IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s defense was back among the nation’s elite last season. The Hawkeyes offense failed to follow suit. Getting both units to play at an equally high level will likely be crucial to Iowa’s hopes of competing for the inaugural Big Ten West title.

The Hawkeyes will be among the league favorites because it has a lot of returning starters and what appears to be a manageable schedule. But Iowa will need to score more than the 26.3 points it averaged a year ago, and quarterback Jake Rudock says the unit’s continuity will be a big plus next season.

The Hawkeyes wrap up spring practice on Saturday with a scrimmage at Kinnick Stadium.