Iowa this year

[SnohomishRed]

At the risk of having a ton of Iowa fans invade the board

All the media is drooling over the hawkeyes this year - sorry I just do not see it - Last year was a perfect storm for them, they won every close game they were in. They easily could have had another 3-4 losses.

This year the schedule toughens up a bit for them even though all their tough games are at home. Iowa has benefited tremendously from schedule last year and to a smaller extent this year. I still expect to see them with 4 losses this year.

I see nothing from this team to indicate a jump in talent or some new coaching approach - I do like their QB but teams will scheme better for him this year. All in all I do not see any reason for picking these guys to have another good season

 

[bigboxes]

Well, I did not think they would do much last year and yet it happened. They have a QB that won't lose the game. Now, he may not be the best on the field in terms of talent and stats, but if it's a close game and it comes down to who made the fewest mistakes then you'd go with him. I'm excited for TA this year. He has a lots to improve on. He's got a higher ceiling, but we know his depths. Pray for the former. GBR

 

[SnohomishRed]

Their QB is a real plus for them but things just kinda fell their way last year - I also think TA could have a huge year in fact I am excited about the entire offense

 

[headcard]

They return alot of experience and still have a pretty soft schedule. I think they will have a solid season, but they will be in alot of close games again and this year I think they will drop 3 or 4 of them.

 

[Truehuskerfan]

Iowa during the Kirk Ferentz era is one of the most consistently overperforming and underperforming teams in college football. You never seem to know what you are going to get each year. Every time people give up on them and expect nothing, they surprise everyone and have a great season like they did last year. Then when people think they've finally arrived and can be consistently good, they disappoint. They had an 11 win season in 2002 and followed that up with two 10 win seasons and Ferentz was one of the hottest names in college football. Then they have a 7 win season and two 6 win seasons. Then they surprise everyone by putting together a 9 win season in 2008 and an 11 win season in 2009. 3 years later, they are sitting at 4-8. Bottom line, any Kirk Ferentz team is capable of being great or terrible at any time.

Frankly, while I understand why Iowa is being picked by most to win the West Division, I think it's quite possible and maybe even probable that they regress from last year. I can't see them being a bad team by any means, but I think 3 or 4 losses is quite possible. Last year's 12-0 regular season wasn't exactly easy and they had to have a few things go their way to get there and the fact they were humiliated in the Rose Bowl indicates they really weren't as good as that 12-0 record indicated.

 

[SWIowahawks]

I'm not predicting 12-0 or even 11-1 but I'd like to hear how things went Iowa's way last season. It's astounding how they even won 10 games with the injuries they sustained.

They won games @NW, @Wisconsin, @Nebraska. Last year was actually much different than 2009 when Iowa had some extremely lucky bounces. It seemed like a lot of the "closer" wins last year weren't in much doubt. Teams scored late to even get within a TD. (See Nebraska game).

As was stated, a Kirk led team could easily underperform AGAIN, and I wouldn't bet against it. Things are lining up to be better this season, especially with the tougher games at home.

I'll tell you one indication of how the season will go and that is this first game Saturday. If Iowa blows them out of the water, it could be a good season. If Iowa some how sneaks one out or even loses to ISU, they won't win the division. My two cents.

 

[DudznSudz]

Yeah, I tend to agree with the general sentiment on this thread that Iowa seems to go very peak and trough when it comes to how they've performed under Ferentz. They'll have those years listed where they do great and get ranked in the top 10, like 2009 and last year, then they will completely fall off and have years where they struggle.

Because of that, I have absolutely no idea how they will perform this year. I think they'll be good, because they have a good quarterback and seasoned players, but I would bet they won't go 12-0 again at all. If anything, I would guess that they would have the same record as us going into our matchup, if we do as well as I hope we do (9-3, 10-2-type record).

