Iowa Hawkeyes 2022 schedule breakdown: South Dakota State

It was an odd season for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2021. There was a six-week stretch the place all of Iowa Metropolis believed that they might be taking part in on the nationwide stage within the Faculty Soccer Playoff.

They simply beat No. 4 Penn State and had one in every of their highest-ever USA TODAY Sports activities AFCA Coaches Ballot rankings at No. 2. Then, every thing got here crashing down with crushing defeats by the hands of unranked Purdue and Wisconsin.

It was a far cry from the group that took down three ranked opponents, and whereas they might go on one other scorching streak to make it to the Large Ten championship recreation, let’s simply say that didn’t go nicely.

Total, once you take out the sting of getting destroyed 42-3 by a decided Michigan squad on nationwide tv with the convention championship on the road, it was a profitable season for the Hawkeyes. They completed 10-4 (one of many losses within the Vrbo Citrus Bowl in opposition to Kentucky, 20-17) and as soon as once more established themselves as one of many Large Ten’s elite. They did lose some key gamers together with heart Tyler Linderbaum who was a first-round choice within the 2022 NFL draft.

On paper, the first-week matchup at dwelling looks like the right tune-up recreation for a house encounter with rival Iowa State the next week. They’re taking part in an FCS opponent. That ought to be straightforward, proper? Not so quick.

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits shouldn’t be ignored in any respect. They’re a powerful group that’s returning quite a lot of key gamers, and shouldn’t be taken frivolously. Listed below are 5 gamers to be careful for in week one in opposition to South Dakota State.

Jaxon Janke, WR

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Senior receiver Jaxon Janke is likely one of the prime returning go catchers within the FCS ranks. Ending seventh within the FCS in receiving yards, Janke racked up a team-leading 1,176 yards on 72 catches in 2021, good for a shade over 16 yards a reception. The 6-foot-3 receiver from Madison, S.D., has generated some draft buzz, and will probably be a late-round choose or precedence undrafted free agent. His brother Jadon Janke is not any slouch both, reaching the tip zone 9 instances.

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Mark Gronowski, QB

Quarterback would be the place to look at for the Jackrabbits this 12 months and the important thing to how a lot of an upset risk they pose to Iowa within the season’s inaugural week.

Mark Gronowski shined as a real freshman in 2020, throwing 15 touchdowns  and including seven extra on the bottom in ten video games. He led South Dakota State to the FCS nationwide championship recreation. Sadly, he was injured within the first drive of the nationwide championship and missed all of 2021.

Gronowski regarded like an enormous star for South Dakota State his freshman 12 months and now seems to be wholesome for 2022. He has a star-studded solid of pass-catchers round him, and if he’s actually again to type, he can assist pose a big-time risk to Iowa in the event that they aren’t ready.

Tucker Kraft, TE

Very similar to Janke, tight finish Tucker Kraft is one other small college pass-catcher that draft heads are including to their potential sleepers checklist. The Timber Lake, S.D., native emerged final season for the Jackrabbits, hauling in 65 passes for 780 yards and 6 scores. Way more than a security valve over the center, Kraft is a flexible risk who can get it carried out after the catch and is a participant to be careful for within the display recreation.

Isaiah Davis, RB

The largest gap the Jackrabbits want to switch is at working again. Pierre Robust was the very best again in FCS soccer final 12 months, main the nation with 1,686 yards. South Dakota State additionally has to determine the right way to substitute his 16 touchdowns as nicely after Robust moved onto the NFL after being drafted by the New England Patriots within the fourth spherical.

Simply because the Jackrabbits despatched their lead working again to the league doesn’t imply they’ll lose their dashing assault. Backup Isaiah Davis made probably the most of his touches final 12 months with 709 dashing yards and 7 dashing touchdowns in solely seven video games. Averaging 7.4 yards per carry, don’t be stunned if the massive bruiser Davis finally ends up on an NFL roster as nicely finally.

Adam Bock, LB

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Adam Bock is the guts and soul of the South Dakota State protection. For the Solon, Iowa, native and highschool teammate of former Iowa heart Tyler Linderbaum, it will likely be a homecoming of types for the Jackrabbits captain.

Bock led the group with 125 tackles, 9.5 of which had been for a loss. He additionally broke up six passes and intercepted two. Whereas a lot of the eye is positioned on the Jackrabbits’ offensive firepower, don’t forget about Bock on the defensive aspect of the soccer.

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