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Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes are coming off a 7-6 season, but some have them as a dark horse candidate to win the Big Ten West division.
Here are three key players to their season in 2015:
CJ Beathard, Junior Quarterback
With Jake Rudock transfering to the University of Michigan, the quarterback spot is completely Beathard's to have, and he showed flashes of what he can do last season.
Something he can no longer bank on is handing the ball off to Mark Weisman, who scored 16 touchdowns in 2014. Beathard will have to continue to improve and lead the offense, which has a so-so cast of supporting players.
Jordan Canzeri, Senior Running Back
As mentioned above, everyone needs to step up with Mark Weisman no longer in Iowa City. Canzeri is going to get more carries and averaged 4.8 yards per rush last year.
Desmond King, Junior Cornerback
The offense is going to struggle a bit this season, so it will be on the defense to keep games low scoring and keep the Hawkeyes in it.
King had three interceptions for Iowa last year for 72 return yards, which included a pick-six.