 

[SnohomishRed]

I thought Iowa played Miami this weekend not ISU - but yes the ISU game has been competitive for them. As far as last year there a lot of games that could have gone either way for them that they ended up winning

 

[ridge22]

I would say this about Iowa. I think they are in a similar situation to what Missouri was in roughly 2005-2009. Ferentz is like Pinkel where he is the coach with a long tenure in a division that is down because the two normal division bullies are in a coaching changes Nebraska and Wisconsin (for Missouri it was Nebraska and K-State that were in coaching flux). Iowa has a solid QB in Bethard, and Missouri had Daniel who are able to carry their teams to division titles, but like Missouri, I don't see Iowa getting over the hump to win a conference title.

Missouri got to #1 in the country in 07, then lost the Big 12 champ. to OU. The next year they get back to the Big 12 champ game and get rolled again by OU. Missouri had two of its best team in history and couldn't find a way to win a conference title. I kind of see the same in Iowa. Last year and this year will probably be two of there better teams ever, but just can't get over the hump. I think Iowa's schedule is really manageable and if Bethard stays healthy, they should win the division again.

I guess we will see. GOD I AM GLAD FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!

 

[NYC-Husker]

I'm not predicting 12-0 or even 11-1 but I'd like to hear how things went Iowa's way last season. It's astounding how they even won 10 games with the injuries they sustained.

They won games @NW, @Wisconsin, @Nebraska. Last year was actually much different than 2009 when Iowa had some extremely lucky bounces. It seemed like a lot of the "closer" wins last year weren't in much doubt. Teams scored late to even get within a TD. (See Nebraska game).

As was stated, a Kirk led team could easily underperform AGAIN, and I wouldn't bet against it. Things are lining up to be better this season, especially with the tougher games at home.

I'll tell you one indication of how the season will go and that is this first game Saturday. If Iowa blows them out of the water, it could be a good season. If Iowa some how sneaks one out or even loses to ISU, they won't win the division. My two cents.

For how things went Iowa's way last year, they did play two first-year coaches in the conference in Wisconsin and Nebraska. Against Nebraska, they didn't convert a single third down. They had two nice long runs by Canzieri (sp?), one of which was right after Gerry was ejected for targeting, and I believe the replacement safety missed the read (not 100% sure on this, just what I thought at the time). And then you had the gift-wrapped TD pick-6 from TA from his own end zone, and you get the picture.

I don't want to sound like I'm taking all of the credit away from Iowa, as I do think good teams find a way to win. You have to respect the mental fortitude to be in position to win the close games and make the big plays when it matters, but you did say that you'd like to hear how things went Iowa's way last season.

Overall, I think Iowa wins 9-10 games this year, and I think that's a good season, but coming on the heals of a 12-win season, maybe it doesn't sound as good to some fans. I am hoping Nebraska wins 9-10 games, but I think more 8 wins or so is probably more realistic for the Huskers.

 

[swissticuffs]

I think their schedule sets up well again and they play solid football.

They are my pick to win the West. West is just playing to get beat again in Indy anyway.

 

[rrthusker]

Worst case scenario Iowa is 9-3 this year.

 

[SWIowahawks]

For how things went Iowa's way last year, they did play two first-year coaches in the conference in Wisconsin and Nebraska. Against Nebraska, they didn't convert a single third down. They had two nice long runs by Canzieri (sp?), one of which was right after Gerry was ejected for targeting, and I believe the replacement safety missed the read (not 100% sure on this, just what I thought at the time). And then you had the gift-wrapped TD pick-6 from TA from his own end zone, and you get the picture.

I don't want to sound like I'm taking all of the credit away from Iowa, as I do think good teams find a way to win. You have to respect the mental fortitude to be in position to win the close games and make the big plays when it matters, but you did say that you'd like to hear how things went Iowa's way last season.

Overall, I think Iowa wins 9-10 games this year, and I think that's a good season, but coming on the heals of a 12-win season, maybe it doesn't sound as good to some fans. I am hoping Nebraska wins 9-10 games, but I think more 8 wins or so is probably more realistic for the Huskers.

Not getting into too much of a debate because I've even had it on the Iowa board but, Parker Hesse made a great play to shed the chop block and stay on his feet. To me, that was more of an Iowa takeaway than a Tommy giveaway. Two of the other TDs he threw were definitely Tommy give aways.

