Iowa Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2018

Iowa football rode the high and low tides of 2017 to a respectable 8-5 record, how will the Hawkeyes fare in Kirk Ferentz’s 20th season in Iowa City?

The Hawkeyes hit the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in the 2017 season, and perhaps they hit both of those a little too closer than fans would’ve wanted. Iowa annihilated the then sixth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 55-24 in a historic blowout at Kinnick Stadium as fans stormed the field in celebration. The following week, they fell to earth hard as Wisconsin held the Hawkeyes to under 100 yards of total offense in a 38-17 beating in Camp Randall. Iowa did finish the season with a bowl win over Boston College to finish 8-5.

As the Hawkeye faithful turns its attention to the 2018 season, there are many reasons to be excited. Following his first season as a starter, quarterback Nate Stanley showed a fantastic upside and proved he would do whatever it would take to win. Tight end Noah Fant emerged as a superstar at tight end, embarrassing many of the Big Ten’s best linebackers in the passing game. The youth of Iowa has also showed much promise, players such as A.J. Epenesa, Tristan Wirfs, and Ivory Kelly-Martin showed glimpses of greatness throughout the season.

The schedule for the 2018 season also appears to be less of a challenge than the 2018 season. Out of the 12 teams the Hawkeyes will face, six teams made a bowl game in 2017. The Hawkeyes had a rough Big Ten slate in 2017 facing Big Ten East powers Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State. While Penn State remains on the schedule in 2018, Iowa faces Indiana and Maryland as crossover opponents, much easier matchups than the Buckeyes and the Spartans.

How will 2018 treat the black and gold? Let’s go game-by-game starting with the opener against NIU.