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Iowa Football: Game by game predictions for the 2019 Hawkeyes

By Matt Opad

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a stop during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a stop during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Mekhi Sargent #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes rushes during the 2019 Outback Bowl against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Mekhi Sargent #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes rushes during the 2019 Outback Bowl against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

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

IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 12: Kicker Keith Duncan
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 12: Kicker Keith Duncan /

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.

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Trace McSorely
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Trace McSorely /

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.

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