Ferentz's bunch must come out firing on all cylinders

                    

	Albert Young David E. Klutho/SI Iowa 2005 Record 7-5 (5-3 Big Ten) Final AP Rank -- Returning Starters 14 (7 offense, 7 defense) Last National Title None The Contenders Auburn Michigan Cal Nebraska Clemson Notre Dame Florida State Ohio State Georgia Tech South Carolina Iowa USC Louisville Utah Miami West Virginia

By Stewart Mandel, SI.com

Why Iowa can win it all: Kirk Ferentz has produced three top 10 teams since 2002, but this one is his most talented. Unlike last season, he'll be able to count on experienced offensive and defensive lines, the hallmarks of Ferentz's good teams. The offense, behind standout QB Drew Tate and All-Big Ten RB Albert Young, will be well balanced, and special teams should be solid.

What must fall into place: The Hawkeyes lost veteran standouts at three positions: receiver (Clinton Solomon and Ed Hinkel), linebacker (Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge) and cornerback (Jovon Johnson and Antwan Allen). New playmakers need to emerge on the outside, and several young defenders will have to step up if they hope to replace Greenway and Hodge's production.

How it could go wrong: Ferentz's teams tend to get better as the year goes on, but a national-title run is dependent on a fast start out of the gate. If the new receivers prove to be undependable, Iowa's offense could become one-dimensional. And new starting cornerbacks Adam Shada and Charles Godfrey could be susceptible to the big play until they gain experience.

Good omen: Ferentz's new contract pays him $2.7 million annually, trailing only Charlie Weis and Pete Carroll, who between them have won five titles (national championships or Super Bowls).

Top Photo Galleries Rafael Nadal Through Time Did You See That? 100 Memorable Olympic Moments The NHL's Great Game 7s Best Players Without An NBA Title

Most Popular Stories Jessica Lucas; Jon Beason calls out Alex Smith for knocking Cam Newton: Hot Clicks Darren Eliot: Rangers-Devils Game 6 preview Jessica Rafalowski; Snoop Dogg Tebowed after throwing first pitch: Hot Clicks Dater & Muir: Debating hot Stanley Cup playoff topics Miami AD: Hurricanes remain 'committed to the ACC'