Wut? A pair of Top 25 teams in lil ole Iowa!!

[karras]

This is how you know you had a good season. Top 25 baby

https://athlonsports.com/college-football/way-too-early-top-25-college-football-rankings-2019


17. Iowa

The Hawkeyes capped a solid 2018 season with a New Year's Day victory over Mississippi State in the Outback Bowl. Of Iowa’s four losses, three came by six points or less and the other was by 11. Contending for the Big Ten West Division title is certainly within reach in 2019. Quarterback Nate Stanley returns after throwing for 26 touchdowns, and the backfield features a promising trio in Mekhi Sargent, Toren Young and Ivory Kelly-Martin. Coach Kirk Ferentz’s top priority on offense will be restocking the playmakers for Stanley. Tight end Noah Fant declared for the NFL, and T.J. Hockenson could also leave early. Nick Easley was the team’s top statistical wide receiver and finished his eligibility after the Outback Bowl. The Hawkeyes will need more out of wideouts Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Brandon Smith next season. The tackle duo of Alaric Jackson and Tristan Wirfs provide a strong foundation up front, but guard Ross Reynolds and center Keegan Render must be replaced. If the defense doesn’t suffer any early departures to the NFL, this unit will rank near the top of the Big Ten. A.J. Epenesa should be among the nation’s top linemen in 2019 after recording 10.5 sacks this season. The tackle position has to be restocked, but Anthony Nelson and Epenesa would form one of the top end combinations in the nation. Safety Amani Hooker is another player considering a jump to the NFL, but his return would only bolster a pass defense that ranked near the top of the Big Ten. The schedule is one reason why Iowa may not contend for the Big Ten title in 2019. The Hawkeyes play Iowa State, Michigan, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Nebraska on the road next year.

 

[HawkeyeWalker]

When you see it written and summarized, it makes me more concerned if Hock and Nelson also leave.

Potentially lose 2 NFL TEs, the 3 top receivers, 2 interior Oline, NFl level D lineman, and the best and most versatile Safety in the B1G.

This ranking appears to be based on Hock, Hooker, and Nelson all staying....not sure any will and Hooker is confirmed gone.

Tougher schedule on paper.

Gonna need guys to emerge and Stanley and the offense to take another step to fulfill this ranking.

 

[tweeterhawk]

When you see it written and summarized, it makes me more concerned if Hock and Nelson also leave.

Potentially lose 2 NFL TEs, the 3 top receivers, 2 interior Oline, NFl level D lineman, and the best and most versatile Safety in the B1G.

This ranking appears to be based on Hock, Hooker, and Nelson all staying....not sure any will and Hooker is confirmed gone.

Tougher schedule on paper.

Gonna need guys to emerge and Stanley and the offense to take another step to fulfill this ranking.

Next man in.

 

[ssckelley]

I'll be more excited if Iowa ends next season ranked as that means they pulled off an upset or 2. The road schedule next year appears to be brutal with road games at Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa St, and Northwestern. As of right now all those road games would be an upset to win.

 

[ChosenChildren]

Bowl games are important. Beating a ranked MSU is making a difference

 

[uihawk82]

I'll be more excited if Iowa ends next season ranked as that means they pulled off an upset or 2. The road schedule next year appears to be brutal with road games at Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa St, and Northwestern. As of right now all those road games would be an upset to win.

Thorsen beat Iowa the last 3 times and he is gone. He was an incredibly tough competitor, he made big runs and big throws. And NW seems to know how to stop or slow down our scoring. I dont think it is a upset for Iowa to beat NW home or on the road almost anytime the hawks play them. The last two times Iowa played them the hawks scored about 14 and 10 points which is on our offensive coaches.

 

[WDMTIGERHAWK2]

I watched the NorthWestern Bowl game. They have a quarterback transfer from Clemson! You know, the team that has played in the CFP about 3 of the last 4 years. This kid has been playing for NW practice squad all year. He is likely better the Thorsen. Thorsen was OK. We can beat NW but don't think it will be because of their new "inexperienced QB".

 

[karras]

Next man in.

2018 NFL all pros
Desmond King - 3 star
George Kittle - 2 star
Marshal Yanda - 2 star
King behind only Stephon Gilmore as highest rated DB.
Kittle most receiving yards in a season by a TE in NFL history - beat out Ertz for All-pro, beat Kelce for receiving yards.
Yanda named All Pro for 7th time.


Tied with Texas for most in league.

 

[karras]

I'll be more excited if Iowa ends next season ranked as that means they pulled off an upset or 2. The road schedule next year appears to be brutal with road games at Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa St, and Northwestern. As of right now all those road games would be an upset to win.

Listed is what blue blood programs have accomplished since (2001)
Texas - 7 top 10s, 5 major bowls, 1 nat title
USC - 9 top 10s, 9 major bowls, 2 nat titles
Alabama - 12 top 10s, 9 major bowls, 5 nat titles
Michigan - 5 top 10s, 6 major bowls
OSU - 15 top 10s, 14 major bowls, 2 nat titles
ND - 3 top 10s, 5 major bowls
OU - 11 top 10s, 13 major bowls
Penn State - 5 top 10s, 4 major bowls
Iowa - 5 top 10s, 3 major bowls

We got this, we're a blue blood.

 

[karras]

I watched the NorthWestern Bowl game. They have a quarterback transfer from Clemson! You know, the team that has played in the CFP about 3 of the last 4 years. This kid has been playing for NW practice squad all year. He is likely better the Thorsen. Thorsen was OK. We can beat NW but don't think it will be because of their new "inexperienced QB".

At least one service rated him a 5 star.
Stanley vs the 5-star
We win, because we are . . .

 

[ssckelley]

Thorsen beat Iowa the last 3 times and he is gone. He was an incredibly tough competitor, he made big runs and big throws. And NW seems to know how to stop or slow down our scoring. I dont think it is a upset for Iowa to beat NW home or on the road almost anytime the hawks play them. The last two times Iowa played them the hawks scored about 14 and 10 points which is on our offensive coaches.

Every year, and I mean EVERY year, I look at the Northwestern game as a win for Iowa and the past 3 seasons have been losses with 2 of them at home. So I'm going to stop looking at the Northwestern game as a win. It may not be an upset on the national level but as of right now I'm considering that game an upset if Iowa wins it.

 

[homes]

Thorsen beat Iowa the last 3 times and he is gone. He was an incredibly tough competitor, he made big runs and big throws. And NW seems to know how to stop or slow down our scoring. I dont think it is a upset for Iowa to beat NW home or on the road almost anytime the hawks play them. The last two times Iowa played them the hawks scored about 14 and 10 points which is on our offensive coaches.

Yes, Iowa should have a Northwestern game plan that they use which bears no resemblance to any other. Hint - Use the 2015 game plan.

 

[peerok]

Northwestern has averaged 9 wins a year for the last 4 years. At some point, people have to acknowledge they have a pretty good program and their wins were not always a fluke.