I'll give you the two new coaches even though I have no idea how much that played into it.

Speaking of Gerry, what was the official reason for his suspension against Wyoming? Haven't heard.

As said before, damn it's good to have some football. I'll be channel surfing tomorrow night just to watch some.

 

[TheLiberalHunter]

I'm not predicting 12-0 or even 11-1 but I'd like to hear how things went Iowa's way last season. It's astounding how they even won 10 games with the injuries they sustained.

They won games @NW, @Wisconsin, @Nebraska. Last year was actually much different than 2009 when Iowa had some extremely lucky bounces. It seemed like a lot of the "closer" wins last year weren't in much doubt. Teams scored late to even get within a TD. (See Nebraska game).

As was stated, a Kirk led team could easily underperform AGAIN, and I wouldn't bet against it. Things are lining up to be better this season, especially with the tougher games at home.

I'll tell you one indication of how the season will go and that is this first game Saturday. If Iowa blows them out of the water, it could be a good season. If Iowa some how sneaks one out or even loses to ISU, they won't win the division. My two cents.

Only 3 possible losses barring a meltdown would be Wiscy, Mich and NU. Someitmes ISU gives you fits but they really aren't at your talent level. Beathard is just too dependable to give games away.

 

[GretnaShawn]

Only 3 possible losses barring a meltdown would be Wiscy, Mich and NU. Someitmes ISU gives you fits but they really aren't at your talent level. Beathard is just too dependable to give games away.

On paper, I agree. But as previously stated, Iowa tends to thrive with no expectations and struggle with preseason expectations. Iowa State on paper has very little chance, but they have a track record of beating Iowa about 50% of the time and ISU rarely is better on paper.

I am not saying Iowa will struggle this year, but they could just as easily only win 6 games as win 10 games. It doesn't make sense on paper, but history repeats itself.

 

[SnohomishRed]

Only 3 possible losses barring a meltdown would be Wiscy, Mich and NU. Someitmes ISU gives you fits but they really aren't at your talent level. Beathard is just too dependable to give games away.

Isu and Iowa are dead even since 2010

 

[SWIowahawks]

Only 3 possible losses barring a meltdown would be Wiscy, Mich and NU. Someitmes ISU gives you fits but they really aren't at your talent level. Beathard is just too dependable to give games away.

NW could be scary. At Penn St. won't be easy. At Minnesota isn't a gimmie. Thanks for giving me anxiety already. Lol. I wish I was like last season opener and had zero expectations.

 

[maplesyrup95]

I actually think Iowa will have a down year (compared to last year). There's just too much hype. Yes they have an semi-mild schedule, but I see 9-3 or 8-4 for them. And not saying it will happen and I'm just hypothetically asking... which team from the West is the most capable of beating the East champ (OSU, UM, MSU)?

 

[donahues17]

I think Iowa will lose 2 or 3 games. If NDSU upsets them (which it wouldn't surprise me) it could be a long season for the Hawks. They had 6 games within 10 points last season and 4 within 7 points. So they were the opposite of Nebraska in the sense of those game could have gone either way. I think Minnesota actually wins the West this year.

 

[Huskers_Rule]

At the risk of having a ton of Iowa fans invade the board

All the media is drooling over the hawkeyes this year - sorry I just do not see it - Last year was a perfect storm for them, they won every close game they were in. They easily could have had another 3-4 losses.

This year the schedule toughens up a bit for them even though all their tough games are at home. Iowa has benefited tremendously from schedule last year and to a smaller extent this year. I still expect to see them with 4 losses this year.

I see nothing from this team to indicate a jump in talent or some new coaching approach - I do like their QB but teams will scheme better for him this year. All in all I do not see any reason for picking these guys to have another good season

I don't think they win but that QB will give them a chance. He makes plays and very few mistakes, they won't beat themselves.

