Hampton out for the season

"So much for SoCal on New Year's," was my first thought when I heard the news.

The news was Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz had officially announced that sophomore running back Jewel Hampton will miss the entire 2009 season with a knee injury.

Hampton, the heir apparent to fill the massive void left by 2008 Doak Walker Award-winner and current New York Jets running back, Shonn Greene, rushed for 463 yards and seven touchdowns on 91 carries as a true freshman last fall.

He will redshirt to save a year of eligibilty.

Like I said, so long Rose Bowl hopes. Even the Capitol One Bowl could be overly optimistic given the Hawks' treacherous road schedule. Hawk fans should set their sights on another Outback or Alamo Bowl apperance or risk being let down by the black-and-gold at their own peril. That doesn't mean give up, it just means be realistic.

However, in the words of Lee Corso I must say, "not so fast, my friend."

Time for Ferentz to re-initiate, "next man in."

But who will it be?

The running backs -- without Jewel -- have the least experience of any position on the team, which doesn't boast well for Iowa's run-right, run-left, throw-it-away-on-third-down-style offense -- I call it lack of imagination.

Ferentz has announced that junior Paki O'Meara will get the start in Saturday's game against Northern Iowa. O'Meara, an all-state running back at Cedar Rapids Washington, is the only back to have seen action last year -- albeit limited action, rushing for just 62 yards on 21 carries in 2008.

Behind Paki are a handful of unknowns looking to take advantage of some time in the spotlight.

Redshirt freshmen Jeff Brinson and Adam Robinson should figure into the mix, as well as true freshman Brandon Wegher. If this group can stay healthy, the offensive line -- Ferentz's specialty -- will make them look good.

"I don't know if it's going to be a two-man, three-man, four-man, but we'll do whatever it takes to be effective out there," Ferentz said during a press conference of his approach to the running back-by-committee system for the UNI game. "I am comfortable. I think the guys have practiced well and I'm optimistic they'll do some good things as we move forward."

And that's all they'll need to do.

The years the Hawkeyes have been great under Ferentz they haven't had several flashy players making one-handed grabs or rushing for 300 yards a game. They have a simple formula for success: strong running game, stingy defense, and sound fundamentals. They are the ultimate example of team football. Iowa is best when the rest of the nation doesn't see them coming.

So perhaps Jewel's injury is bittersweet.

Only time will tell.