Based on ESPN's Football Power Index ratings, here's how Iowa would have fared this year against Nebraska's schedule (the Hawks' FPI is 9.1, good for 25th in the country, while Nebraska is at 8.9 and tied for 27th), with a four-point home field advantage factored in. The Purdue and Wisconsin results are actual results because they were played in the same venue by both Nebraska and Iowa:
- at Illinois (change of venue tightens the score from actual result) Win by 6
- vs. Fordham Win
- vs. Buffalo Win by 21
- @ Oklahoma Lose by 12
- @ Michigan State Lose by 5
- vs. Northwestern (change of venue) Win by 19
- vs. Michigan Lose by 6
- @ Minnesota (change of venue) Lose by 1
- vs. Purdue (actual result) Lose by 17
- vs. Ohio State Lose by 12
- @Wisconsin (actual result) Lose by 20
So the Hawkeyes would be 4-7 and heading into this weekend's game and on a five-game losing streak, though the Minnesota game could be flipped.
Here's how Nebraska would have fared against Iowa's schedule:
- vs. Indiana Win by 17
- @ Iowa State Lose by 9
- vs. Kent State Win by 21
- vs. Colorado State Win by 19
- @ Maryland Win by 9
- vs. Penn State Toss-up but assume Nebraska chokes and Loses in OT
- vs. Purdue (actual result) Lose by 5
- @ Wisconsin (actual result) Lose by 7
- @ Northwestern (change of venue) Win by 11
- Minnesota (change of venue) Win by 5
- vs. Illinois (change of venue) Win by 14
So the Huskers would be 7-4 heading into this weekend's game.
Imagine how the narrative around each program changes if the schedules had been flipped.