Which Of The Big 3 Early B!G Games Will Iowa Win and Why?

[BigDelHawk]

My Prediction

Iowa beats Michigan. Michigan had 30 portal transfers and has yet another head coach, Kyle Wittingham. They will not have gelled yet. They will also have played against Oklahoma. Iowa will have much better film to view regarding Michigan's tendencies, they will be more exposed. Iowa will see more of their playbook than Iowa will have shown. ISU being down this year will allow Iowa to not have to dig deep into the playbook to win.
.
Michigan Offensive Changes

• • Base Offense: Transitioning to a spread offense utilizing 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three receivers) as its foundational look.
  • Coordinator: Led by offensive coordinator Jason Beck, bringing elements from his previous effective stops. [1, 2]

Michigan Defensive Changes

• 
  Base Defense: Implementing a 4-2-5 nickel base scheme (four-down lineman, two linebackers, five defensive backs) that shifts to a traditional 4-3 against heavier 12 personnel looks. [1]
  • Coordinator: Run by new defensive coordinator Jay Hill (formerly of BYU), focusing heavily on an attacking style, pressure packages, and man coverage

Less Certain is Ohio State. Iowa City at night is a big boost for Iowa. Both Iowa and Ohio State run a Shanahan Style of Offense. So both defenses will be running downhill as they see these looks every day in practice. Ohio State lost 35 to the portal, and are bringing in 17. Again, loss of depth and continuity that you cannot replace easily. Their full playbook will likely not be ready. This game is going to be tighter than the national pundits think. I call Iowa beats Ohio State by four.

Washington? That game is a loss, the West Coast jinx continues.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

 

[Grayhair1981]

My Prediction

Iowa beats Michigan Michigan had 30 portal transfers and has yet another head coach, Kyle Wittingham. They will not have gelled yet. They will also have played against Oklahoma. Iowa will have much better film to view regarding Michigan's tendencies, they will be more exposed. Iowa will see more of their playbook than Iowa will have shown. ISU being down this year will allow Iowa to not have to dig deep into the playbook to win.
.
Michigan Offensive Changes

• • Base Offense: Transitioning to a spread offense utilizing 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three receivers) as its foundational look.
  • Coordinator: Led by offensive coordinator Jason Beck, bringing elements from his previous effective stops. [1, 2]

Michigan Defensive Changes

• 
  Base Defense: Implementing a 4-2-5 nickel base scheme (four-down lineman, two linebackers, five defensive backs) that shifts to a traditional 4-3 against heavier 12 personnel looks. [1]
  • Coordinator: Run by new defensive coordinator Jay Hill (formerly of BYU), focusing heavily on an attacking style, pressure packages, and man coverage

Less Certain is Ohio State. Iowa City at night is a big boost for Iowa. Both Iowa and Ohio State run a Shanahan Style of Offense. So both defenses will be running downhill as they see these looks every day in practice. Ohio State lost 35 to the portal, and are brining in 17. Again, loss of depth and continuity that you cannot replace easily. Their full playbook will likely not be ready. This game is going to be tighter than the national pundits think. I call Iowa beats Ohio State by four.

Washington? That game is a loss, the West Coast jinx continues.

I have no idea whether the Hawks will beat Michigan but the "spread offense" tag should not lead anyone to think Utah was soft. They ran the ball 60% of the time under Whittingham. This is not the new Wisconsin offense. They have 6 defensive tackles over 300 lbs
They will be a challenge physically.

 

[BigDelHawk]

I have no idea whether the Hawks will beat Michigan but the "spread offense" tag should not lead anyone to think Utah was soft. They ran the ball 60% of the time under Whittingham. This is not the new Wisconsin offense. They have 6 defensive tackles over 300 lbs
They will be a challenge physically.

Big linemen like that will tire once Lester gets them running the wrong direction and they have to adjust. Lester is a very good Offensive Coordinator. Watch the ANF podcasts on You Tube.

 

[85Bears]

I expect to go 0-3 in that stretch, which is understandable. Could win one of these and then drop a game to Minnesota or Illinois.

 

[rchawk]

I'll also go with Michigan on the road, but a win at Washington would be sweet. Get that West Coast monkey off our back.

 

[WeBeHerkin]

Michigan game will go back and forth and be close. If only we had them at our place. Kirk always has them ready in Ann Arbor.

we get beat by Ohio State. We got no one that can cover Smith.

I think we beat the Huskies as long as we win the turnover battle. I would guess in this game we will be about 66% rush and just wear them out.

 

[rchawk]

I have faith in the football smarts of Kirk Ferentz, Phil Parker, Tim Lester, the position coaches, to analyze why Iowa has trouble out west.

