Iowa Football: 2020 has been the season of streaks for Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes have seen a number of streaks extended or broken during the 2020 season.

The theme for the Iowa football program this season: streaks. Whether it’s been extending a winning streak or snapping a losing skid, the Hawkeyes have been on both sides of the spectrum in 2020.

For starters, Iowa is on a current four-game winning streak after beginning the season 0-2. The Hawkeyes have seen an offensive rejuvenation thanks to their running game and have outscored their last four opponents 151-55.

The Hawkeyes also extended winning streaks over rivals Minnesota and Nebraska. Iowa has won six games in a row against both the Gophers and Huskers after defeating each this season.

Then there was the historic win over Penn State. Iowa snapped a six-game losing streak to the Nittany Lions in a 41-21 victory at Beaver Stadium. The win marked Kirk Ferentz’s 100th career Big Ten victory and gave Penn State an 0-5 record for the first time in program history. It also marked the first time the Hawkeyes won on the road at Penn State since 2009.

This coming Saturday, the Hawkeyes will have a chance to extend a current six-game winning streak over Illinois to seven games. The last time the Illini defeated Iowa was on Nov. 1, 2008. Illinois coach Lovie Smith has never defeated Iowa (0-4).

Next week, the Hawkeyes will have a chance to snap a four-game losing streak to Wisconsin in a battle for the Heartland Trophy. The Badgers have won seven of the last eight games between the two foes.

On defense, the Hawkeyes have forced a turnover in every game this season (six games in a row). Iowa has forced at least two turnovers in five of six games.

From a player’s perspective, running back Mekhi Sargent has scored a touchdown in four straight games, including five of six games overall. Sargent leads the team in touchdowns (seven). Quarterback Spencer Petras has four straight games of less than 200 yards passing.