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Jeremy Hecklinski is the reported lean to start at quarterback against Northern Illinois, but Hank Brown is expected to receive meaningful reps through the first three games as Iowa continues evaluating the position.

Iowa is expected to lean on the run against an inexperienced Northern Illinois defensive line and a freshman MIKE linebacker, with a projection of more than 40 carries and 250 rushing yards.

Northern Illinois quarterback Taron Dickens provides an early test for Iowa's pass rush because his mobility and off-platform playmaking can punish an undisciplined front.

Iowa is confident in Anthony Hawkins replacing Tyler Brown in the secondary, while Jaylen Watson remains an upside player whose penalty issues could affect matchups with veteran receivers.

Iowa enters the opener without a proven special-teams game changer, and the kicking operation is the largest concern if the offense again struggles to finish drives in the red zone.