10-2 should NOW be the goal / hope for IOWA fans

[Franisdaman]

Do you think Cignetti told his team last year when they were 4-0 that their goal should be 11-1 or 12-2? LOL

I think I was pretty clear in my original post.

But, hey, reading is hard for some people.

My original post:

Sure, 12-0 or 11-1 would be great. The coaches & players obviously plan and coach to win every game.

However for the fans, lets be real.

--> Ohio State is likely a loss unless we have a 2017-like surprise.

--> Almost every team (not just IOWA) lays an egg during the season.

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

The win/loss margin for this team is razor thin. Last night required a lot of planets to line up correctly. They were outplayed badly most of the night. I have no idea what the record will be. Enjoy the ride.

I had pretty much the same opinion, after looking at the box score though I’m developing a different opinion.

I looked at what I’m going to call “net yards” (I’m sure someone else has done this before me). Take offensive yards, add special team yards, add yards from defensive returns on INTs/fumbles, and subtract penalty yards. That gives you 401 yards for Iowa and 406 for Michigan.

Add in that Iowa won the turnover battle, was better on 3rd down, better in the red zone, and got a little bit of luck on tipped passes, and no wonder Iowa won.

Michigan lost 75 yards on penalties. Killed a ton of drives for them, and obviously helped Iowa quite a bit on the final drive. OSU isn’t the most disciplined team in the country (averaging 5 penalties for -45 yards atm, Michigan is at 8 penalties for -80 yards atm) but OSU won’t beat themselves up the way Michigan did. Iowa will have to play better than that in big games going forward, they can’t rely on the other team committing penalties. But I don’t think they were dominated quite the way I originally thought.

 

[DukeSlater]

Gonna have to drag tOSU down into the muck to win this game.
It's gonna take defense and special teams to pull this out IMO.

Sure, just like in 2017 when #3 OSU roared into Kinnick on its way to a national title. But, oh my, the mediocre Hawkeyes put down a mighty big speed bump, and the Buckeyes limped home with one of the worst losses in school history. I think it was something like this:
IOWA - 55
Ohio State - 24

It was men against boys. Go back and look at the video. The one play that best exemplifies the Hawkeyes' dominance may be when Nate Stanley stands tall with a Buckeye groveling at his feet and biting his ankles and, unfazed, fires a laser into the end zone for yet another Iowa touchdown.

 

[DukeSlater]

I think I was pretty clear in my original post.

But, hey, reading is hard for some people.

My original post:

Sure, 12-0 or 11-1 would be great. The coaches & players obviously plan and coach to win every game.

However for the fans, lets be real.

--> Ohio State is likely a loss unless we have a 2017-like surprise.

--> Almost every team (not just IOWA) lays an egg during the season.

You said "Let's be real." I think I read that correctly. Well, your definition of "real" is 11-1 or 10-2. Mine is 12-0. Simple as that, pal.

 

[HawksRule73]

I had pretty much the same opinion, after looking at the box score though I’m developing a different opinion.

I looked at what I’m going to call “net yards” (I’m sure someone else has done this before me). Take offensive yards, add special team yards, add yards from defensive returns on INTs/fumbles, and subtract penalty yards. That gives you 401 yards for Iowa and 406 for Michigan.

Add in that Iowa won the turnover battle, was better on 3rd down, better in the red zone, and got a little bit of luck on tipped passes, and no wonder Iowa won.

Michigan lost 75 yards on penalties. Killed a ton of drives for them, and obviously helped Iowa quite a bit on the final drive. OSU isn’t the most disciplined team in the country (averaging 5 penalties for -45 yards atm, Michigan is at 8 penalties for -80 yards atm) but OSU won’t beat themselves up the way Michigan did. Iowa will have to play better than that in big games going forward, they can’t rely on the other team committing penalties. But I don’t think they were dominated quite the way I originally thought.

Exactly. That's the recipe for winning games against teams more talented than you, especially on the road. Win in the margins (kr/pr yards, penalty differential, etc), win the 50/50 plays (tipped passes, 4th down stops, etc), and then win in the red zone (holding teams to 0 or 3 points instead of 7). We checked every one of those boxes.

 

[AFM22]

11 plays, 91 yards, 1 minute, 46 seconds.

