Trouble in Iowa City?

According to most experts, Iowa is the only Big Ten team that might actually be able to challenge Ohio State and Penn State for the league title in 2009.

But if the latest reports out of Iowa City are true, well, coach Kirk Ferentz's chances at winning his third Big Ten championships just took a real big hit.

Various sources are now reporting that presumed starting tailback Jewel Hampton suffered a knee injury late last week. There are some reports out there suggesting that Hampton underwent an MRI today, but as of this posting, Iowa officials have made no announcements regarding the sophomore's status.

If the injury reports are true, and if this injury is serious, then Iowa is going to be seriously thin at tailback—and I mean seriously thin.

Hampton rushed for 463 yards and seven touchdowns—and showed great promise—while serving as backup to the spectacular Shonn Greene last season. Though his carries were limited, Hampton had the look of a 1,000-yard rusher.

Unfortunately for Iowa fans, nobody else on the Hawkeye roster has anywhere near as much talent and experience. Among the most talented guys behind Hampton is redshirt frosh Jeff Brinson, a Florida high school superstar who nonetheless has never carried the ball in a real game. Then there's true freshman Brandon Wegher, one of the most coveted prep tailbacks in the country last year. But again, Wegher has no experience.

In other words, this has the look of a devastating injury for the Hawkeyes. So Iowa fans can only hope that the reports about Hampton have been overstated.

Photo: Kirk Ferentz may have just lost his starting tailback. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images)