Five storylines to watch for Iowa's Week 1 matchup against Illinois State

Iowa football is about to step on the field for the first time in over 270 days and Hawkeyes fans could not be more excited. This first game is one that shouldn't give the Hawkeyes too much trouble, but it will be a good way to measure the growth of this team.

There are so many questions surrounding this team and this first game is a good way to answer those questions. They may not be answered fully because playing a tougher team is a good way to put those questions to bed, but if Iowa can go out there and dominate, it may help fans breathe a little easier.

So here are five storylines to watch when Iowa takes on Illinois State in Week 1.

1. The team will be without Kirk Ferentz in game one

Iowa will be without head coach Kirk Ferentz due to a one-game suspension for recruiting violations going back to the recruitment of Cade McNamara from the transfer portal. It is still unclear whether this suspension comes from the NCAA or is self-imposed by the university.

However, the Hawkeyes will still be without their fearless leader, but he isn't the only one suspended for this first game. Wide receiver coach Jon Budmayr, who was also involved in the recruitment, is also serving a one-games suspension. There are also two players serving one-game suspensions due to separate OWI arrests over the summer and that is Kaleb Brown and Cade Borud.

2. The wide receivers need to show they can get it done

The wide receiver core is probably the weakest part of the offense for the Hawkeyes. Yes, quarterback play needs to be good in order for wide receivers to play well, but this wide receiver core compared to the rest of the Big Ten is one of the worst in the conference.

Having Kaleb Brown out for the first game will not help the wide receiver core look any better. If McNamara comes out and does what he needs to do offensively, the wide receiver core needs to do the same and this is the perfect time to get practice and gel.

3. Cade McNamara makes his comeback

Cade McNamara is making his comeback from an ACL tear last season that took him out for the year. Now he comes back adn has won his starting quarterback position again, but it sounds like he will have a short leash.

When McNamara went down last season, his numbers weren't great and if he comes back this season and can't get it done early, he is in danger of losing his starting position. McNamara needs to show flashes of his early years at Michigan in order to keep his spot safe.

4. The running back room can make a name for itself

The running back position is by far the strongest position for the Iowa offenses with the two-headed monster of Leshon Williams and Kaleb Johnson. The offensive line has to show up this season in order to help these two guys do what they do best, not only are they great in the run game, but they are also great passing backs and that is what could set them apart in this offense, especially if the wide receivers struggle.

5. The defense will probably be elite yet again

Phil Parker knows how to put a quality defense together and Iowa has shown they have a quality defense for the past few seasons. The defensive line had a few question marks coming into the season, but the real position battle has been in the cornerback positions.

There are a lot of options to choose from, but it is more about making sure Parker can put the right combination of players out there on the field in order to get the job done. It is a tight race, but this also means that there will also be depth in the position and that is never anything anyone can complain about.