Imagine what that drive had looked like with Deacon Hill at QB....

2 plays, -11 yards, strip sack for a safety

 

[Franisdaman]

Despite KF's west coast woes, I will be disappointed if Iowa doesn't find a way to win that @ WASH game.

I mean, if Minnesota can go in there and do it, Iowa surely can.

Gotta give Minny credit.

With under 12 minutes to go in the game, Minny still had a 24-10 lead.

At the 2 minute warning, Minny still led 27-17.

They then held on.

Minnesota 27-24 Washington (Sep 26, 2026) Play-by-Play - ESPN

Play-by-play action for the Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Washington Huskies NCAAF game from September 26, 2026 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[Grayhair1981]

Let's try this. Curious to see others' thoughts:
Odds off:
12 wins <5%
11 wins or more 10%
10 wins or more 30%
9 wins or more 45%
8 wins or more 65%
7 wins or more 75%
6 wins or more 90%

 

[ChicagoHawk2020]

11-1 goal. 10-2 expectation. Time to put our big boy pants on.

 

[uihawk82]

Sure, 12-0 or 11-1 would be great. The coaches & players obsioulsy plan and coach to win every game.

However for the fans, lets be real.

--> Ohio State is likely a loss unless we have a 2017-like surprise.

--> Almost every team (not just IOWA) lays an egg during the season.


Our 2026 Football Schedule:

Date		Opponent	Time/TV
Sat Sep 5		WIN NIU Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time: 3:15pm CT TV: BTN
Sat Sep 12		WIN Iowa State Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time: 6:30 pm CT TV: NBC
Sat Sep 19		WIN Northern Iowa Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time: 3:00 pm CT TV: FS1
Sat Sep 26		WIN at Michigan Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Oct 3		Ohio State Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time TBA TV TBA
Fri Oct 9		at Washington Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA	Time: 8:00 pm CT TV: FOX/FS1
Sat Oct 24		at Minnesota Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Oct 31		Wisconsin Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Nov 7		at Northwestern NW Medicine at Martin Stadium, Evanston, IL	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Nov 14		Purdue Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Nov 21		at Illinois Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL	Time TBA TV TBA
Fri Nov 27		Nebraska Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time: 11:00 am CT TV: CBS

The goal is still 12-0 because they are undefeated

 

[HawkBall23]

Gotta give Minny credit.

With under 12 minutes to go in the game, Minny still had a 24-10 lead.

At the 2 minute warning, Minny still led 27-17.

They then held on.

Minnesota 27-24 Washington (Sep 26, 2026) Play-by-Play - ESPN

Play-by-play action for the Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Washington Huskies NCAAF game from September 26, 2026 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[UIAlumFireFighter]

We can absolutely finish this season 11-1.

10-2? I’ll take it!

 

[Hawksfor3]

Sure, 12-0 or 11-1 would be great. The coaches & players obsioulsy plan and coach to win every game.

However for the fans, lets be real.

--> Ohio State is likely a loss unless we have a 2017-like surprise.

--> Almost every team (not just IOWA) lays an egg during the season.


Our 2026 Football Schedule:

Date		Opponent	Time/TV
Sat Sep 5		WIN NIU Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time: 3:15pm CT TV: BTN
Sat Sep 12		WIN Iowa State Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time: 6:30 pm CT TV: NBC
Sat Sep 19		WIN Northern Iowa Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time: 3:00 pm CT TV: FS1
Sat Sep 26		WIN at Michigan Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Oct 3		Ohio State Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time TBA TV TBA
Fri Oct 9		at Washington Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA	Time: 8:00 pm CT TV: FOX/FS1
Sat Oct 24		at Minnesota Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Oct 31		Wisconsin Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Nov 7		at Northwestern NW Medicine at Martin Stadium, Evanston, IL	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Nov 14		Purdue Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time TBA TV TBA
Sat Nov 21		at Illinois Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL	Time TBA TV TBA
Fri Nov 27		Nebraska Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA	Time: 11:00 am CT TV: CBS

 

[Hawksfor3]

PLEASE LET THE OSU GAME BE THE RIGHT ONE.

Fixed it for hope.

 

[Hawksfor3]

Gonna have to drag tOSU down into the muck to win this game.
It's gonna take defense and special teams to pull this out IMO.

Isn't there going to be rains from the remnants of the hurricane this weekend? Could be a lil soupy?

