shonn Greene, does he look good enough to break some runs despite what might be an average line? Or is he at the mercy of what the guys up front get him?

3:30 Eric Page: Greene looks shifty, and appears to have the speed to break away downfield. But, as I said, Iowa's success on offense is going to hinge on the guys up front.

3:30 [Comment From Ken O'Keefe]

How do I still have a job???!!!

3:30 Eric Page: Ken! Thanks for reading.

3:31 [Comment From Jebus]

Where did you grow up, Eric?

3:31 Eric Page: Strange question. I grew up in Northwestern Wisconsin, right on the Minnesota border.

3:31 [Comment From george]

Zook backed Juice 100% after he completed only 35% of his freshman passes. Jake was at 53% with several drops, or he would have been 58%. Why does Kirk not treat him with the same respect that Zook gives Juice?

3:33 Eric Page: You're not saying you'd rather have Ron Zook as Iowa's coach, are you? Ferentz backed Christensen all of last year and has continued to in the offseason. Opening up the competition is simply Ferentz hoping it'll bring out the best in Christensen, and, as we saw last fall, Iowa really, really needs a backup.

3:33 [Comment From Guy Rucker]

What is the key to beating Pitt? I don't feel like driving to PA to see a loss.

3:35 Eric Page: Key to beating Pitt ... a fast start on offense and, the obvious one, containing running back LaSean McCoy.

3:35 [Comment From CT]

Do you see David Barrent switching back over to Iowa this year?

3:35 Eric Page: No. He'll end up at MSU.

3:35 [Comment From Primo]

With Ferentz on the hot seat and if this year is bad who takes over?

3:36 Eric Page: Oh boy ... that's a story for a different day. Everyone would be calling for Bob Stoops, though. And I don't think he'd come.

3:37 [Comment From Gabe Hurley]

The key in past successful years has been safety play, who is going to be the intimidating presence out there this year?

3:37 Eric Page: I really think Brett Greenwood is going to have a breakthrough year. He really looked good on Saturday, and the coaches rave about his progress and leadership.

3:37 [Comment From Bryce]

A few years ago when we were depleted at running back KOK seemed to open the playbook and allow Drew Tate to make some plays on his own. It seems to me that we need that kind of play calling again. Thoughts?

3:38 Eric Page: It certainly wouldn't hurt Iowa to re-examine what it does on offense. But, as Ferentz says, they are a program that has to out-execute the opponent, and they certainly didn't do that last year. No matter the offense, if the linemen don't block well, things aren't going to be pretty.

3:38 [Comment From Phil]

In your opinion, will Iowa make a bowl this year and if so, which one? I saw your prediction of 5-7 to 7-5...which way are you leaning?

3:39 Eric Page: Right now, after seeing them on Saturday, I'm leaning toward 5-7 and no bowl. If they make a bowl, I see the Insight. The really wanted Iowa in Arizona last year.

3:39 [Comment From Belle Plaine]

Will the hawks be undeafed at home this season?

3:40 Eric Page: No. They won't sweep Penn State and Wisconsin.

3:40 [Comment From Matthew G]

Should Iowa under perform this season (4-8, 5-7) do you think there will be a reshuffling in the coaching staff

3:40 Eric Page: Perhaps. Even if Ferentz is still there, I could see him making a change on his staff, on either the offensive or defensive side of the ball.

3:41 [Comment From Dave]

What ever happened to Steve Batterson who used to cover Iowa football for the QC Times?

3:42 Eric Page: Batts is still here. He covers the men's basketball team for us. We switched things up last fall.

3:42 [Comment From Reece Morgan]

Thanks for showing me how to spell my own name!

3:42 Eric Page: No problem.

3:42 [Comment From Guest]

I've been hearing contrasting stories about Doering. Jon Miller reported that Doering broke his wrist and is having surgery. Do you know what the status of his wrist is?

