Iowa Hawkeyes versus NIU: Four Storylines to watch
By Andrew Wade
Will Iowa overlook NIU
Most universities schedule a cupcake game to begin their season. This allows them to work out the kinks without the serious consequence of losing the first game of the season. In college football, one or two losses can entirely derail a season.
While the Iowa Hawkeyes certainly aren’t playing an Alabama to begin the season, facing NIU is a sneaky good matchup. It’s also one that Iowa hasn’t performed well in recent history. The last time these two teams faced, Iowa walked away with an opening day loss in 2013. The year before that, Iowa squeaked out a victory winning 18-17 in Chicago.
NIU walks into 2018 coming off a solid 2017 season. The Huskies finished 8-5, losing their last game to Duke in the Quick Lane Bowl. This year, NIU is predicted by some analysts to finish first in the MAC West.
Although NIU is no slouch, this should be an easily winnable game for Iowa. It’s important that the Hawks get out to an early lead and don’t let a team like NIU hang around. If they start slow on labor day weekend, it could be a long day for a talented Iowa Hawkeyes team.
For Iowa to reach the high expectations fans have for the team, they need to get the opening day victory before turning their heads towards the in-state rivalry game against Iowa State.