 

[DuddyB]

Isn't there going to be rains from the remnants of the hurricane this weekend? Could be a lil soupy?

Should be clear by Saturday

 

[HawkBall23]

We can absolutely finish this season 11-1.

10-2? I’ll take it!

I just want the only reason I'd care about the CFP to happen.

That's all.

10-2 is likely a good chance to sneak in, but 11-1 would seal a bid.

 

[Hurricane88]

10-2 Could be a pipe dream.

Washington could be tough, especially if we have a nasty Ohio St hangover.
Minnesota has a NFL QB and their defensive line is solid. Nestor is looking great as well.
Wisconsin doesn't look decrepit like they have in the past.
The games between Wiscy and Nebby look easy on paper. But we're Hawkeye fans, we know better.
The Nebraska game is home which helps, but again they aren't decrepit like in the past.

 

[UIAlumFireFighter]

I just want the only reason I'd care about the CFP to happen.

That's all.

10-2 is likely a good chance to sneak in, but 11-1 would seal a bid.

Looking at our remaining opponents post-OSU…@ Minnesota may be the the toughest test??

11-1 Let’s Go

 

[HawkBall23]

Looking at our remaining opponents post-OSU…@ Minnesota may be the the toughest test??

11-1 Let’s Go

Don't know, but going off past models, Hawks are likely to drop a game they shouldn't somewhere along the rest of the way after Saturday.

That's why pulling out the win @ Michigan was so huge.


10-2 and even 11-1 is there for the taking this season, its just a matter of making it happen.

 

[DuddyB]

Don't know, but going off past models, Hawks are likely to drop a game they shouldn't somewhere along the rest of the way after Saturday.

That's why pulling out the win @ Michigan was so huge.


10-2 and even 11-1 is there for the taking this season, its just a matter of making it happen.

Like it or not, we should hold our nose and hope Michigan goes on to have good season. It’ll matter if we end up 10-2.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Don't know, but going off past models, Hawks are likely to drop a game they shouldn't somewhere along the rest of the way after Saturday.

That's why pulling out the win @ Michigan was so huge.


10-2 and even 11-1 is there for the taking this season, its just a matter of making it happen.

Those games we drop that are surprising are usually early in the year. Kirks record in Nov. is pretty damn good.....

 

[UIAlumFireFighter]

Don't know, but going off past models, Hawks are likely to drop a game they shouldn't somewhere along the rest of the way after Saturday.

That's why pulling out the win @ Michigan was so huge.


10-2 and even 11-1 is there for the taking this season, its just a matter of making it happen.

I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying.

That said, it’s way past time IOWA has a season it gets over thee “Iowa drops a game they shouldn’t” issue.

With Washington very clearly beatable at Home, there are no good excuses to finish 10-2 or worse.

 

[OnlyTheObscure]

11-1 and a home playoff game. Likely the best shot they will have until the field expands to 24 teams.

 

[squeezebox_1]

10-2 Could be a pipe dream.

Washington could be tough, especially if we have a nasty Ohio St hangover.
Minnesota has a NFL QB and their defensive line is solid. Nestor is looking great as well.
Wisconsin doesn't look decrepit like they have in the past.
The games between Wiscy and Nebby look easy on paper. But we're Hawkeye fans, we know better.
The Nebraska game is home which helps, but again they aren't decrepit like in the past.

Pipe dream? Washington is only tough due to the travel, they have no run game. Their defense is pretty mid in both pass and rush defense. Minnesota was absolutely cooked by Mississippi State a decent team with an elite QB. I will give Wisky props, Joseph can run the ball solidly, but he has an absolute noodle arm. Nebraska, well who the hell knows, they haven't played anyone, and that score against MSU should have been much closer. Debby does have what appears to be a solid. We will have a better idea when they matchup against Indiana.

 

[Franisdaman]

Looking at our remaining opponents post-OSU…@ Minnesota may be the the toughest test??

11-1 Let’s Go

I think most of us would have gladly signed up for 10-2 before the season started, especially when most on here thought 8-4 or 9-3 would be our likely record.

Most of us also thought preseason that this was the most difficult part of the schedule:

Sat Sep 26..........at Michigan
Sat Oct 3................vs Ohio State
Fri Oct 9..........at Washington

A 5-1 record at that point would be realistic, imo.

