Question of the Week: Which football team will be better prepared for 2008? The Hawkeyes or The Cyclones

By DUANE NOLLEN
The Oskaloosa Herald

OSKALOOSA March 31, 2008 10:47 am

— The respondents to this past week’s Question of the Week: Should the U.S. stay the course in Iraq or pull out were almost evenly divided.
Twenty-six — 52 percent — answered STAY THE COURSE while 24 — 48 percent — said PULL OUT.
The Question of the Week poll is not scientific and only reflects the opinions of those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The Question of the Week is just another way the Herald’s readers can voice their opinions about issues that affect them.
This week’s Question of the Week is about the Hawkeye and Cyclone football programs.
Spring is in the air and the sounds of crunching shoulder pads can be heard around Kinnick and Jack Trice stadiums as the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones start spring football practice.
Both programs are regrouping and preparing for the upcoming fall season.
Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes are regrouping after a disappointing 2007 season where Iowa failed to secure a bowl game bid — the first time in seven years. Injuries and legal problems hobbled the Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes have their work cut out for them as they have to replace nine starters. Iowa has to replace its running backs, two defensive linemen and two linebackers and a couple slots in the secondary. Oskaloosa is doing its part to send reinforcements with Tyler Sash coming off a red-shirt year and Steven Staggs going to Iowa City as a wide receiver.
The Cyclones enter the second year under head coach Gene Chizik. The Cyclones were 3-8 this past year and defeated Iowa. This year, the Cyclones have to replace star quarterback Brett Meyer and ace receiver Todd Blythe, who both graduated. However, they have seven starters returning for 2008.
Which team will be better prepared for the 2008 season?
What do you think?
This week’s Question of the Week: Which football team will be better prepared for 2008? THE HAWKEYES or THE CYCLONES.
People can vote on The Herald’s Web site, oskaloosa.com, from Monday through noon on Friday. Then, votes will be tallied and published the following Monday.