jameskalina
Well-Known Member
Last spring I predicted Iowa to go 7-5 with a loss in September, a loss to Penn State, a loss to Northwestern and losses in two of the final three games in November. This was a preliminary prediction as I wanted to see what the summer and preseason practices brought as well as the progress (or lack of) of Iowa's opponents through August.
After hearing reports about Iowa and the opponents I'm confident the Hawks will win more than seven games, unless serious attrition happens within the team (injuries, etc.).
Over the weekend I struggled with a final prediction on whether to go with 8-4 or 9-3. I see either record as realistic because this team has a lot of young talent and all it needs is game day experience to get better. The schedule sets up nicely for this to happen without losing many games in the process. On the other hand, Iowa has a habit of losing (or coming dangerously close to losing) a game in September they should win. Penn State has reportedly improved a lot since spring practice and the game is in Happy Valley. I'm not convinced the Northwestern jinx is over for the Hawks. Northwestern seems to have our number. But, Purdue lost their starting QB, probably for the season. Also, I'm not convinced Nebraska will be unbeatable in Lincoln after playing a very demanding Big Ten schedule that could result in injuries to some of their key players.
This said, I would have no problem picking Iowa to go 9-3. But to play it conservatively, I'm going with 8-4. I see the losses coming to Iowa State, Penn State, Northwestern and Michigan State. Iowa will upset Nebraska during Thanksgiving weekend.
If the Hawks run the table in September then a 9-3 or better record is probable.
After hearing reports about Iowa and the opponents I'm confident the Hawks will win more than seven games, unless serious attrition happens within the team (injuries, etc.).
Over the weekend I struggled with a final prediction on whether to go with 8-4 or 9-3. I see either record as realistic because this team has a lot of young talent and all it needs is game day experience to get better. The schedule sets up nicely for this to happen without losing many games in the process. On the other hand, Iowa has a habit of losing (or coming dangerously close to losing) a game in September they should win. Penn State has reportedly improved a lot since spring practice and the game is in Happy Valley. I'm not convinced the Northwestern jinx is over for the Hawks. Northwestern seems to have our number. But, Purdue lost their starting QB, probably for the season. Also, I'm not convinced Nebraska will be unbeatable in Lincoln after playing a very demanding Big Ten schedule that could result in injuries to some of their key players.
This said, I would have no problem picking Iowa to go 9-3. But to play it conservatively, I'm going with 8-4. I see the losses coming to Iowa State, Penn State, Northwestern and Michigan State. Iowa will upset Nebraska during Thanksgiving weekend.
If the Hawks run the table in September then a 9-3 or better record is probable.
