It is simple undefeated Iowa would have played exactly two ranked teams, and possibly only three teams with a winning record, and started the year somewhere around the 60th best team in the country. Too big a hill to climb and not enough teams ranked higher than them to get in the top 4.
A few years ago, espn ran an article about getting to the bcs national championship. Basically, you have to start the year at 13 or higher (or something close to that) and never drop in ranking due to a loss or you are out, even if you are undefeated. Same applies to the playoffs. And that's also assuming your schedule doesn't stink.
Let's be realistic - other than potentially MSU, Iowa doesn't play anyone this year that will have beaten anyone of consequence, and they started in too deep of a hole. I don't think that they will end the season in the top 25, even if they run the table from here on out.
A few years ago, espn ran an article about getting to the bcs national championship. Basically, you have to start the year at 13 or higher (or something close to that) and never drop in ranking due to a loss or you are out, even if you are undefeated. Same applies to the playoffs. And that's also assuming your schedule doesn't stink.
Let's be realistic - other than potentially MSU, Iowa doesn't play anyone this year that will have beaten anyone of consequence, and they started in too deep of a hole. I don't think that they will end the season in the top 25, even if they run the table from here on out.