The Hawks fly as far as Rutgers and Maryland. What is it with Washington, California, and Arizona?

Maybe it's just plain bad luck.

 

[KuwaitHawk]

I don’t see the Bucknut game being at night. More like 11
Or 2:30.

 

[BigDelHawk]

Michigan game will go back and forth and be close. If only we had them at our place. Kirk always has them ready in Ann Arbor.

we get beat by Ohio State. We got no one that can cover Smith.

I think we beat the Huskies as long as we win the turnover battle. I would guess in this game we will be about 66% rush and just wear them out.

I hope you are right about the Huskies. Short week to recover has me worried.

 

[HawksRule73]

I think Michigan is the most likely win. New coach, early in the year, tons of transfers, and KF always plays Michigan tough.

OSU is OSU. Don't see us winning, although I do think we keep it close. I think it'll closely mirror the Indiana and Oregon games from last year.

I think we've got a real shot against Washington, but with it being out West, I just don't see us pulling that one out.

 

[BigDelHawk]

Michigan game will go back and forth and be close. If only we had them at our place. Kirk always has them ready in Ann Arbor.

we get beat by Ohio State. We got no one that can cover Smith.

I think we beat the Huskies as long as we win the turnover battle. I would guess in this game we will be about 66% rush and just wear them out.

Rectus Femorus injury for Smith last year has a high recurrence rate. We will see how healthy he can stay.

 

[WeBeHerkin]

I hope you are right about the Huskies. Short week to recover has me worried.

Our run game has to be clicking in that one.

 

[JerseyCityHawk]

My Prediction

Iowa beats Michigan. Michigan had 30 portal transfers and has yet another head coach, Kyle Wittingham. They will not have gelled yet. They will also have played against Oklahoma. Iowa will have much better film to view regarding Michigan's tendencies, they will be more exposed. Iowa will see more of their playbook than Iowa will have shown. ISU being down this year will allow Iowa to not have to dig deep into the playbook to win.
.
Michigan Offensive Changes

• • Base Offense: Transitioning to a spread offense utilizing 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three receivers) as its foundational look.
  • Coordinator: Led by offensive coordinator Jason Beck, bringing elements from his previous effective stops. [1, 2]

Michigan Defensive Changes

• 
  Base Defense: Implementing a 4-2-5 nickel base scheme (four-down lineman, two linebackers, five defensive backs) that shifts to a traditional 4-3 against heavier 12 personnel looks. [1]
  • Coordinator: Run by new defensive coordinator Jay Hill (formerly of BYU), focusing heavily on an attacking style, pressure packages, and man coverage

Less Certain is Ohio State. Iowa City at night is a big boost for Iowa. Both Iowa and Ohio State run a Shanahan Style of Offense. So both defenses will be running downhill as they see these looks every day in practice. Ohio State lost 35 to the portal, and are bringing in 17. Again, loss of depth and continuity that you cannot replace easily. Their full playbook will likely not be ready. This game is going to be tighter than the national pundits think. I call Iowa beats Ohio State by four.

Washington? That game is a loss, the West Coast jinx continues.

I think they can beat Michigan and Washington

 

[JerseyCityHawk]

My Prediction

Iowa beats Michigan. Michigan had 30 portal transfers and has yet another head coach, Kyle Wittingham. They will not have gelled yet. They will also have played against Oklahoma. Iowa will have much better film to view regarding Michigan's tendencies, they will be more exposed. Iowa will see more of their playbook than Iowa will have shown. ISU being down this year will allow Iowa to not have to dig deep into the playbook to win.
.
Michigan Offensive Changes

• • Base Offense: Transitioning to a spread offense utilizing 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three receivers) as its foundational look.
  • Coordinator: Led by offensive coordinator Jason Beck, bringing elements from his previous effective stops. [1, 2]

Michigan Defensive Changes

• 
  Base Defense: Implementing a 4-2-5 nickel base scheme (four-down lineman, two linebackers, five defensive backs) that shifts to a traditional 4-3 against heavier 12 personnel looks. [1]
  • Coordinator: Run by new defensive coordinator Jay Hill (formerly of BYU), focusing heavily on an attacking style, pressure packages, and man coverage

Less Certain is Ohio State. Iowa City at night is a big boost for Iowa. Both Iowa and Ohio State run a Shanahan Style of Offense. So both defenses will be running downhill as they see these looks every day in practice. Ohio State lost 35 to the portal, and are bringing in 17. Again, loss of depth and continuity that you cannot replace easily. Their full playbook will likely not be ready. This game is going to be tighter than the national pundits think. I call Iowa beats Ohio State by four.

Washington? That game is a loss, the West Coast jinx continues.

