Iowa Football: Analytics say Hawkeyes are a top 10 team

According to two different analytics websites, the Iowa football team is currently a top 10 team in the FBS.

Although the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ 2020 season is officially over, their resume is good enough to warrant a current ranking in the top 10. Not convinced? Just look at what Jeff Sagarin and Football Outsiders had to say.

According to Football Outsiders, the Hawkeyes are rated as the 10th best team in college football based on several analytical measures. Essentially, Football Outsiders uses an opponent-adjusted approach to predict future outcomes.

Ahead of Iowa are Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, BYU, Oklahoma, Florida, Cincinnati, Georgia and Notre Dame. Iowa State is one spot behind the Hawkeyes.

The Hawkeyes are ranked No. 10 in Sagarin’s rating system, as well. The exact methodology used by Sagarin is unknown, but it’s believed to be based on efficiency metrics.

Sagarin’s ratings have been featured in USA Today since 1985 and are used in helping to determine teams in March Madness by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. Additionally, the ratings were also used by the BCS system in college football from 1998-2014.

Iowa, which currently stands at No. 15 in the College Football Playoff rankings, ended its season with a record of 6-2. After losing its first two games by a combined five points, the Hawkeyes rattled off six straight wins en route to a berth in the Music City Bowl.

Of course, Iowa’s date with the Missouri Tigers in the Music City Bowl was canceled due to covid issues within Mizzou’s program.

Still, based on their overall performance during the 2020 season, the Hawkeyes are a top 10 team in the eyes of some.