Big Ten West Power Ranking: Did Iowa Fall, Again?
By Jeremy Karll
No. 3 – Iowa Hawkeyes 3-1 (1-0)
Last Week: 3
It makes sense to think that Minnesota should have jumped Iowa following the injury to top wide receiver Matt VandeBerg. Plus, when you add in their struggles over the past two weeks, the rest of the season could be all down hill for the Hawkeyes. Iowa is still 3-1, though, and owns one of the best defense in the nation.
Sure, their run defense has been shaky at times and they’ve given up a couple of big plays. That being said, Iowa’s defense has only given up 13.5 points per game, 12th best mark in the nation, and has given them a chance to win every game this season. Of course, against tougher competition that might not be the case, but thus far they’ve stayed afloat in the Big Ten West, and their defense has proven that they’ll keep them in games.
Besides, Northwestern, Minnesota and Purdue, their next three opponents, don’t own high-powered offenses. Even with the loss of their top wide receiver, the Hawkeyes have a chance to go back to their roots with the ground game and start the season 6-1.
Must Read: Iowa Football: Grading Iowa's Performance vs Rutgers
There are glaring issues the Hawkeyes need to address over the coming weeks, and it won’t be easy. Although, if they’re able to bounce back from their North Dakota State hangover against Rutgers and beat Northwestern, they’ll be in good shape.
It’s fair to say that they lost to their only decent opponent, however Minnesota hasn’t played anybody better than North Dakota State, either. The win over Rutgers wasn’t pretty, but we can’t forget their convincing wins over Miami (OH) and Iowa State, when they blew out bad teams like they were suppose to.
Iowa has a legitimate shot at winning the Big Ten West, however, at this point, it’s all about adapting. If they’re not able to go back to their roots and pound the ball with LeShun Daniels Jr and Akrum Wadley, they might finish the season 6-6 or worse.