ESPN’s FPI rankings are out, which means the system has predicted the outcomes of all the B1G games. Iowa opens the 2022 season with South Dakota State.

The Hawkeyes won the B1G West in 2021, but couldn’t handle Michigan in the B1G Championship Game. Iowa finished with a 10-4 record last season. Iowa will have to deal with some changes on offense, primarily the loss of Tyler Goodson.

Iowa has a 91% chance of beating South Dakota State, according to the Football Power Index. This will be the first time that the 2 schools have met on the football field.

Whether it’s Spencer Petras or Alex Padilla, Iowa will need reliable quarterback play to reach the B1G Championship Game again. Along with the QB, the Hawkeyes will likely be turning to a number of younger skill players who will have to step up on offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hawkeyes return a host of veteran talent that dominated in 2021. That unit has a shot to be one of the best in the B1G – and in the nation – during the 2022 season.

The Hawkeyes are favored through their first 4 games until they play Michigan on Oct. 1. You can watch Iowa play South Dakota State this Saturday at noon ET on FS1.