The Hawkeyes did not get alot of ‘love’ in the first incarnation of the Amway Coaches Poll that was released. Not only did Iowa not make make the Top 25, some suspect teams were ranked higher than them.
The release of the Coaches Poll like the other preseason awards and watch lists should be taken with a ‘grain of salt’. But, it usually is a good barometer of what the national perception is of your team heading into the season.
The Hawkeyes only received 5 votes which places them well outside of the Coaches Top 25. Four teams from the Big Ten made the list with Ohio State #2, Penn State #6, Michigan #9 and Wisconsin #10. Iowa meets three out of four of those teams this season, with Michigan only if they face off in the title game in Indianapolis.
Besides Wisconsin at #10, Northwestern (25 votes) and Minnesota (6 votes) both had more votes than the Hawkeyes, and are in the West division. Northwestern returns a strong squad this season, with a seasoned quarterback in Clayton Thorson, and Heisman hopeful Justin Jackson at running back. The Golden Gophers getting more votes may simple be the ‘PJ Fleck’ effect. Time will tell if his ‘Rowing The Boat’ success in the MAC translates for a team that hasn’t won a Big Ten title in 50 years.
Iowa season opening opponent, the Wyoming Cowboys even had more votes with 9. Currently in most sportsbooks, the Hawkeyes are favored by two touchdowns, or a little less.
While it might be disconcerting for Hawk fans to look at this poll, and think ‘all hope is lost’ for the ’17 season, one must look at the past for reassurance.
Questions at quarterback, wide receiver and the secondary are very real concerns that won’t be answered until the games start. New coaches in the offensive coordinator, wide receivers and offensive line come into 2017.
Before the 2015 season, in which Iowa won all 12 regular season on their way to the Rose Bowl, Iowa did not receive a single vote in the initial Coaches Poll. Often, the most ‘under the radar’ teams coached by Kirk Ferentz tend to perform the best.