Iowa Football Proving Team Has Firepower To Challenge For National Title

Iowa has been a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten team for much of Kirk Ferentz‘ tenure, and while he’s been considered one of the better coaches in the conference, his job was most certainly in jeopardy if the Hawkeyes couldn’t put together a successful season.

Ferentz made a decision in the offseason to move on from former quarterback Jake Rudock and hand the reins to junior C.J. Beathard. While it made a lot of sense to make the move, pulling a fifth-year senior out of the lineup could ultimately cost a coach his job if it backfires.

Beathard is definitely the more dynamic football player and, while Rudock was a solid game manager for the Hawkeyes, he wasn’t able to take the team to the next level. Under Beathard this season, the Hawkeyes are 7-0 and are in the driver’s seat to play in Indianapolis for a Big Ten championship in December. Rudock ultimately transferred to Michigan and won the starting job there. The Wolverines are 5-2 and have looked like one of the top teams in the country since Week 2, but it’s often been in spite of Rudock, who’s been inconsistent and uncharacteristically sloppy with the football.

The Hawkeyes have also found other weapons on offense, notably Jordan Canzeri, who’s ran for 698 yards, which ranks fourth in the conference. Matt VandeBerg has been Beathard’s favorite target by a wide margin with 41 receptions. Canzeri and Henry Krieger-Coble each have 17, which is tied for the second most on the team.

The defense for the Hawkeyes has also been very good, ranking fourth in scoring defense and third in total defense. Teams like Indiana have proven how important it is to have a competent defense, even if you have a dynamic offense.

Iowa probably has the easiest remaining schedule of any contender in the conference and should be unbeaten heading into the finale against Nebraska. The Huskers have had a disappointing season but are talented and still very dangerous. My official prediction is that Iowa will remain unbeaten and play for a Big Ten title. It’s going to be tough for them to bring down whoever they face from the east, but they definitely have the offensive firepower to challenge anyone.

Jason Shawley is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com covering Big Ten football. Follow him on Twitter @jshawls.