Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz says opening the season against a ratedopponent is a tough challenge but his team is ready. The Ferentz era beginsSaturday when the Hawkeyes host fifth-ranked Nebraska.Ferentz says the team considers the matter surronding former linebacker RyanLoftin closed. Loftin was arrested over the weekend and charged withextortion and theft.Sophomore Kyle McCann will start at quarterback for the Hawkeyes and Ferentzsays he was the most consistent during pre-season drills.Iowa’s biggest weakness heading into the season is the offensive line.Ferentz has shuffled some players, hoping to strengthen that area by movingveteran center Chad Deal to guard and moving back-up center A.J. Blazekinto the starting line-up.Nebraska coach Frank Solich (soh’-lich) says the Huskers have tried toprepare for the crowd noise at Kinnick stadium.Bobby Newcombe has been named the starting quarterback but Solich expectsEric Crouch to get some action.
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