12) Northern Iowa
It’s a division that’s a step down. Automatically goes to the back of the line.
11) Northern Illinois
It’s a step down non-conference game. If it weren’t for the game listed on previous line then that’s where it would be.
10) Michigan State
This is a bad team.
Should be called Northern Michigan State.
9) @Purdue
Interested to see if Iowa’s defense can stop/slow down the playmakers or if those playmakers will even be healthy.
Black and Gold rivalry, I guess.
8) @Illinois
Iowa gets a lot of recruits from this state and battle over the same recruits. Can’t let the orange chiefs off the ground. This was a 9 pt game last season against a very young team. Better strap it tight.
7) Northwestern
Same as above with a coach that has his system established and a QB with a pulse. Grudging respect to Fitzgerald and under-rated Ramsey.
6) Nebraska
I don’t judge Iowa based on Nebby’s program who falls to #6 on my list.
5) @Minnesota
Can’t wait to see how PJ Fleck will tip the canoe this season. I flipped this with Nebraska since they will fight for the division.
4) Iowa State
In state division rival.
3) @Penn State
Owns Iowa. Repeat.
Owns Back in Black.
Can’t wait to see if PSU has Joe Paterno’s statue guarded for this game.
2) @Ohio State
Best team in the Big10 cannot be lower than this spot.
1) Wisconsin
Rival in division with cleats on the throat.
‘Nuff said
