Try as hard you might, the Iowa Hawkeyes are going to force hands at some point. After stringing together three wins in Big Ten play, the Hawkeyes sit at 6-2, and believe it or not, have a lot, not all, but a lot of control over their own destiny.
Iowa gets a matchup with the Oregon Ducks, televised nationally on CBS, that will serve as a proving ground for Kirk Ferentz’s squad, which is gelling on offense, defense, and special teams.
With the massive game against the Ducks approaching, ESPN provided its weekly power rankings, and this week sees the Hawkeyes make their first appearance in the rankings, coming in at No. 25.
25. Iowa Hawkeyes
Previous ranking: NR
The Hawkeyes are 68th in offensive EPA (expected points added), a considerable jump from last season, when they ranked 88th. If only Iowa could generate a few more big plays in the passing game. The Hawkeyes rank last among Power 4 offenses with just 5.64 yards per passing attempt. Iowa has completed only 14 passes for more than 20 yards and none for over 50 yards. The Hawkeyes did get two big completions (29 and 28 yards) in their resounding 41-3 victory over Minnesota last weekend. They’ll need to find a way to get a lot more of those over these next two weeks if they’re going to knock off Oregon and USC to hang on in the Big Ten title game picture. — Trotter
Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski has proven he is willing to tuck it and run when needed, but his arm has flashed more and more each week. The Hawkeyes’ win over Minnesota saw Gronowski connect on a deep touchdown pass to Reece Vander Zee, who is back from injury.
If Iowa can stretch Oregon just enough this weekend, anything can happen inside a sold-out, raucous Kinnick Stadium.
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