Expectations sky high for Iowa Hawkeyes

IOWA CITY (AP) - There always seems to be a lingering question about respect with Iowa. Many wondered last season if the Hawkeyes were good or just lucky.

Iowa finally silenced most of its critics with a 24-14 win over Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl, capping just the second 11-win season in school history. Many of those victories were closer than expected or just downright ugly, but Iowa finished ranked No. 7 - its highest spot in the final poll since 1960.

Iowa looks like it won't need much luck in 2010, thanks to loads of returning talent and a favorable schedule.

Iowa returns 15 starters, including senior quarterback Ricky Stanzi and senior defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State all have to visit Kinnick Stadium this fall.