Iowa Football: 5 reasons Iowa will be better than Iowa State in 2018

3. Scheduling

2017 provided brutal scheduling for Iowa and Iowa State. Both teams played some of the stiffest competition in college football as Iowa’s schedule was rated the tenth toughest in the country, with opponents such as Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin. Iowa State’s was ranked the 20th-toughest with opponents such as TCU, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in a top-heavy Big 12.

Iowa has been criticized relentlessly for their “cupcake” non-conference schedule. While this is the case sometimes, last year it wasn’t, as Wyoming possessed first-round draft pick Josh Allen, Iowa State showed plenty signs of life, and North Texas made it to the Conference USA Championship Game. The slate looks a bit easier but Northern Illinois looks like a bit of test as they’re the favorite to win the MAC. Iowa’s Big Ten slate is considerably easier than last season’s.

Iowa State has also had some bad non-conference games recently, and have lost some even worse ones. This season brings FCS power South Dakota State to Ames, a team that is not to be slept on. Following the Cy-Hawk game, Akron makes a trip to Iowa State, a team who advanced to the MAC Championship Game last year. ISU’s Big 12 slate is about as strong as it was last season, However.