Iowa missed a chance to take advantage of a down year from Wisconsin in 2018 to claim a wide-open Big Ten West race. But at least the Hawkeyes were able to redeem their 2018 season by defeating Mississippi State in the Outback Bowl. Kirk Ferentz’s team reached nine wins after winning their second straight bowl game.
The Hawkeyes did a number on opponents thanks to a stingy and at times greedy defense. Only two other teams in the country picked off more passes than the 20 interceptions hauled in by Iowa in 2018, and they allowed fewer than 300 yards and 18 points per game. In contrast, the offense finished a respectable top-50 in scoring, averaging more than 31 points each outing.
Can Iowa step up and take charge in the Big Ten West race in 2019? The Hawkeyes get Nate Stanley as part of eight returning offensive starters. There will be some rebuilding on defense, but they will have a legitimate shot against state rival Iowa State in non-conference play and avoided Ohio State in interdivisional play.