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Iowa Football: 2018 game-by-game predictions

By Quinn Douglas

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Nathan Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes passes against the Boston College Eagles during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 27-20. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Nathan Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes passes against the Boston College Eagles during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 27-20. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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Iowa football looks to have a much more promising schedule than a year ago. Can the Hawkeyes knock off Wisconsin and bring home the West Division crown?

A year ago, there was a bit of uncertainty within the Iowa program. Brian Ferentz, son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, was beginning his first season as offensive coordinator and was starting with true sophomore Nate Stanley at quarterback. Iowa was also replacing a star on the defensive side of the ball with the departure of shutdown corner Desmond King. Josh Jackson was seen as a guy who could step into his role but the question was how well he could.

Fast forward a year later, Brian is feeling much more comfortable in his role, Stanley had one of the best statistical seasons ever by an Iowa quarterback and Josh Jackson became a nationwide star following his three interceptions against Ohio State and two pick-sixes against Wisconsin. However, Jackson did what his predecessor did not by cashing in on the NFL following his junior year.

Iowa appears to have more of an identity going into the 2018 season than they did last September. However, the week before camp has been a costly one as defensive linemen Brady Reiff was charged with public intoxication and sophomore offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs was charged with OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) early Sunday morning on July 29. Both will serve one-game suspensions and it was also recently announced that starting free safety Brandon Snyder has transferred to South Dakota State.

While these events do hurt the Hawkeyes, I do not believe these will affect the predictions I have. Let’s get right to it.

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