One final tune-up before a gauntlet of B1G East opponents
Opponent: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Time: Saturday, September 28 (Time to be announced)
Scenario Summary: After a rough loss predicted against Iowa State, Iowa has two weeks to think about it. Yes, Middle Tennessee comes after a bye week. If the Iowa football team blows out any team, I would guess that it’s the Blue Raiders from Conference USA.
Synopsis: The Blue Raiders are breaking in a new QB to replace a guy that holds virtually every QB record at Middle Tennessee. That doesn’t bode well for a Group of 5 team coming into Iowa City.
Prediction: A big W.
Confidence Level: 5, book this one
Opponent: @Michigan Wolverines
Time: Saturday, October 5, 11 AM
Scenario Summary: I must admit that I watch almost as much Michigan football as I do Iowa football. There are worse fan bases to marry into, for sure. Anyway, this is a series that hasn’t really been close this decade.
I know most people are probably thinking that Michigan has dominated the Iowa football team, because you know, its Michigan, but Iowa is actually 5-1 against Michigan over the last 10 years.
Synopsis: Before you all get too excited, know that Iowa does not fare as well in Ann Arbor. Michigan is an elite team at home, and I expect this to continue.
Prediction: L, by two-scores
Confidence Level: 5, I’m not happily confident about this, but you can book this one.
Opponent: Penn State Nittany Lions
Time: Saturday, October 12 (Time to be announced)
Scenario Summary: Two consecutive years of losing by one score with every opportunity to win each game leaves this one as a must-win for the Iowa football team. Iowa has lost the last five to Penn State.
Synopsis: If Trace McSorley somehow had another year of eligibility, I’d say Penn State wins this game, even in Iowa City. Luckily for our Iowa football team, a player only has four years of eligibility, so we will not be seeing McSorley in this year’s edition.
Similar to what I said about how the Iowa-Iowa State series will regress to the mean, so will Iowa-Penn State. Without their clutch quarterback, Penn State will have Iowa’s previous week (and previous 5 losses to Penn State) all taken out on this year’s Penn State team.
Prediction: W
Confidence Level: 3, because Penn State recruits more like Ohio State than Iowa. They have the talent to win this game, but I believe timing will work in Iowa’s favor.