Even though the Hawkeyes dropped another game to a ranked opponent, they still control their own destiny for the remainder of the season.
Iowa has three games remaining on its schedule, none more important than this weekend's game against a challenging USC squad.
After losing to Oregon last weekend, Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz still believes the squad has a lot to play for in the final stretch of games, and that begins with a road trip to Los Angeles this weekend.
The players and coaching staff are adamant that after watching film on Monday, they have all put the Oregon loss behind them and are now completely focused on USC.
The Trojans present a multitude of challenges on offense as they can run and pass the ball effectively and put up a large number of points.
While the USC offense has the potential to give the Hawkeyes problems, their defense has been susceptible to the run this season, and a few analysts with CBS Sports believe that will give Iowa the advantage this weekend.
"I think Iowa wins this game and takes USC out of the [CFP} talk."@randycrossFB and @AaronTaylorCFB both think Iowa is going to take down USC on the road this weekend. pic.twitter.com/Bg5JofK09v
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 12, 2025
CBS Sports analysts Randy Cross and Aaron Taylor both believe that Iowa will upset USC this weekend because the USC defense will struggle to stop Iowa's rushing attack.
The knock on USC over the past few seasons has been their lack of a strong defense, and while they have improved this season, the Iowa rushing attack is too formidable not to take advantage of the USC defense.
Through the first 10 weeks of the season, USC's defense ranks No. 60 in rushing defense, allowing 141.7 yards per game, and No. 50 in total defense, allowing 346.8 total yards per game.
If the Hawkeyes can establish the running game early and keep the high-powered USC offense off the scoreboard, they have a great chance to leave LA with a victory.