Reviewing the 2018 Iowa Hawkeyes

Let’s take a look at the mediocre football program from that state just to Nebraska’s east.

It seems like it’s yet another typical Hawkeye football season in Iowa once again in 2018. Iowa opened the season 3-0 with victories over Northern Illinois (33-7), Iowa State (13-3) and Northern Iowa (38-14) before falling to Wisconsin 28-17. Three more victories over Minnesota (48-31), Indiana (42-16) and Maryland (23-0) led to the Hawkeyes cracking the AP Top 25 (at #18) before a three game losing streak unfolded against Penn State (30-24), Purdue (38-36) and Northwestern (14-10). On Saturday, Iowa rebounded by demolishing Illinois 63-0.

So there you go. Seven wins once again for the Hawkeyes, with a chance to get to eight on Black Friday. Only twice in the last nine years have the Hawkeyes won fewer than seven (4-8 in 2012) or more than eight (12-2 in 2015); it’s a dependable, consistent level of mediocrity for a state that proudly claims Pizza Ranch and Casey’s as their favorite pizzas.

Iowa’s offense starts with junior quarterback Nathan Stanley, who’s completing 58.6% of his passes, averaging 226 yards passing each game. He’s thrown 21 touchdown passes with 6 interceptions this season. Sophomore tight end T.J. Hockenson has emerged as Iowa’s leading receiver this season, catching 41 passes for 663 yards and six touchdowns. Omaha South graduate Noah Fant has seen his playing time diminish as a result, though he’s still caught 38 passes for 507 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Senior wide receiver Nick Easley has caught 40 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns.