Tennessee Tech @ Iowa preview

THE STORY: After a tumultuous past nine months involving suspensions, dismissals and a medical scandal unlike any other in recent college football memory, Iowa will be looking to start making headlines on the field instead of off the field. Tennessee Tech visits Iowa City having lost its previous seven contests against FBS opponents by a combined score of 320-37.

TV: Big Ten Network.

ABOUT IOWA (2010: 8-5, 4-4 Big Ten): Junior James Vandenberg is set to replace Ricky Stanzi at quarterback with only 95 collegiate pass attempts under his belt. Sophomore Marcus Coker looks to build on an incredible performance in which he rushed for an Iowa bowl record 219 yards in the Insight Bowl. Defensive linemen Adrian Clayborn (1st round), Christian Ballard (4th round) and Karl Klug (5th round) were all taken during the NFL draft, leaving the team down three starters on the line this season.

ABOUT TENNESSEE TECH (2010: 5-6, 4-4 Ohio Valley Conference): The Golden Eagles ended a middling season on a high note, with their backup quarterback leading them to 28 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to upset No. 4 Jacksonville State 35-24. Junior free safety Marty Jones is the team's returning leading tackler with 87. He also led the team with four interceptions and tied for the lead with two fumble recoveries.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Tennessee Tech has never played a school from the Big Ten.

2. Iowa held three of its four non-conference opponents last season to seven points or less.

3. Iowa and Northwestern are the only two Big Ten schools that do not have to play Ohio State or Wisconsin this season.

PREDICTION: Iowa 49, Tennessee Tech 10 -- The Hawkeyes will be hungry to put the nightmare of an offseason behind them. With Tennessee Tech’s recent history against FBS schools, this game should be over by halftime.