w/ Jim Field

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IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s preparation for the Outback Bowl against LSU is as much about the team’s youngsters as it is about the Tigers.

The Hawkeyes should be one of the most experienced teams in the Big Ten next season. But they’ll still need three new starting linebackers, a couple of defensive backs and a few starting offensive linemen among other needs.

For the Hawkeyes, finding replacements for those who helped key a resurgent 8-4 season has already begun.

Offensive coordinator Greg Davis mentioned running back LeShun Daniels and wide receiver Derrick Willies among Iowa’s most impressive young players. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker had similar praise for defensive backs Sean Draper and Maurice Fleming.

When the thermometer struggles to reach zero a trip to Tampa, Florida can be even more appealing. The team departed Monday for Tampa, in preparation for the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day against LSU. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says the focus in practice has turned to LSU. Ferentz says the players will get their work done but still have a chance to enjoy the activities that go with a bowl game. Ferentz says as game day nears the focus will turn to football and so far, he says practices have gone well.

The Outback Bowl will be the final game for the Hawkeye seniors but not for All Big Ten offensive tackle Brandon Scherff. The Denison native announced earlier this month that will pass up a chance to enter the NFL draft and will return for his senior season. Scherff says there was no reason to research the possibility of entering the draft, because he’s already made up his mind.

Iowa is 8-4 and LSU is 9-3.

(Radio Iowa)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Richard Carter made two clutch buckets and five free throws for 9 of his 26 points in the final two minutes as Drake answered Albany’s late-game push for a 71-63 victory on Monday. Albany scored the first points, but Drake (8-3) raced away on long-range shooting with a pair of 3-pointers from Jordan Daniels and three from Carter. The Bulldogs hit 10 of 19 from 3-point range.

The Great Danes (6-6) fought back after halftime. John Puk scored 10 of his 16 points, Peter Hooley scored 9 of his 11 and assisted on four of five buckets, down the stretch as Albany closed to 60-59 on a DJ Evans 3-pointer. Evans finished with 14 points.

After the Evan’s 3 made it a one-point game, Drake’s Chris Caird scored a layup and then Carter took over with a jumper, a three-point play and 4-for-4 free-throw shooting down the stretch.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State police have issued arrest warrants in connection with a burglary that occurred in Iowa’s locker room during a football game against the Cyclones. The Des Moines Register reports that warrants for second-degree theft and second-degree burglary were issued on Dec. 12 for 23-year-old Nicholas Beary. Beary’s last known residence was West Des Moines, but police said they believe Beary may have fled the country.

Rob Bowers, the associate director of Iowa State’s Department of Public Safety, said Beary once attended the University of Iowa and attended the Sept. 14 game as a fan. Nine Iowa football players and coaches had items, including cellphones and cash, stolen during a 27-21 win over Iowa State in Ames.

HONOLULU (AP) — Georges Niang scored 22 points, and No. 14 Iowa State beat Akron 83-60 on Monday to match the best start in school history. Melvin Ejim had 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Cyclones, who improved to 10-0. DeAndre Kane added 15 points and 11 boards.

Iowa State erased an early eight-point deficit with a 17-3 run. Reggie McAdams led Akron (6-3) with 13 points.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Chiefs coach Andy Reid says he hasn’t decided whether to rest his starters on Sunday against San Diego, even though Kansas City has nothing to gain by winning the game. The Chiefs already are assured of the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs, which means they’ll head on the road for a wild-card game in two weeks.

If history is any indication, get ready to see Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles spend a whole lot of time on the sideline. Same with the Chiefs’ other key players on both sides of the ball. When presented with similar situations in Philadelphia, Reid mostly rested his players in Week 17. That included the 2004 season, when the Eagles advanced to the Super Bowl.