Then we get a much needed bye week before game #7:

Sat Oct 24 at Minnesota

 

[Rifler]

Sorry OP,.. But when you're at "and 0", your goal is to finish "and 0".

 

[Franisdaman]

Don't know, but going off past models, Hawks are likely to drop a game they shouldn't somewhere along the rest of the way after Saturday.

That's why pulling out the win @ Michigan was so huge.


10-2 and even 11-1 is there for the taking this season, its just a matter of making it happen.

IF we win the turnover battle and IF we don't have a major screw up on special teams, I think IOWA will always have a chance.

Against Michigan:

--> 0 turnovers for Iowa, 1 for Michigan

--> Special teams TD for Iowa; none for Michigan

 

[Franisdaman]

Sorry OP,.. But when you're at "and 0", your goal is to finish "and 0".

I realize that it's 100% unacceptable for IOWA to ever lose a game.

As I wrote in the orig post, sure, 12-0 or 11-1 would be great. The coaches & players obviously plan and coach to win every game.

However for the fans, let's be realistic.

--> Ohio State is likely a loss unless we have a 2017-like surprise.

--> Almost every team (not just IOWA) lays an egg during the season.

 

[DuddyB]

Pipe dream? Washington is only tough due to the travel, they have no run game. Their defense is pretty mid in both pass and rush defense. Minnesota was absolutely cooked by Mississippi State a decent team with an elite QB. I will give Wisky props, Joseph can run the ball solidly, but he has an absolute noodle arm. Nebraska, well who the hell knows, they haven't played anyone, and that score against MSU should have been much closer. Debby does have what appears to be a solid. We will have a better idea when they matchup against Indiana.

As always, some teams look better than what we thought coming into the season some worse. I never understood the hype with Washington frankly but get the travel aspect of it. And wouldn’t be surprised if we lost it still.

 

[Franisdaman]

11-1 and a home playoff game. Likely the best shot they will have until the field expands to 24 teams.

Mark Schlabach of ESPN has IOWA in the CFP as the #10 seed traveling to #7 seed Alabama.

First-round CFP games (at campus sites):

Friday, Dec. 18
8 p.m., ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 19
Noon, ABC/ESPN
3:30 p.m., TNT
7:30 p.m., TNT

Bonagura: No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Texas
Schlabach: No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Indiana

Bonagura: No. 11 Ole Miss at No. 6 Ohio State
Schlabach: No. 11 Ole Miss at No. 6 Ohio State

Bonagura: No. 10 Utah at No. 7 Alabama
Schlabach: No. 10 Iowa at No. 7 Alabama

Bonagura: No. 9 Florida at No. 8 BYU
Schlabach: No. 9 BYU at No. 8 Florida

2026-27 Week 4 College Football Playoff, bowl projections

With thrilling finishes and a few big upsets, here are projections for each postseason game following Week 4.

www.espn.com

 

[WeBeHerkin]

Mark Schlabach of ESPN has IOWA in the CFP as the #10 seed traveling to #7 seed Alabama.

First-round CFP games (at campus sites):

Friday, Dec. 18
8 p.m., ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 19
Noon, ABC/ESPN
3:30 p.m., TNT
7:30 p.m., TNT

Bonagura: No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Texas
Schlabach: No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Indiana

Bonagura: No. 11 Ole Miss at No. 6 Ohio State
Schlabach: No. 11 Ole Miss at No. 6 Ohio State

Bonagura: No. 10 Utah at No. 7 Alabama
Schlabach: No. 10 Iowa at No. 7 Alabama

Bonagura: No. 9 Florida at No. 8 BYU
Schlabach: No. 9 BYU at No. 8 Florida

2026-27 Week 4 College Football Playoff, bowl projections

With thrilling finishes and a few big upsets, here are projections for each postseason game following Week 4.

www.espn.com

He didn't pick us to beat Bama though.

 

[HawkBall23]

I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying.

That said, it’s way past time IOWA has a season it gets over thee “Iowa drops a game they shouldn’t” issue.

With Washington very clearly beatable at Home, there are no good excuses to finish 10-2 or worse.

