There is really no game we have any excuse for losing except maybe Ohio State
11 win season including the bowl. The upside on this team is too great to take anything less before the season plays.
9-3 with a good bowl would be a great season
+1...agree...this type of Iowa talent comes together about once every 9-10 years...it's a perfect storm this year with the 'holes' to fill being somewhat minor, totally offset by the talent returning, coupled with the most favorable home schedule I can remember. All-americans galore...all offensive yardage of note coming back...best DL in the nation....best SS in the nation.
Anything less than double digit regular season wins would be a disappointment for me.
Replacing the bulk of the offensive line is not minor. This, and of course, any unfortunate injuries can derail this whole season. An offense is only as good as it's offensive line, and there are just too many question marks for me to seriously believe that we are a lead-pipe lock to go double-digit wins.
If the line gels early in the season, and we avoid disaterous injuries, then yes, 10-13 wins is most definately in the realm of possiblity. On the flipside, if the O-line is weak, or we're hit by a rash of injuries, we could just as easily end up with only 6-9 wins.
As much as we Hawk fans hate to admit it, we all know the margin for error is razor thin here at Iowa.
This may be true but don't forget where our head coach's area of expertise is either. I'm fairly confident the line will come together.
That being said, I'm really hoping for a 10+ win season. Anything less than 9 wins would really put a damper on the current momentum of the program.