Maybe you should compare Iowa's non-conference opponents with other top football schools. Alabama will usually play one non-league opponent with a pulse. The other 3 are ALWAYS directional schools and patsies.From 2016-2019, Alabama played Western Kentucky, Kent State,Tenn/Chat., Fresno State, Colorado State, Mercer, Ark. State, Louisianna Layfayette, the Citadel, Duke, New Mex. State So. Miss. and Western Carolina.
Iowa always has to play ISU. It is not Iowa's fault that they usually suck. Iowa often times plays another power 5 school in addition to usually a MAC school. The realty is Iowa schedules pretty similar to most Power 5 schools.