IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s 12-0 start last season led some to label the Hawkeyes a fluke. A blowout loss to Stanford in the Rose Bowl only seemed to confirm those suspicions. Iowa is intent on proving that it’s still a national contender and the Hawkeyes should have a team capable of doing so.

Iowa is a favorite to repeat as Big Ten West division champions. The Hawkeyes return 13 starters from last year, when they finished 8-0 in the West and fell inches shy of a playoff berth. Quarterback C.J. Beathard had a strong first season as the starter despite a litany of injuries. If Beathard can stay healthy, a run at Big Ten Player of the Year isn’t out of consideration. Iowa’s defense, which let up just 20.4 points per game, will be led by Thorpe Award-winning cornerback Desmond King.