Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz views Big Ten Media Days as the official end of summer. The Hawkeyes have an experienced team that is coming off a 10-4 season after winning the final Big Ten west division title. With summer workouts ending fall camp is about to begin.

Improvement on offense will be a key to the season. New coordinator Tim Lester is hoping to jump start a Hawkeye offense that was one of the worst in the nation.

Defense has been a staple and this year should be no different. The Hawkeyes may be the nation’s oldest defense after having several players return for a sixth and final season.

Ferentz says experience on defense is a plus.

This season begins a new era for the Big Ten which is adding USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington to become an 18-team league.

The Hawkeyes open the season at home on August 31st against Illinois State.