Iowa Will Challenge Nebraska, Wisconsin In Big 10 West

Iowa had its most impressive performance of the season this week, besting Indiana 45-29 in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes’ season has been defined by winning ugly despite poor quarterback play. Although C.J. Beathard ran the offense for a few series, Jake Rudock looked like the man under center against the Hoosiers with an efficient performance and a perfectly thrown 72-yard bomb to WR Damond Powell. Kirk Ferentz may still go with the two-QB system for now, but Rudock should at least garner the bulk of the snaps, which is good news for Iowa fans. The renewed strength of the offense makes the Hawkeyes a serious contender to win the Big 10 West.

After struggling with FCS Northern Iowa, Ball State and losing to rival Iowa State, the Hawkeyes appeared to be headed for a disappointing season. Just a few weeks later, Iowa is in the driver’s seat in the Big 10 West at 2-0 with a favorable upcoming schedule and rejuvenated offense. Ferentz is often criticized for his conservative game management, but he converted on a fourth-and-2 in the first quarter, an encouraging sign for Hawkeye fans sick of Ferentz’s tendency to punt inside opposing territory. The offensive renaissance is promising, but the biggest reason Iowa has a chance to win the division is the schedule. Iowa has three very winnable road games left, leading up to the final two weeks when both Wisconsin and Nebraska must travel to Iowa City. Should the Hawkeyes enter that stretch with no more than one loss, the Big 10 West will almost definitely be won in Iowa City.

The key to the remainder of Iowa’s season will be containing star running backs. Indiana RB Tevin Coleman racked up 219 yards on just 15 carries (14.6 YPC), an even more dominant performance than Pittsburgh RB James Conner’s 29 carries for 155 yards (5.3) against the Hawkeye front seven. Iowa was stout in run defense against its other opponents, but the trend against top ball-carriers is alarming. Iowa won’t face a dynamic running back in the next four games, but both premier programs standing in the way of a berth in the Big 10 Championship Game feature nationally elite runners. Limiting Melvin Gordon and Ameer Abdullah will be a huge challenge for the Hawkeyes. Fortunately for Iowa, Minnesota will be a good litmus test for the defense’s matchup with Wisconsin and Nebraska’s star rushers. Golden Gopher RB David Cobb will test the Hawkeye front seven on Nov. 8.

If Iowa can fix the rush defense by this game, a trip to Indianapolis may just be in reach.