I compared the 2008 team against the 2009 team on offense a few days ago and promised that I'd do the same for the defense. It hardly seems worth doing this for the defense since it returns 8 starters and I anticipate each returnee will be better than last year. So, to speed it up a bit, instead of doing the comparison position by position, I'm just going to do it at a unit level. I'll also throw in special teams for the heck of it.
Defense:
Defensive Ends - '08 Clayborn & Ballard vs '09 Clayborn & Ballard
There's absolutely no reason to believe these guys won't be better this year. And, with the emergence of the "unblockable" Broderick Binns, the defensive ends in 2009 look to be one of the best units on the team. Point for 2009.
Defensive Tackles - '08 King & Kroul vs '09 Klug & Daniels
This is probably the most obvious pick on the defense. King and Kroul were one of the best tackle tandems in Iowa history. If Klug and Daniels can be half as disruptive their predecessors, I'd call that a success. Clearly 2008 gets this one.
Linebackers: - '08 Edds, Angerer, & Hunter vs '09 Edds, Angerer, & Hunter
This group of young men should continue to improve and as seniors Edds and Angerer will be leaders of the defense. Hunter has faced healthy competition by Jeff Tarpinian that should only make both players better. Another win for 2009.
Cornerbacks: - '08 Spievey & Fletcher vs '09 Spievey vs Prater/Lowe/Castillo
Spievey emerged last year as a locked down corner, and Fletcher was good enough to get drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Spievey is expected to be better in '09, but the other corner position is completely up in the air right now. Project starter Jordan Bertine suffered a broken ankle in practice yesterday and will be out for the season. Shaun Prater is suspended the first two games for drinking and driving. And, that leave 2 guys, William Lowe and Greg Castillo that have very little experience. With the uncertainty at the second corner position for the upcoming season, this will be a point for 2008.
Safeties - '08 Sash & Greenwood vs '09 Sash & Greenwood
A year older and wiser, I expect Sash and Greenwood to build of their success from last year and have an excellent 2009 season. Safeties go to 2009.
Final Defense Standings: 2008 - 2, 2009 - 3
Special Teams:
Place Kicker - '08 Murray/Mossbrucker vs '09 Murray/Mossbrucker
I'm hoping one of these guys really steps up, wins the job, and stays consistent all year long. I haven't heard much of their progress over the summer so I'll call it a tie between 2008 and 2009.
Punter - '08 Donahue vs '09 Donahue
Donahue has noticeably improved during his time at Iowa. I expect that trend to continue and think he'll have a better year this year than last. Point to 2009.
Kick Returners '08 Brodell/Hampton/O'Meara/... '09 Sandeman/Hampton/Wegher?
The return game was solid in 2008, but other than Brodell's punt return for a TD against ISU, it was not spectacular. In fact, it looked kind of bad at sometimes with fumbles and short returns. I think this year has the potential to be much better last. The coaches have mentioned that incoming freshman Brandon Wegher will have a shot at returning kicks and he has been seen fielding punt in practice. From all reports, this kid is explosive. 2009 gets the point again
Final Special Teams Standings: 2008 - 0, 2009 - 2, Push - 1