How's Rich Rodriguez faring in his first year at Michigan? Illinois returns Juice Williams, but who fills the running back void? Will anyone challenge Ohio State for the title? Take a look at what questions were answered this spring and what problems linger heading into the fall.

Iowa Hawkeyes

2008 Schedule

Aug. 30 Maine
Sept. 6 Florida International
Sept. 13 Iowa State
Sept. 20 @ Pittsburgh
Sept. 27 Northwestern
Oct. 4 @ Michigan State
Oct. 11 @ Indiana
Oct. 18 Wisconsin
Nov. 1 @ Illinois
Nov. 8 Penn State
Nov. 15 Purdue
Nov. 22 @ Minnesota

2007 overall record:
6-6

2007 conference record:
4-4

Returning starters
Offense: 8, defense: 5, kicker/punter: 2

Top returners
QB Jake Christensen, C Rafael Eubanks, WR Andy Brodell, TE Tony Moeaki, T Seth Olsen, DT Mitch King, DT Matt Kroul, P Ryan Donahue
Key losses
RB Albert Young, RB Damian Sims, DE Bryan Mattison, LB Mike Humpal, LB Mike Klinkenborg, CB Charles Godfrey, S Adam Shada
2007 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Albert Young (968 yds)
Passing: Jake Christensen* (2,269 yds)
Receiving: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos* (482 yds)
Tackles: Mike Humpal (123)
Sacks: Bryan Mattison (9)
Interceptions: Charles Godfrey (5)

Spring answers

1. Target practice: The passing attack should be better this fall regardless of who wins the quarterback competition. After an injury wave last season claimed budding start like wideout Andy Brodell and tight end Tony Moeaki, the Hawkeyes have slowly restocked their offensive armory. Brodell returned this spring from a torn hamstring and caught five passes in the spring game. Moeaki also is on the mend, and Trey Stross made a strong push this spring. Stross had two long touchdown receptions in the spring game. He will join Brodell and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, last year's top receiver, in the rotation this fall. Moeaki and senior Brandon Myers form a strong tandem at tight end.

2. Anchors up front: There's little doubt about where Iowa's defensive leadership will come from this fall. After losing linebackers Mike Humpal and Mike Klinkenborg, end Bryan Mattison and cornerback Charles Godfrey, the Hawkeyes' defensive tackle tandem of Mitch King and Matt Kroul steps into the spotlight. Both players turned in strong spring performances and provide a strong base for a young defense. "It starts with them," coach Kirk Ferentz said. "They're proven players, they've got tremendous attitudes, they're practicing extremely well right now. We need those guys to give us good leadership."

3. Edds emerges: Linebacker AJ Edds assumed a greater role this spring as Iowa tried to fill two holes in its defensive midsection. Edds, who ranked second on the team in tackles last year (80), continued to provide stability at linebacker and looked ready to step up as a leader. "He's only going to be a second-year starter, but you almost feel like he's been playing a little bit longer," Ferentz said. "He's really an attentive guy and has really improved in all areas of his game."

Fall questions
1. Rush to judgment: Few major-conference teams have as much uncertainty at running back as the Hawkeyes. Leading rushers Albert Young and Damian Sims are gone, and potential successor Jevon Pugh surprisingly left the team in early April. Walk-on Paki O'Meara finished the spring as the No. 1 back, but he will have to hold off Shonn Greene, who returns to the team after spending a year at a junior college to improve his academics. How Greene readjusts to Division I-A football will be critical. Iowa also could lean on incoming freshmen Jeff Brinson and Jewel Hampton.

2. Quarterback question: Incumbent Jake Christensen maintained a grip on the starting quarterback spot coming out of spring ball, but sophomore Ricky Stanzi is still in the mix. Ferentz acknowledged Christensen is in the lead, but both Stanzi and Marvin McNutt aren't out of the competition. Christensen has ample experience and lacks no confidence in his abilities. If he limits mistakes in training camp, he should secure the job.

3. Coverage plan: The spotlight will be on the offensive backfield this summer, but the competition at cornerback shouldn't go unnoticed. Iowa must replace NFL draft pick Godfrey and Adam Shada, who combined for 14 pass breakups last season. Junior Bradley Fletcher likely will claim Shada's spot, and help is on the way with four incoming recruits and former Iowa player Amari Spievey, who returns after earning junior college All-America honors last season.