That was a great write up by you and not being sarcastic whatsoever… great stuff and post more as I appreciate it at least

 

[JerseyCityHawk]

Michigan game will go back and forth and be close. If only we had them at our place. Kirk always has them ready in Ann Arbor.

we get beat by Ohio State. We got no one that can cover Smith.

I think we beat the Huskies as long as we win the turnover battle. I would guess in this game we will be about 66% rush and just wear them out.

Well said I agree.

 

[herkhatescy2]

I think they can beat Michigan and Washington

Didn't we beat Washington at Washington a couple years ago?

 

[DuddyB]

Didn't we beat Washington at Washington a couple years ago?

It was a home game I believe

 

[hawksfan2025]

Rectus Femorus injury for Smith last year has a high recurrence rate. We will see how healthy he can stay.

Ryan Day right now: "Rectus? Damn near killed us!"

 

[PinkShizzle]

Didn't we beat Washington at Washington a couple years ago?

Yes, in 2024.

Exit to say that's just when we beat Washington. It was at Iowa.

 

[rchawk]

Yes, in 2024.

I forgot about that. Let's go 2-1 in that stretch!

 

[OnlyTheObscure]

Best chance is Michigan.

Zero shot against Ohio St.

West coast travel makes Washington look very doubtful.

 

[r_desihawk]

my prediction is that zebras will determine whether iowa has a shot before these games even begin

 

[DuddyB]

Yes, in 2024.

That game was in IC.

 

[herkhatescy2]

That game was in IC.

Don't know what year it was but I know we beat them there.

 

[herkhatescy2]

Don't know what year it was but I know we beat them there.

Just looking and it doesn't say that we beat them there lately. I could have sworn we did.

 

[TheGreatDivider101]

Yes, in 2024.

It was here. The West Coast teams haven't been in the league long enough to play the long term members twice at home or on the road.

 

[Grayhair1981]

It was a home game I believe

And the first year for the new coach after DeBoer left for Bama. They didn't have a single offensive starter returning that year.

 

[PinkShizzle]

It was here. The West Coast teams haven't been in the league long enough to play the long term members twice at home or on the road.

Correct, I was just saying when the last time was that we beat Washington and didn't read closely enough about home vs away.

 

[JerseyCityHawk]

Didn't we beat Washington at Washington a couple years ago?

No in IC… was at the game and Iowa manhandled them

 

[2D]

Hawks lose all three. Michigan is the most winnable, but the inexperience of the team will sadly be its downfall for these tough games. But it will be good experience as they have much easier games in the latter half of the season. Hawks will be rolling by November, and we'll all be psyched for 2027.

 

[herkhatescy2]

No in IC… was at the game and Iowa manhandled them

Yes, I know that one but I could have sworn that I watch the game at Washington. Oh well. I'm old and can't remember crap and what I do remember ain't true..

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Rectus Femorus injury for Smith last year has a high recurrence rate. We will see how healthy he can stay.

Yeah, femur up the rectum sounds pretty serious.

 

[DuddyB]

Yes, I know that one but I could have sworn that I watch the game at Washington. Oh well. I'm old and can't remember crap and what I do remember ain't true..

63 years ago, JFK was still president.

Iowa vs Washington - All Games History

Complete game-by-game history between Iowa and Washington with scores, dates, and locations.

www.winsipedia.com

 

[eyesofhawk]

Northern Illinois is the first game on the schedule.

But right now, Iowa is focusing on themselves

 

[JerseyCityHawk]

Hawks lose all three. Michigan is the most winnable, but the inexperience of the team will sadly be its downfall for these tough games. But it will be good experience as they have much easier games in the latter half of the season. Hawks will be rolling by November, and we'll all be psyched for 2027.

Come on man have some faith! But you probably or maybe right but hope you’re wrong!

 

[JerseyCityHawk]

Yes, I know that one but I could have sworn that I watch the game at Washington. Oh well. I'm old and can't remember crap and what I do remember ain't true..

Join the club! All good… I am not sure if Iowa has ever played in Husky Stadium? I know it’s extremely LOUD …

 

[JerseyCityHawk]

Northern Illinois is the first game on the schedule.

But right now, Iowa is focusing on themselves

Rock solid CORRECT!

 

[herkhatescy2]

63 years ago, JFK was still president.

Iowa vs Washington - All Games History

Complete game-by-game history between Iowa and Washington with scores, dates, and locations.

www.winsipedia.com

That I know I don't remember. I was only 6 months old.

 

[BigDelHawk]

Come on man have some faith! But you probably or maybe right but hope you’re wrong!

Oh ye have little faith. We are going to win two out of three.