THE PROLOGUE 2015: SPECIAL TEAMS

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY SportsWhen Kirk Ferentz hired former Minnesota Vikings assistant Chris White as special teams coordinator prior to the 2013 season there was cautious optimism that maybe, just maybe, he was the guy who could turn it around. Maybe the Hawkeyes wouldn't fall for the fake punt, the onside kick or any other high risk, high reward play call that Kirk Ferentz labeled "illegal devil magic."

Maybe Iowa would be more disciplined on kick returns and start guys who could kick like Kaeding, Schlicher, Baker, or Donahue. Maybe Iowa's special teams could be seen as a competent instead of the punchline they'd become since Wisconsin, Eastern Illinois, and Minnesota...twice. Maybe…