2001: 7-5, 4-4 in the Big Ten (tie for 4th)

Coach: Kirk Ferentz, 11-24 in three years at the school

Returning starters: 14 (5 offense, 7 defense, 2 specialists)

Top returnees: TB Aaron Greving (333 yd., 60 att., 5.6 avg., 7 TD); TE Dallas Clark (38 rec., 14.2 avg., 4 TD); K Nate Kaeding (12-16 FG); SS Bob Sanders (122 tackles, 4 int.)

Outlook: The Hawkeyes better remember the Alamo (they beat Texas Tech in that bowl game last season) because a second-straight post-season trip is looking iffy. They just have too many holes to fill on offense.

Soundbite: “We had a great group of seniors last year and they did a great job of giving us leadership. That’s probably our No. 1 challenge this year to replace.” — Kirk Ferentz