 

[Redrico]

Their QB is a real plus for them but things just kinda fell their way last year - I also think TA could have a huge year in fact I am excited about the entire offense

He is almost like a Trent Folder type with a little more production. Doesn't scare you but a tremendous game manager who never unlike a qb we know kills his team. End of the day he found ways to win the regular season games last year. Hope we end the season strong and beat them

 

[Gonzo3705]

"Not beating yourself" is not something that should be understated. It is the difference between winning and losing in close games and something that isn't particularly easy.

Iowa is by no means great in terms of talent but are a solid team in that sense, mainly due to their QB. They will still lose a few games this year based on being underwhelming in terms of talent.

Think of the years that NU beat itself in terms of making mistakes. The 1999 team comes to mind. They would have played for (and won IMO) the national title had they not fumbled all over themselves vs TX. There were a few other games they had which should not have been as close.

 

[scarletred]

I think Iowa will lose 2 or 3 games. If NDSU upsets them (which it wouldn't surprise me) it could be a long season for the Hawks. They had 6 games within 10 points last season and 4 within 7 points. So they were the opposite of Nebraska in the sense of those game could have gone either way. I think Minnesota actually wins the West this year.

From I seen from No Dakota St they will not upset Iowa.... No Dakota St good but not as good as some their past teams... Michigan, Nebraska, Penn St,Wisconsin and NW will be their toughest games and Minnesota always plays them tough up in Minneapolis.

I'd agree 9-3 would be the worst record unless Bethard has a bad injury.

 

[hexumhawk]

Beathard is way more of a playmaker than he gets credit for. Remember, I think Iowa might have trailed about a total of 3 minutes of game time last year so he didnt have to over extend himself. Also, he was hurt for most of the year with the groin/hernia so you will see a much more mobile threat out there.

Ferentz's coaching style will always lend itself to being in close games. Thats why we beat some teams we shouldnt and lose to others they shouldnt.

THey have a solid team but Iowa isnt going to out talent the league. It will come down to limiting mistakes and making plays when they need to. They did those things for the most part last year. Their schedule is favorable so the only game I see on the schedule that they might be dogs in is Michigan at home. Should be an interesting West as I could see Neb, Minn, and even NW having great years.

 

[Huskers_Rule]

Beathard is way more of a playmaker than he gets credit for. Remember, I think Iowa might have trailed about a total of 3 minutes of game time last year so he didnt have to over extend himself. Also, he was hurt for most of the year with the groin/hernia so you will see a much more mobile threat out there.

Ferentz's coaching style will always lend itself to being in close games. Thats why we beat some teams we shouldnt and lose to others they shouldnt.

THey have a solid team but Iowa isnt going to out talent the league. It will come down to limiting mistakes and making plays when they need to. They did those things for the most part last year. Their schedule is favorable so the only game I see on the schedule that they might be dogs in is Michigan at home. Should be an interesting West as I could see Neb, Minn, and even NW having great years.

When is your schedule ever not favorable?

 

[pickr374]

When is your schedule ever not favorable?

15-16 year SOS final numbers:
Iowa- 51
Neb- 50

16-17 Preaseason SOS:
Iowa- 24
Neb- 25

Seems pretty even to me.
https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/ranking/schedule-strength-by-other

 

[rrthusker]

Beathard is way more of a playmaker than he gets credit for. Remember, I think Iowa might have trailed about a total of 3 minutes of game time last year so he didnt have to over extend himself. Also, he was hurt for most of the year with the groin/hernia so you will see a much more mobile threat out there.

Ferentz's coaching style will always lend itself to being in close games. Thats why we beat some teams we shouldnt and lose to others they shouldnt.

THey have a solid team but Iowa isnt going to out talent the league. It will come down to limiting mistakes and making plays when they need to. They did those things for the most part last year. Their schedule is favorable so the only game I see on the schedule that they might be dogs in is Michigan at home. Should be an interesting West as I could see Neb, Minn, and even NW having great years.

If the Huskers had Beathard we win 3 more games last season.

 

[pickr374]

If the Huskers had Beathard we win 3 more games last season.

