Iowa wraps up strangely disappointing 2010

(AP) - Iowa's 2010 season will go down as perhaps the strangest of coach Kirk Ferentz's 12-year tenure.

The Hawkeyes (8-5, 4-4 Big Ten) wrapped up a rather forgettable year on Tuesday night with a rather unforgettable 27-24 win over Missouri in the Insight Bowl, ending a brutal stretch of losses and getting a strong start on an offseason of rebuilding.

Iowa looked like the team many thought it could be at times in 2010, most notably in dominating wins over Michigan State, Penn State and in rallying to beat the Tigers in Tempe.

Even in defeat, the Hawkeyes proved they could hang with anyone.

Had Iowa made just one or two more plays in close losses to Rose Bowl-bound Wisconsin, powerhouse Ohio State and annual nuisance Northwestern, 2010 would likely be viewed in much more optimistic terms.

Though Iowa's five losses came by just 18 points, the team that started the year ranked ninth won't finish nearly that high.

"We are not going to be a Top Ten team this year. I know that," Ferentz said after the win over Missouri. "It wasn't for a lack of commitment, I don't think, or lack of effort. It just didn't go that way. Some days are better than others. Some years are going to be better than others. It is how you handle things and how you push forward on a daily basis. And I think these seniors have done a great job."

With this season now in the books, Iowa can focus on replacing a stellar senior class and building toward 2011.

Quarterback Ricky Stanzi moves on after putting together one of the best seasons in school history, making way for redshirt junior James Vandenberg.

The coaching staff is quietly confident that Vandenberg can step in and solidify the position. He's best known for helping the Hawkeyes get to overtime in a losing effort for the Big Ten title at Ohio State back in 2009, but he was spotty in the two games that sandwiched that decent effort in relief of an injured Stanzi.

Fellow junior John Wienke figures to be the backup, though highly touted redshirt freshman A.J. Derby could push both of them if he makes great strides in the offseason. That's unlikely though, since Iowa has been prepping Vandenberg to take over for Stanzi for two years.

The good news for Vandenberg is that the offensive line should return virtually intact. Their performance against Missouri showed why they'll be considered a strength next season.

Running back Adam Robinson, who rushed for 941 yards before being suspended for the Insight Bowl, was charged Monday with possession of marijuana and his status for 2011 is in doubt. But after freshman Marcus Coker's 219-yard effort in the Insight Bowl, Robinson might not have a job to return to anyway.

Defensively, Iowa knows it can't replicate the performance of linemen Christian Ballard, Adrian Clayborn and Karl Klug, who made up one of the great units in school history. This year's breakout star, Mike Daniels, and end Broderick Binns will be counted on heavily to stabilize a line that figures to be a question mark heading into next fall.

The injuries that ravaged Iowa's linebackers might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Freshmen James Morris and Shane DiBona got valuable playing experience in 2010, and Morris has all the makings of Iowa's next great star at linebacker.

The secondary looks to be among the Big Ten's best, though that could change if cornerback Shaun Prater and safety Tyler Sash jump for the NFL Draft.

The status of defensive coordinator Norm Parker, who has had extended absences due to diabetes, also bears watching.

Parker has no plans to step down and Ferentz doesn't seem eager to replace him. But there's also no guarantee Parker will be healthy enough to remain throughout 2011.

It's notable, though, that Iowa was able to close out the Insight Bowl in the fourth quarter with Parker in the booth after blowing four late leads without him.

Although expectations will be much lower in 2011, the Hawkeyes will play a schedule seemingly custom-made for a rebuilding year.

In September, Iowa hosts Tennessee Tech, a Pittsburgh program breaking in a new coach, Louisiana-Monroe and travels to Iowa State, which will be breaking in a new quarterback.

The Hawkeyes then get a bye before opening Big Ten play at Penn State, a team they've beaten eight of the last nine tries. That's followed by home games against Indiana and Northwestern, a trip to rebuilding Minnesota and two more in Kinnick Stadium against Michigan and Michigan State.

The idea that Iowa's first trip to Nebraska for a Big Ten game on Nov. 26 could have title implications seems like a major stretch for a program set to rebuild after an underwhelming season.

But stranger things have happened.

Just ask the Hawkeyes.