2024 Iowa Football Season: Insights and Expectations
As the sun sets on the long, summer days, anticipation builds for the upcoming college football season, with the Iowa Hawkeyes gearing up to kick off against Illinois State on August 31st at Kinnick Stadium. Following a successful 10-win season, the 2024 Hawkeyes carry high expectations as they aim to leave their mark in collegiate football.
Amidst big changes in the Big Ten and the expanded College Football Playoff format, Iowa's consistent and resolute approach sets them apart. Let's have a closer look at some insights and expectations ahead of what promises to be an intriguing 2024 Iowa football season.
Strengths and Weaknesses
When it comes to strengths and weaknesses, Iowa Hawkeyes’ Odds on sites like Fanduel rely on its defense, shining as the standout asset and propelling the team to success recently. Consistently ranking in the top 10 for EPA allowed per play over the last four seasons, the Hawkeyes boast a formidable defense led by exceptional talent in the secondary and linebackers and the highly regarded defensive coordinator, Phil Parker. It's anticipated that Iowa will maintain its elite status on the defensive front.
Conversely, the offense has struggled significantly while the defense has excelled. Facing challenges in offensive efficiency, Iowa has ranked among the least efficient offenses nationally for three consecutive seasons, even finishing last in EPA per play last year. Despite the return of key players from injury and the addition of new offensive coordinator Tim Lester, the offensive performance may still face hurdles moving forward.
Will Iowa's Defense Rise Higher?
Over the past two years, Iowa has showcased a defensive prowess marked by historic achievements. Bolstered by NFL-caliber talents like Lukas Van Ness, Jack Campbell, and Cooper DeJean, this year's defense holds a unique advantage – experience.
With eight returning starters, including key players in the secondary and linebackers, Iowa's defense boasts continuity and depth under Phil Parker's strategic guidance. Renowned for its cohesion, experience, and astuteness, this unit is primed to continue its upward trajectory.
In the previous season, Iowa led the nation in yards per play and ranked top 10 in various defensive categories. While interceptions were relatively modest at 10, the seasoned backfield presents the potential for a surge in turnover production this year.
As expectations soar, there's a sense that this defense could surpass last year's performance, solidifying their position as a formidable force on the field. At the very least, they are poised to anchor the team and contend in every game they play.
Iowa's Adaptation to the New Big Ten
As Iowa gears up for the new teams in the Big Ten Conference, they have landed a pretty smooth deal compared to others. They managed to dodge tough opponents like USC and Oregon in their schedule, instead getting to play at home against Washington and heading to UCLA in November to avoid freezing temperatures.
While things are changing around them, Iowa is taking it easy. The two new teams they're facing don't seem as strong as the others joining the conference. Plus, they lucked out with just one faraway game out west scheduled for late in the day.
Unlike some teams that might struggle with the changes, Iowa seems ready and not facing too much disruption. This season looks set to go smoothly for them in the regular games, though the impact on postseason play without the usual divisions remains to be seen.
Being One of the Big Ten’s Better Teams
As the anticipation builds for the approaching 2024 season, the prevailing sentiment regarding the Iowa Hawkeyes is that they are perceived as a fringe top-25 team. While not seen as direct contenders for the Big Ten crown against powerhouses like Ohio State or Oregon, experts foresee Iowa as one of the stronger teams within the conference.
According to Phil Steele, a well-known national analyst, Iowa is viewed more favorably than some of his colleagues. In his recent college football preview publication, Steele named Iowa one of his top surprise teams, placing it at No. 7. He shared insights on why he holds this perspective.
In Steele's assessment, he highlighted Kirk Ferentz's ability to maximize his team's potential, emphasizing Iowa's resilience in facing challenges such as last year's offensive setbacks. With the return of quarterback McNamara and a bolstered offensive line, coupled with a solid defensive core and standout players like linebackers Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson, Iowa presents a formidable lineup. Steele emphasized the significance of a solid defense and an improving offense in potentially propelling Iowa to unexpected success in the upcoming season.
Wrapping Up
Iowa stands out for its stark contrast between offensive struggles and defensive power. Despite fielding the country's worst offense last year, ranking at the bottom in expected points added per play, the Hawkeyes managed to secure a winning record, unlike any other team with one of the weakest offenses. Their path to the Big Ten Championship game and 10 victories underscore the critical role of their elite defense, a strength expected to endure this year. Unless significant improvements occur on offense, Iowa's status may remain capped as a high-quality but less than top-tier team.
