Iowa Football: Can Hawkeyes escape 8-win purgatory?

Schedule and prediction

There’s really only two ways for this season to go for Iowa. The talent they have makes their floor seven or eight wins, as per usual. That talent also makes this a potential breakout year.

This team is roughly as good as the 2015 team was, especially if Stanley improves. That team made the Rose Bowl, and was inches from the playoff. I don’t think that’s super realistic for this group, but it’s not impossible.

To help their cause, this schedule is super favorable. They dodge Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State in crossover games. Penn State on the road is probably a loss, but Indiana and Maryland are manageable.

Their non-conference schedule should provide little resistance. Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa are easy wins. Iowa State may be difficult, but I think they’ll take a step back this year.

There’s no “gauntlet month” on this schedule. They get Wisconsin and Nebraska at home, months apart. Purdue will challenge their defense, but it’s certainly still winnable. Losses to Penn State and Wisconsin are likely. Though getting Wisconsin in Kinnick is super dangerous.

Prediction: 9-3

Next: Building the best college football super team

In an ideal season, Iowa could win 11 games in this schedule. However, their lack of experience and possible struggles running the ball might hold them back. Poor linebacker play is a risk as well.

With all that considered, losses to Wisconsin, Penn State and a possible let down game (Purdue, Nebraska, Indiana) are likely. I think Iowa breaks through the eight win curse. I think they only do it by one win, however.