Ad Disclosure
Iowa’s best, worst season since 2014 B1G expansion
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Iowa has not made the B1G Championship Game since 2015, but expectations around the Hawkeyes are high entering 2021.
During the 2020 season, Iowa bounced back after a rough 0-2 start. Losses to Purdue and Northwestern by a total of 5 points started the season before 6 straight wins, including blowout wins over Michigan State, Minnesota, Penn State, and Wisconsin.
Unfortunately, the Hawkeyes were unable to play in their bowl game after COVID-19 complications forced the game to be canceled. But with plenty of production returning, Iowa will look to make a serious run in the B1G West for 2021.
As we enter the 2021 season it provides a good chance to look back at how Iowa has performed during the first 7 seasons of a 14-team B1G. Here is a look at the best and worst season for the Hawkeyes since 2014.
Best Season – 2015 (12-2 record, B1G Championship appearance, Rose Bowl appearance)
The 2015 season was a remarkable performance by head coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes. Boosted by a defense that ranked 20th in the nation in points allowed per game and an offense that averaged over 30 points per game, Iowa rattled off 12 straight wins to start the season.
Iowa rolled into the B1G Championship Game against Michigan State and nearly pulled off a win. Instead, the Spartans rallied in the closing minutes for the win and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Unfortunately, Iowa was also unable to win the Rose Bowl, getting blown out by Stanford.
Despite the way the season ended, 2015 was Iowa’s first season with double-digit wins since 2009. That team was also led by star players on both sides of the ball. Quarterback C.J. Beathard threw for over 2,800 yards and 17 TDs. Jordan Canzeri rushed for over 900 yards and posted nearly 1,200 yards from scrimmage with 13 TDs while Matt Vandeberg finished with 703 yards receiving and 3 TDs.
Defensively, Josey Jewell and Cole Fisher led the team with over 100 tackles apiece. Desmond King recorded 8 interceptions while Jewell also added 4 interceptions. Nate Meier led the team with 10.5 TFL and 7.0 sacks.
Worst Season – 2014 (7-6 record, TaxSlayer Bowl loss)
The Hawkeyes are one of the few teams to claim a winning record every season since 2014. Nevertheless, the 7-6 record in 2014 stands as Iowa’s closest run to a .500 season in the past seven seasons.
Iowa went 4-4 in conference play while losing games against Maryland, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. The Hawkeyes also lost a close one to Iowa State in non-conference play and were blown out by Tennessee in the bowl game.
QB Jake Rudock threw for 2,400 yards and 16 TDs while Mark Weisman ran for over 800 yards with 16 TDs on the ground. Tevaun Smith was the team’s leading receiver with 596 yards and 3 TDs.
Defensively, John Lowdermilk led the team with 104 tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions with Desmond King at 3 apiece. Louis Trinca-Pasat and Drew Ott teamed up for 24.5 TFL and 15 sacks.
Overall record since 2014: 60-27 (39-21 B1G)
Average record since 2014: 8.6-3.9 (5.6-3)
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.