I agree with that. Iowa's season usually comes down to how they do in close games-- last year they won all of them. Got some breaks, and some luck. That's what it takes for anyone to have an unbeaten regular season.

 

[TheLiberalHunter]

"Not beating yourself" is not something that should be understated. It is the difference between winning and losing in close games and something that isn't particularly easy.

Iowa is by no means great in terms of talent but are a solid team in that sense, mainly due to their QB. They will still lose a few games this year based on being underwhelming in terms of talent.

Think of the years that NU beat itself in terms of making mistakes. The 1999 team comes to mind. They would have played for (and won IMO) the national title had they not fumbled all over themselves vs TX. There were a few other games they had which should not have been as close.

That 1st sentence says more than you know....VERY important

 

[inorbit]

NDSU beats the pig poopers in Ioway city this season. Take it to the bank.

 

[GretnaShawn]

NDSU beats the pig poopers in Ioway city this season. Take it to the bank.

I kinda thought NDSU didn't look all that great last week. They don't seem to be what they once were.

 

[Bill_Callahan2.0]

Iowa's better than Nebraska.

 

[SWIowahawks]

When is your schedule ever not favorable?

Next season.

 

[huskerbr12]

I think Iowa has at least three losses prior to the Nebraska game. Most likely to Michigan, Penn State, and 1/3 against NW Minn and Wisc.

 

[Huskers_Rule]

15-16 year SOS final numbers:

Seems pretty even to me.
https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/ranking/schedule-strength-by-other

I don't need stats to see the obvious but nice try. I look at our OOC schedule and see names like Oregon, Oklahoma, Tennessee just to mention a few upcoming games. You play who? Iowa also benefits from "parity-based" conference scheduling. I guess that means the conference leadership thinks you all need help.

 

[SWIowahawks]

I don't need stats to see the obvious but nice try. I look at our OOC schedule and see names like Oregon, Oklahoma, Tennessee just to mention a few upcoming games. You play who? Iowa also benefits from "parity-based" conference scheduling. I guess that means the conference leadership thinks you all need help.

Iowa played two Power 5 schools in the OOC last season. Nebraska played one. Iowa and Nebraska basically had the same schedule except you can swap Maryland and MSU. Iowa played the top West teams on the road @Wisconsin, @NW, and @Nebraska.

Nebraska does have the better OOC going forward and I hope Iowa changes that. This has been discussed in another thread about how ISU and 9 conference games hinders Iowa's OOC scheduling.

 

[GretnaShawn]

Iowa played two Power 5 schools in the OOC last season. Nebraska played one. Iowa and Nebraska basically had the same schedule except you can swap Maryland and MSU. Iowa played the top West teams on the road @Wisconsin, @NW, and @Nebraska.

Nebraska does have the better OOC going forward and I hope Iowa changes that. This has been discussed in another thread about how ISU and 9 conference games hinders Iowa's OOC scheduling.

Iowa technically played two P5 teams last year in the OOC. But in reality, your NDSU game this season should be more noteworthy than an ISU win.

 

[SWIowahawks]

Iowa technically played two P5 teams last year in the OOC. But in reality, your NDSU game this season should be more noteworthy than an ISU win.

Not gonna disagree there. Even though I'm not sure NDSU beats Texas. BYU would have beaten ISU last year. Miami also beat Pitt 29-24. It's small semantics. The overall point is that Iowa's schedule wasn't much easier than Nebraska's. Hence, the ratings the guy up top posted.

 

[donahues17]

Weird, one I just looked up has Nebraskas at 105 and Iowa currently at 113. Im guessing that is just for trams you have played so far. Which we all know where they will go to this week.

Iowas season goes with how good of QB they have. When they get a good QB, they do awesome, if not, they are very bad. Much like most traditionally average teams. If Beathard went down they would be in serious trouble. Now that Nebraska is transitioning into a traditionally average teamn they are doing the same with getting a good QB.

 

[HuskerO]

It's kinda nice having a level headed Iowa fan here. Stay as long as you'd like @SWIowahawks