The Iowa Hawkeyes are an interesting name in the college football world. They are far from a tin can, one of the teams that gets beat up on by everyone on the schedule.
That said, they are clearly in the second tier of the Big Ten behind programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. But what kind of expectations are there for the 2023 season?
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How Last Year Went
Fans of the Hawkeyes will call the 7-5 record in 2022 a disappointment and well they wouldn’t be wrong. Even with a dominant 21-0 win over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl, there was a lot to be desired from the schedule overall. Still, no doubt they continue to be one of the best football teams in Iowa.
The offense was a major sore point, topping 24 points just three times over the course of the season. And while they did well against lesser opponents (for the most part), they were never really in games against Michigan (27-14) and Ohio State (54-10). Even more disappointing losses came against Illinois (9-6) and rival Nebraska (24-17) to finish out the regular season.
The Schedule Ahead
The schedule lines up for Iowa to make noise in 2023. Michigan and Ohio State are off the schedule. Yes, there is still Penn State and a Michigan State program that is trending upwards, but those are far and away the toughest tests.
The road schedule features a must-win against Iowa State, the Penn State game, a trip to Camp-Randall against Wisconsin, and heading into Husker Nation to face Nebraska. At home, Iowa gets Michigan State, Illinois, Rutgers, and Purdue. The non-conference slate also has tin cans Utah State and Michigan State, making everything quite manageable.
We've got some kick times ‼️
94 days…#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/3J7o324WYq
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) May 31, 2023
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2023 Season Projections
The real question is how the 2023 season will look, especially in the wake of a disappointing 8-5 (7-5 regular season) record. Let’s take a look at the season to come but keep in mind that a lot of things can change in the two months before the season kicks off.
9/2 vs. Utah State
Iowa is the overwhelming favorite to win the game outright and leads the series 2-0, the last victory being a 48-7 route back in 2002. Utah State is a secondary program that should not have much hope of walking into Kinnick Stadium with a chance to win. Win.
9/9 @ Iowa State
One of the more underrated rivalry games in the nation, it is always a battle between the Hawkeyes and Cyclones. Iowa State walked away the victor in 2022, outlasting Iowa in a 10-7 physical slugfest. The Cyclones definitely make a battle of it whenever these two teams lock horns. Win.
9/16 vs. Western Michigan
The last time these two met up, Iowa absolutely housed Western Michigan to the tune of 59-3. There is no reason to believe the Broncos can do much more than that, so chalk this up as another win with the Big Ten schedule getting ready to start. Win.
9/23 @ Penn State
With all due respect to the Cyclones, this is the first (and arguably biggest) test for the Hawkeyes in 2023. Heading into Death Valley, the projections don’t look good for Iowa, despite the most recent meeting in 2021 going to Iowa 23-20. Both teams play hard-nosed, Big Ten football, so expect another tight one. Still, it’s hard to expect Iowa to walk into hostile territory and win. Loss.
9/30 vs. Michigan State
As of now, Iowa is slightly favored and leads the all-time series (24-22-2). The last time they met – back in 2020 – Iowa crushed the Spartans 49-7. This one should be much tougher and is very much a coin flip. Let’s give it to the home team. Win.
10/7 vs. Purdue
Iowa dominated in a 24- winning effort last year. This matchup will be back at Kinnick, giving the Hawkeyes the distinct advantage. Add another dub to the list. Win.
10/14 @ Wisconsin
Wisconsin is very similar to Iowa in a lot of ways. Last year, Iowa held strong in a 24-10 win at Camp Randall. They’ll get another shot this year, though the odds of winning two in a row aren’t strong. Loss.
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 🏈#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/11Ya5YcADX
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) May 25, 2023
10/21 vs. Minnesota
Minnesota is a tough out and Iowa barely got by (13-10) last year. Iowa should be a slight favorite in this one so give the coin flip to the home team as well. Win.
11/4 vs. Northwestern
Northwestern is on a downward trend again. Staring down a trip to Kinnick, the ‘Cats don’t hold much hope of anything other than a tight game that ultimately goes to the Hawkeyes. Win.
11/11 vs. Rutgers
This home stretch can be a big one for Iowa. Rutgers is one of the bottom-feeders of the Big Ten and the Hawkeyes can use this one to pad their record even further. Win.
11/18 vs. Illinois
Last year’s matchup was ugly, a 9-6 win by Illinois. Look for the Hawkeyes to get revenge on home turf and put themselves in a good position for a Big Ten Championship Game appearance. Win.
11/24 @ Nebraska
There could be a lot at stake here. Iowa lost last year but Nebraska is starting over with new coach Matt Ruhle. With a potentially big bowl appearance at stake, look for a revenge game from Iowa. Win.
Final projected record: 10-2
More than just football.
Our team ranked fifth among all D1 football teams in volunteer hours this past academic year‼️#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/uaKGzlip0R
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) May 22, 2023
