As crazy as it sounds, I'm actually starting to wonder if Iowa might have a better record next year. Let me explain.
The way the B11 is taking shape this year, it is as tough thru team 8 as it has been in years and Iowa has to play every one of them. While Michigan was always a concerning roadie, MSU, NW and Indiana are really emerging as more challenging than I would have thought before the season.
What's more, I am becoming more unimpressed with the consistency of the OL / rushing game as the season progresses and the competition improves. Not to rehash the debate over the 2nd 1/2 of PSU but most arguments point to the terrible rushing losses being more a credit to PSU's adjustments and less due to Iowa going fetal. Geez, if an above average PSU defense can "out-adjust" Iowa in the 2nd half, imagine what OSU and MSU will be capable of. Couple that with seemingly poorer offensive execution as the game progresses and you might also be facing an uphill battle on the road against Michigan, NW and Indy.
Now, before you all attack, I'm not "on the ledge" about any of this. I still believe Iowa can finish 11-1. Just seeing some concerns in the 2nd half offense and a much tougher B11 than I thought it would be that make me feel it's not so outlandish to see Hawks losing another 2 - 4 games this year.
While I think the 2010 Hawks would beat the 2011 Hawks by 2-digits, the 2011 Hawks are still going to be very solid and be much more experienced and deep where it counts (the OL, RB and the LB). I also see no tOSU, Indy taking a step back (losing Chappell) and NW, Mich, MSU all at home.
As Jon projected, next year could be 9-3 solid. Unlike any of us projected, this year could be 8-4.
Just sayin'.