I absolutely want the Hawks to get over that 'drop a game they shouldn't' buggaboo when they have a good team and a favorable schedule, but I'm just saying I won't be the least bit surprised if it ends up happening.

 

[Heathen Raider]

Wisconsin, NW , Nebraska are all improved, Illinois is not bad and Iowa still has OSU and at Wash and the Goofs , Purdue is the only Team left on the schedule that stinks The road is anything but easy , Iowa needs to play well and avoid major injuries ,

 

[WeBeHerkin]

The good part is we normally get better in October and November.

 

[2D]

Hawks need to desperately improve on both sides of the ball if we want to go 10-2 or better.

-OLine gets no push for the run game against P4 competition
-Secondary is leaky
-Defensive tackling is suspect

 

[DuddyB]

Wisconsin, NW , Nebraska are all improved, Illinois is not bad and Iowa still has OSU and at Wash and the Goofs , Purdue is the only Team left on the schedule that stinks The road is anything but easy , Iowa needs to play well and avoid major injuries ,

This ^^^ there’s not a team on this schedule we can just show up and beat. Even Purdue seems to be offensively capable.

 

[Franisdaman]

I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying.

That said, it’s way past time IOWA has a season it gets over thee “Iowa drops a game they shouldn’t” issue.

With Washington very clearly beatable at Home, there are no good excuses to finish 10-2 or worse.

I realize it's 100% inexcusable for IOWA to ever lose a game.

However, I think we all have to remeber that Vegas JUST ONE MONTH ago had Iowa's win total at 7.5.

Based on that 7.5 win total, most on here thought 8-4 or maybe 9-3 was Iowa's likely fate.

And now YOU think if we don't finish 11-1 or 12-0 it's inexcusable. Wow, just wow.

And when you talk about programs losing games they shouldn't, there are many examples across the country where that happens. It doesn't just happen to Iowa. Hell, Michigan fans could easily argue they lost a game to Iowa that they shouldn't have. That's why you play the games.

 

[Hurricane88]

Pipe dream? Washington is only tough due to the travel, they have no run game. Their defense is pretty mid in both pass and rush defense. Minnesota was absolutely cooked by Mississippi State a decent team with an elite QB. I will give Wisky props, Joseph can run the ball solidly, but he has an absolute noodle arm. Nebraska, well who the hell knows, they haven't played anyone, and that score against MSU should have been much closer. Debby does have what appears to be a solid. We will have a better idea when they matchup against Indiana.

You appear to think the Hawkeyes are an offensive powerhouse. In the two games in which we played P4 teams they looked pedestrian. They needed a late FG to beat a team with 1 major holdover from last year, at home. They had less than 200 yards of total offense going in the 4th quarter against a Michigan team that needed referees help to beat a MAC team, at home. Their biggest win is Oklahoma. A team that is no longer in the rankings. In the 4th quarter the Hawkeyes needed some of the luckiest plays I've ever seen on a 2 minute drive while Michigan was doing their best to help with bone headed penalties. Hold your horses. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Just some wise thoughts from a seasoned Hawkeye fan.

 

[squeezebox_1]

You appear to think the Hawkeyes are an offensive powerhouse. In the two games in which we played P4 teams they looked pedestrian. They needed a late FG to beat a team with 1 major holdover from last year, at home. They had less than 200 yards of total offense going in the 4th quarter against a Michigan team that needed referees help to beat a MAC team, at home. Their biggest win is Oklahoma. A team that is no longer in the rankings. In the 4th quarter the Hawkeyes needed some of the luckiest plays I've ever seen on a 2 minute drive while Michigan was doing their best to help with bone headed penalties. Hold your horses. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Just some wise thoughts from a seasoned Hawkeye fan.

I have no doubt we will have some close calls, but a "seasoned" fan should know that this team historically improves as the season goes on, especially on offense. Michigan may implode, but I doubt it. You are drastically underestimating how good their defense is. From someone who actually watches the games, you can see that they will likely have the best Dline Iowa plays this year, adding to a great to elite secondary. Then you look at their offesne, some of those throws that Underwood made were NFL ready, that is god given talent. If he had it between the ears, he would be unbeatable with the combination of scramble and arm talent. I don't doubt that this weekend gets ugly, but the rest of the schedule being a pipe dream isn't disingenuous, it's laughable.