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Nobody enters the B1G season on a longer winning streak than Iowa. After dropping their first two games of the 2020 season, the Hawkeyes won the last six contests and took plenty of confidence and momentum into the offseason.
Will it carry over into 2021?
Iowa has come close to winning the B1G West each of the past two seasons but has fallen just short. The Hawkeyes have the talent to finish near the top of the division again this year, but the big question is whether or not Kirk Ferentz can lead this team back to Indianapolis.
There’s no margin for error as the Hawkeyes open the year with back-to-back games against No. 17 Indiana and No. 7 Iowa State. Ranked foes Penn State and Wisconsin are also on the schedule and so are additional rivalry bouts with Minnesota and Nebraska. Life isn’t easy in the B1G.
Taking all of that into account, I’ve got five bold predictions for Iowa heading into the 2021 season:
1. Sam LaPorta leads the team in catches and TD receptions
This isn’t exactly going out on a limb after seeing LaPorta’s production in the passing game last season. The tight end led the Hawkeyes in receptions a year ago, hauling in 27 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown. I think he’ll play an even bigger role in Iowa’s offense this year.
LaPorta possesses all the traits to be the next great tight end in Iowa City. Because of his sure hands, Brian Ferentz should have Spencer Petras target the tight end a lot more this year, especially inside the red zone. Plus, at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, he’s a tough matchup for defensive backs in the B1G.
A tight end usually doesn’t have the same speed or burst to lead a team in receiving yardage, but LaPorta is more than capable of being the most targeted player for the Hawkeyes this year and bringing in a fair amount of receptions in the end zone.
2. Tyler Goodson is the first Hawkeyes 1,000-yard rusher since 2017
For as much as Iowa gets labeled a “ground-and-pound” offense, it sure hasn’t produced much in the rushing attack over the last decade. The Hawkeyes have had four 1,000-yard rushers since 2011 and the most recent was Akrum Wadley, who racked up 1,109 yards in 2017.
Goodson is more than capable of ending that drought. He almost did it in just 8 games for the Hawkeyes last year, rushing for 762 yards and 7 touchdowns. With another year under his belt, a solid offensive line unit paving the way and a full 12-game slate, the junior running back shouldn’t have much trouble hitting that 1,000-yard mark.
With so many questions surrounding Petras and the receivers this year, there’s no question that having a reliable ball carrier in the backfield would be a huge benefit for the Hawkeyes this year. Goodson has proven he can be that guy.
3. Iowa wins three of its rivalry games
Ferentz has had no issues with Matt Campbell at Iowa State or Scott Frost at Nebraska, posting a combined 7-0 record over the two rival head coaches. Make that 9-0 after this season. Iowa State is getting plenty of hype as a preseason Top 10 team, but I’m not buying it. Nebraska has always played Iowa tough, but the Hawkeyes always find a way to squeak past the Huskers.
That leaves games against Wisconsin and Minnesota. Both of those teams are going to be a lot better than they were a season ago, so I don’t see the Hawkeyes beating the Badgers and Gophers, but they’ll get one of those victories.
4. Phil Parker’s streak of holding opponents to 25 points or less ends in Week 1
Hats off to Parker for orchestrating this impressive feat. The Iowa defense has held their last 22 opponents to 25 points or less, quite the accomplishment in a B1G that has made tremendous strides on the offensive side of the ball.
But I don’t believe that streak continues into 2021. Playing an explosive Indiana team in Week 1 is going to be a difficult task for the Hawkeyes at all levels, especially if quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is at full strength. The Hoosiers are going to put up some points.
That doesn’t mean Indiana lights up the scoreboard for 50 points. It doesn’t even mean Iowa loses the game. But with some significant changes on the defensive line, I think IU is more than capable of scoring 30 points in the opener and bringing that streak to an end.
5. Tory Taylor wins the Ray Guy Award
Why not?
Taylor is the reigning B1G Punter of the Year and was named a first-team All-B1G selection by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. Last season, he averaged 44.1 yards per punt, pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 18 times and had just 1 touchback. Taylor had 9 punts travel 50 yards or more and posted a career-long of 61 yards.
Taylor has all the tools to be the best punter in the country. Plus, he plays on a team that places an incredibly high emphasis on special teams and winning the field position battle. Because of that, I think Taylor adds some national accolades to his B1G awards.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB