Big Ten Football Power Rankings, Week 7: Iowa reigns supreme

1. Iowa Hawkeyes (6-0, 3-0)

How do you know the fans have embraced their football team’s identity? When the crowd gives a rousing ovation for the punter. Hawkeye nation has embraced this football team. Legendary wrestling commentator Jim “JR” Ross would call the Hawkeyes style of play “bowling shoe ugly.”

Iowa’s style of play, ball control, field position, and trusting the defense might not be aesthetically pleasing, but it is effective. So much so, the Hawkeyes are undefeated after their 23-20 home victory against Penn State.

Granted, their victory was aided by Sean Clifford’s injury; however, that was not a non-contact injury.  The Hawkeyes knocked Clifford out of the game on a clean hit. It was that physicality that helped Iowa win that game.

The Hawkeyes did not panic and stuck to their game plan, down 10 points midway through the third quarter. Iowa kicked a couple of field goals, trusted their defense, and got the big play late to seal the game.

The Hawkeyes have a manageable schedule the rest of the season; Purdue is the only team left on their regular-season schedule with a winning record. The path to Indianapolis is there for Iowa. If styles make fights, then Ohio State/Iowa has to be the game everyone wants to see.