IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa was plagued by a third consecutive season of running back issues in 2012. Mark Weisman and Damon Bullock were forced into extended action after another mix of injuries and roster turnover. Each subsequently suffered through setbacks of their own as the Hawkeyes stumbled to a 4-8 finish. But Weisman and Bullock showed they’re Big Ten-quality backs when healthy, and Iowa is excited about pairing the bruising Weisman and the speedy Bullock in the same backfield in 2013.

New running backs coach Chris White says the Hawkeyes have to put their best players on the field, which is why the coaches are exploring ways to get Weisman and Bullock involved.