Iowa Hawkeyes
2001 record: 7-5 (4-4)
Coach: Kirk Ferentz (fourth season, 11-24)
Starters returning: 5 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers

Outlook: Iowa, coming off its first winning season and bowl trip since 1997, has a chance to build on that success. But don't be lulled by the multitude of returnees. The Hawkeyes will have new starters at virtually all the offensive skill positions, and they must rebuild their defensive line, which has only one returnee.

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Having said that, Kirk Ferentz, who's doing a good rebuilding job, has promising newcomers. At quarterback, mobile Brad Banks, a fan favorite who saw considerable playing time last season, will be pushed by junior-college transfer Nathan Chandler.

At running back, Aaron Greving, who was the Alamo Bowl offensive MVP filling in for an injured Ladell Betts, will carry the ball behind a strong offensive line. A strong receiver also must be replaced. On defense, Iowa has capable newcomers. But replacing standouts such as Aaron Kampman, who helped make the Hawkeyes No. 2 in the Big Ten in total defense a year ago, is another matter.

Key game: The homecoming game against Purdue on Oct. 5. If the Hawkeyes can take care of their non-conference business, a good showing against the Boilermakers could put them in position for another winning season.

Keep an eye on: Tight end Dallas Clark. The former walk-on will be the most visible member of a stellar offensive line. Ferentz, a former NFL O-line coach who has developed one of the best blocking units in the conference, is touting Clark as one of the nation's best tight ends. The linemen could provide stability while the new skill players learn.

It's a good year if. . . Iowa can duplicate last year's 4-4 conference record, which figures to assure it of another bowl trip. A bland non-conference slate will give the newcomers time to settle into their roles. The trouble is, some established Big Ten programs that slipped behind Iowa last year figure to rebound and make things more difficult for teams like the Hawkeyes.

Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times.