3:43 Eric Page: I haven't been able to confirm anything on Doering, but, from what I've learned, rumors on those message boards when it comes to injuries usually are true. Take it for what it's worth.

3:43 [Comment From Adam J]

Feel like taking a shot at the RB pecking order?

3:44 Eric Page: Greene, O'Meara, Guillory, Hampton, Brinson ... to start the season.

3:44 [Comment From Brian]

Please tell me Kirk will defer if the Hawks win the toss this season. I'm so sick of receiving just to go three and out.

3:44 Eric Page: I really think this is going to be a key this season. With a defense that is expected to be the strength of the team, why not put them on the field first and establish field position early, maybe even get a turnover and put some points on the board.

3:45 [Comment From Kyle]

Are you seeing some new wrinkles with offensive sets - 2 TEs, 3 WRs, RB in slot, etc

3:46 Eric Page: Iowa showed some new formations, with TEs in the slot, etc., in practice. I asked Stanzi about it, and he said it's always been in the playbook, they're just bringing it out to see how it works.

3:46 [Comment From Brian]

Do people actually refer to Derrell Johnson as DJK or is that just a message board thing?

3:46 Eric Page: The guy's got like 18 nicknames. DJK is one of them. Plus, it's way, way easier to write.

3:46 [Comment From bill]

Norm Parker, your opinion of his coaching? Is it me or does he never adjust?

3:47 Eric Page: He sticks to his ways, but, in his defense, Iowa's defense usually is pretty good.

3:47 [Comment From non kool-aid drinker]

don't mind the clueless hawkeye fans that think anyone with an objective opinion is clearly an idiot.

3:48 Eric Page: I think stanzi will play in the first half against Maine no matter how Christensen plays. I think the coaching staff is eager to see how he'll perform in a meaningful game situation.

3:48 [Comment From Ian]

Did you just throw O'meara in there? Really?

3:48 Eric Page: Ferentz seems very high on him. He's going to get a chance.

3:48 [Comment From Travis]

What do think of Coach Campbell?

3:49 Eric Page: Coach Campbell seems like a great guy, and all the players are raving about him and what he's brought to the team. It'll be interesting to see if it transfers onto the field.

3:50 [Comment From Ron R]

Ferentz didnt get paid the big bucks for keeping off the field issues down so if he were to have another bowless season, what are we to expect as far as his tenure? Wins are wins no matter what goes on off the field ... correct?

3:50 Eric Page: The Satterfield-Everson sexual assault deal aside, if Iowa had gone 10-2 last season, the off-field issues would not be as big of an issue to fans, in my opinion. Winning always helps.

3:51 [Comment From Todd]

This sorta' goes back to my "lip-service" question, but when speaking with the players and looking into their eyes, do you get a sense of... well, anything? I.e., when they give the standard lines about improving, etc, do you think they actually believe what they're saying? I mean, you hear confident-sounding quotes out of camp all the time, but what does their body language and non-verbals tell you? Do you feel like they've they really bought into the system, or are they just saying what coaches want them to say? Just trying to get a sense of where you think they might be psychologically.

3:52 Eric Page: Come on ... these guys are college football players. They want to win -- more than the coaches, more than the fans, more than anybody. They only get four years to do this and then, for most of them, that's it. They want to win. You can see that in their eyes and hear it in everything they say.

3:52 [Comment From Guest]

Any word on medical redshirts for Moeaki, Brodell, or Richardson? I'd imagine Richardson is a for sure if he can come back which sounds doubtful.

3:53 Eric Page: All indications are Richardson's career is over. Brodell most likely will not get a redshirt. Moeaki, I'm told, will.

3:53 [Comment From David]

What game do you see as Iowa's first true test.

3:54 Eric Page: Iowa State. Especially after the way that game went down last fall. We'll know a lot about the Hawkeyes after that, and even more the next week at Pitt.

3:55 Eric Page: OK, folks. That's it for today. I went about a half hour over because there were a lot of good questions. We'll do this every Thursday throughout the season, so keep the questions coming.

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